National carmaker Perodua has today unveiled their refreshed Perodua Bezza, arriving to the market some 5 months after the launch of the updated PROTON Saga, and some four years after the model was first introduced. The Perodua Bezza has comfortably held the position as the most popular A-segment saloon since it was first launched back in 2016, with 184,000 units sold – critically however, that position has since been threatened by the new Saga, with the PROTON snagging the title as the best-selling compact saloon in the segment for two months in 2019.

This refresh then is critical for Perodua, as this updated Bezza will be tasked with fending off PROTON’s new contender for a few more years. But with the Saga holding a clear price advantage, the new Bezza truly tests Perodua brand loyalists like never before, with a gap as wide as RM10,000 in favour of the Saga at the top end. However, with pre-facelift models sold out since mid-December, bookings for Bezza models from last year were converted into bookings for the new car, which were then added to the 2,000 bookings received for the new Bezza since the registration of interest opened 5 days ago – which means that right off the bat, the new Perodua Bezza has some 10,000 orders already locked and loaded, with a further 4,000 units a month expected to move once orders stabilise.

The new Bezza continues to offer the same array of engines, with a 1.0-litre three cylinder motor in G models, and a 1.3-litre four-cylinder in the X and AV models. The pair put out 67hp/91Nm & 94hp/121Nm respectively, with a 4-speed automatic shared across the range. Only the base G comes with the option of a 5-speed manual now though, with manual X models being dropped from the lineup.

The changes with this refresh are limited to just specs and aesthetics, then. The new Bezza arrives with a more aggressive face, topped by new slim headlights and a new grille. The headlights are now LED and standard across the range, a move taken from the larger Myvi and Aruz. Down the flanks there are new alloy wheels – the 14s for the G models are shared with the smaller-capacity Myvi variants, while the 15s for the X and AV are an entirely new dual-tone design.

At the rear, changes are limited to a new bumper with a more aggressive design and ‘diffuser,’ as well as a new garnish between the taillights.

Inside, Perodua has lightly tweaked the aesthetics, though some changes are more obvious than others. The first thing that stands out is the incorporation of a contrasting silver element that runs across the dash, flicking upwards in the middle and framing the new centre stack. That centre stack itself now houses a new infotainment unit, again nicked from the Myvi and Aruz, which should offer things like satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. Elsewhere there’s a new instrument cluster, featuring a more sophisticated look designed to inspire drivers (kononnya) that’s also now backlit in white for improved legibility.

There are no changes to report in the rear-half of the cabin though – unfortunately the rear bench remains as upright as it has ever been, a serious gripe among Bezza owners and potential buyers, though they seem to be a bit more sculpted to improve comfort somewhat. There are also no changes to the boot, with 508L of capacity on offer still. However with the facelift, Perodua has opted to add a small luggage net to the side of the boot, to improve load carrying capabilities a little bit.

Safety-wise, the Bezza continues to do well, at least for the posher variants. The X and AV models soldier on with 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety ratings, while the G models make do with just 4. ABS and EBD are standard across the range, while vehicle stability (VSC) and traction control (TSC) are the reserve of 1.3-litre models, with the AV going further by adding ASA 2.0.

Overall, the new Bezza certainly seems ready to take on the new PROTON Saga, albeit at a price disadvantage. That said with benchmark levels of kit and ten thousand units set to be delivered by the end of January, the Perodua Bezza shouldn’t have a tough time finding its way into the hearts and minds of buyers at all.