Toyota Avanza 1.3/1.5: Popular and has good kerbweight/torque ratio. However, the 2nd row is split 50-50 and does not slide (but folds forward... easy access to 3rd row). 2nd and 3rd rows do not fold down flat. Drive is OK. Affordable.
Nissan Grand Livina 1.6/1.8: Popular and has good kerbweight/torque ratio. However, roof is slightly low which may affect perception of space. 2nd row splits 60-40 and slides (access to 3rd row may be tricky for the less agile). 2nd and 3rd rows fold down flat. Very nice to drive. Pricey.. we're misers remember? :o).
Naza Citra 2.0: Popular and has good kerbweight/torque ratio. However, 3rd row seats are quite low and the floor of the 3rd row seems uneven. Very affordable. Probably good as a very affordable 2-litre sedan :o). Did not test drive this one.
Perodua Alza 1.5: Newly lauched and has good kerbweight/torque ratio. However, space seems limited... and the roof is quite low. Nice to drive, better than the Avanza. Very affordable.
Naza Rondo 2.0: Not so popular and has reasonably good kerbweight/torque ratio (it's the heaviest MPV in our list: about 1,600kg). In the new CKD version, the 2nd row slides but only the back splits 60-40, i.e. the entire 2nd row slides (which is rather silly). In the slightly older CBU version, they can slide separately. However, the split seems rather odd because the smaller part is behind the driver. 2nd and 3rd rows fold down flat. Nice to drive. Slightly pricey.
Proton Exora 1.6: Launched earlier than the Alza (still not that very many on the road yet) and does not have an inspiring kerbweight/torque ratio (kerbweight is about 1,400kg). 2nd row is split 60-40 and folds forward. 2nd and 3rd rows fold down flat. Nice to drive inspite of its so-called "underpowered-ness". We test drove it on the steep slopes of Bukit Jambul with 5 adults and 2 kids... no problems. There are aircon vents at all 3 rows. Affordable.
Which one will we choose?
[Mulling over MPVs...]
5 comments:
Exora, I think ;-) The Alza looks good too. How much ha these 2?
Your options can be grouped into 2 price points; Rondo and Livina together at about RM85k and the rest at about RM60k - RM75k.
In the RM85k group, the Rondo is a clear winner. Yes, it is heavier but heavier means better build, more features, solid drive at high speeds. I believe you can only get the Livina 1.6 at RM85k with the 1.8 at above RM90k.
Note that the Livina's 3rd row is not split at all. That, for me, is an immediate fail as the single bench 3rd row severely limits the usability of the car (the same applies to the Alza).
In the cheaper group, my favourites would be the Exora or the Citra. If you really want space, choose the Exora (though the Rondo does come very very close). The Citra's 3rd row does not make the grade.
The Avanza is an antiquated piece of junk, designed specifically for 3rd world markets (Indonesia, etc). Cheap interior plastics. Tin-roof sound when it rains. A feature list so short, it makes the Rondo's feature list look like the River Nile.
Alza is not an MPV. Period.
KittyCat: The Exora auto is between RM70-76K. There's a manual one for about RM58K. All are 1.6 engines. The Alza auto is between RM58-70K.
daddykhong: Thanks for your feedback, some of which we didn't realise until you wrote about it :o). Our choice is pretty much what you have shortlisted :o). Have you been "shopping around" as well? :o)
Been there. Done that. We've settled on a Rondo more than a year ago with no regrets. Yes, the 2009 specs with the single beach 2nd row cushion is very impractical but bear in mind that this "decontenting" exercise is not the fault of Naza. Kia Rondos worldwide have steadily been losing their features with each passing year. Apparently, the 2007 Rondos were over-specified!!!
You may consider the Chery Eastar if you don't mind a Chinese car.
we have just bought an MPV as well with the twins. 2nd hand nissan serena (2 years old). we love the space, especially the walk through 2nd row to third row
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