Launched: Perodua Traz – 2 Variants, From RM76,100

The long-awaited Perodua Traz breaks cover with two variants, priced from RM76,100 onwards.

Following a series of rumours and teasers, Perodua has finally launched its long-awaited B-segment SUV, the Perodua Traz. Previously known by its codename D66B or Nexis, the new Traz is available in two variants, with prices starting at RM76,100 for the baseline Traz X and RM81,100 for the top-spec Traz H, or RM82,000 with the GearUp accessories package.

Billed as the most user-friendly Perodua to date, the Traz is essentially P2’s version of the DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross, which was developed specifically for the Southeast Asian market.

Unlike the Yaris Cross, the Traz will be assembled at the Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) plant in Sungai Choh, Rawang, with the total project cost reaching RM563.3 million and featuring up to 95% local content, Perodua President & CEO Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

Only one powertrain option is offered for the Traz, which comes in the form of a familiar 1.5-litre 4-cyl naturally aspirated 2NR-VE DVVT-i petrol engine—the same unit used on many other Perodua vehicles. Rated at 105 hp and 138 Nm, said engine is mated to a D-CVT automatic gearbox that sends power exclusively to the front wheels (FWD).

Despite its relatively large size, P2 claims the Traz still boasts a pretty decent fuel economy rate of 21.3 km per litre, according to the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC) testing protocol.

In terms of styling, the Traz gets a pretty sporty B-segment SUV bodystyle with some distinct Perodua styling cues to set it apart from its Toyota counterpart. Up front, both variants get the same sharp LED headlights and a trapezoidal front grille design, with the top-spec H variant featuring a pair of fog lamps on the lower front bumper.

Not many changes have been made on the side part, as the Traz retains the same sporty side profile as its twin, with both variants getting the same 17-inch rolling stocks with a dual five-spoke design and shod in Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres measuring 215/60R17. In terms of dimension, this B-SUV spans 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, and 1,655 mm tall with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, thus putting it on par with the likes of the Proton X50, Chery Tiggo Cross, and many more.

At the rear, all variants of the Traz get the same sharp LED taillights with Lexus-style L-shaped lighting signatures, dark-hued rear bumper accents, and a roof-mounted spoiler. Not to forget, a total of six colourways are available, namely Cranberry Red, Granite Grey, Ivory White, Glittering Silver, and Electric Blue with Black Roof.

Those who want to up the ante can also get the new Traz with Perodua’s official GearUp accessories package, which adds sporty exterior bits like an extended two-tone front lip with built-in LED DRLs, a gloss black accent on the front grille, side skirts, gloss-black-hued side mirror caps, tinted door visors, a more aggressive rear bumper trim, and a gloss black decklid spoiler.

On board, the Traz gets a pretty familiar cabin setup with several new key amenities and premium touches. Some key highlights include a 9-inch central infotainment screen that supports wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital metre cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with telescopic adjustment, multiple USB ports, sporty manual front seats, an electric parking brake (EPB) with auto hold function, a slew of soft-touch materials, and many more.

The amenities list continues at the back space, where rear passengers will get two dedicated A/C vents and two USB-C charging ports as standard, plus a sizable boot space that spans 471 litres—the largest among other popular B-SUVs on the market.

Opting for the top-spec H variant will swap the standard fabric upholstery for a more premium synthetic leather one with contrasting red accents and piping, a powered tailgate with kick sensor, and a 360-degree camera view system on its infotainment screen.

The GearUp accessories list also continues on the inside, which includes a digital video recorder (DVR), special GearUp floor mats, illuminated door sills with selectable colours, a cargo floor mat, a wireless charging pad, and more.

On the safety front, the Traz comes standard with Perodua’s own Advanced Safety Assist (ASA), which includes ADAS functions like Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Front Departure Alert, Pre-Collision Warning & Braking, and many more.