Expert Review

CarBase.my reviews Malaysian cars on sale - the most detailed reviews covering performance, handling, comfort, space, safety and value for money.

Sedan
C-Segment
RM 984.44 /month
RM 73,800.00 to
RM 94,800.00
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Date Reviewed
7 February 2024
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

The Proton S70 marks a return to the C-segment sedan space at B-segment pricing, which is surely enticing to those considering established nameplates. With good road manners, a capable powertrain, a roomy interior, good practicality and competitive pricing, the S70 does many things right, but the questionable HMI might be a bit of chore for some to deal with.

For
  • Compliant ride and capable handling
  • Capable powertrain
  • Very practical interior
  • Voice control is effective
Against
  • Highlight features are only found on higher variants
  • Lack of physical controls can be annoying to some
  • Tyre noise is noticeable at higher speeds
  • Lack of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support will put some off
Hatchback
B-Segment
RM 2,377.60 /month
RM 178,240.73 to
RM 213,461.00
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Date Reviewed
14 July 2023
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

Real-world range of below 200 km means MINI Electric is limited to city use. But what a city car it is. EV characteristics go well with MINI's nimble feet, point-and-shoot nature. Range anxiety is real in this car, but is moot if you have home charging. Resolute Edition goodies add to the charm. Not for everyone though - either you get it or you don't.

For
  • EV characteristics go well with MINI's point-and-shoot nature
  • Instantaneous throttle response; it's fast and feels even faster
  • Eager little fun car to drive - quick steering, no roll, high grip
  • Resolute Edition adds to the charm, if you get the car in the first place
Against
  • Short range - below 200 km real world, and that's with gentle driving
  • Range limits it to being a city car, even if you have home charging
  • Poor value if you're being objective, comparing EV specs/range
  • Typical MINI downsides of small cabin, low practicality, relatively firm ride
Sedan
C-Segment
RM 4,364.11 /month
RM 327,162.00
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Date Reviewed
7 February 2023
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

Powerful, fun to drive, and well-built. These are some character-defining traits of the Audi A3 Sedan, which has, in our experience, proven to be the most engaging model in its segment. It falls flat on its face with regards to the lack of advanced driving aids, and its sticker price puts it firmly in the category of statelier executives. Shame, for what is otherwise a validly lovable product.

For
  • Great build quality and finishing
  • Refined powertrain
  • Fast-shifting S tronic gearbox
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Supportive Nappa leather S line seats
Against
  • Rides a tad too firmly for the urban setting
  • Appallingly lacking in driver assist systems
  • Pricey
  • Ugly stock rims
SUV
C-Segment
RM 1,317.92 /month
RM 98,800.00 to
RM 128,800.00
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Date Reviewed
23 September 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

Supremely comfortable and quiet SUV, but starting to feel its age now. Put the unchanged looks aside, and it's a superb family SUV for those prioritising comfort over handling, and refinement over performance. If that fits your bill, the X70 is easily the one to get.

For
  • Excellent ride comfort and refinement
  • Premium car-level interior quality and feel
  • Good value for money vs Japanese SUVs
  • A lot of features on Premium variants
Against
  • Same looks since 2018
  • Outdated infotainment
  • No Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • Less space than most rivals
SUV
B-Segment
RM 914.09 /month
RM 68,526.00 to
RM 77,900.00
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Date Reviewed
23 September 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

The Aruz is a large, spacious and mostly comfortable family SUV, but its appeal is now limited next to the excellence of the new Alza. Only for those who must have an SUV bodystyle in this price range.

For
  • Attractive SUV looks
  • Complete features, including safety
  • Large, practical interior for 7 adults
Against
  • Alza is a better 7 seater
  • Bouncy ride quality
Sedan
A-Segment
RM 446.28 /month
RM 33,456.00 to
RM 49,980.00
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Date Reviewed
23 September 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

The new Perodua Bezza takes the national carmaker to new heights - it's the company's first sedan, and comes with many new toys and even active safety features. There are plenty of cars on the market that are much nicer and better to drive, but if all you want is a traditional sedan with a big boot, your search ends here.

For
  • Strong 1.3 litre Dual VVT-i engine
  • Plenty of space, big boot
  • Active safety features on top models
Against
  • Unrefined manual gearbox
  • Excessive road noise at speed
  • Steering is slow and imprecise
SUV
B-Segment
RM 1,056.47 /month
RM 79,200.00 to
RM 113,300.00
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Date Reviewed
23 September 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

A complete SUV package from Proton, combining sleek looks, practical interior, good build quality, excellent performance, decent handling and top notch safety tech (if only on the top variant). Value for money buy.

For
  • Sporty, modern looks
  • Strong performance
  • Interior feels expensive
  • Good ride and handling balance
Against
  • Relatively small boot
  • No Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • Active safety only on Flagship
MPV
B-Segment
RM 833.71 /month
RM 62,500.00 to
RM 75,500.00
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Date Reviewed
19 August 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

The Alza is the best family car option below RM100k, and not just among MPVs. It's top in safety, rich in features, and has good space and versatility. There's even no sacrifice in drivability compared to a B-sedan/hatch. Superb value.

For
  • 1.5L D-CVT combo is efficient, economical
  • Serene tourer, very low cruising RPM
  • Good NVH, surprising ride comfort
  • No compromise in safety approach
  • Much improved space, usable third row
  • AV is very well equipped for RM75k
Against
  • Bare centre stack, centre console
  • Long waiting list
SUV
B-Segment
RM 820.37 /month
RM 61,500.00 to
RM 72,600.00
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Date Reviewed
19 May 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

Perodua's most advanced and refined model to date has an efficient powertrain, funky boxy styling in and out and all the safety you can ask for. Not quite perfect, but the Ativa is a lot of car for the money, and a good car as well.

For
  • Good pace from turbo engine
  • Cruising refinement
  • Unprecedented safety kit
  • Superb adaptive LED headlamps
  • A lot of car for the money
Against
  • Low speed ride comfort
  • Perceptible vibration at idle
  • No steering telescopic adjustment
  • Compact cabin means it's not for all
RM 2,222.19 /month
RM 166,590.00 to
RM 247,073.60
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Date Reviewed
18 May 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

The Tiguan Allspace is a handsome SUV alternative to the usual Japanese suspects. The facelift boosts kit count and adds a sheen of tech to the cabin, but safety kit remains a weak point. The R-Line has strong performance for a family SUV, but the Tiguan isn't the smoothest and most relaxing car in the daily hustle.

For
  • Straight cut good looks
  • R-Line has strong performance
  • Screens look good and work well
  • Full-featured front seats
  • Fancy LEDs inside and outside
  • Extra seats/huge boot
Against
  • No AEB, driver assist kit
  • Ride/suspension can be quieter
  • Occasional slow gearbox response
  • DSG not the smoothest in town driving
  • Gearbox workings audible
Sedan
Compact Executive
RM 3,840.22 /month
RM 287,888.00 to
RM 333,888.00
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Date Reviewed
6 May 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

With much improved ride quality, while still retaining its unmatched style inside and out, the W206 is a glorious return to form for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Equipment is a bit of a mixed bag � up for the C200, down for the C300 � and it's now a pricey option in the class. Build quality has seen a noticeable downgrade from the W205, but as a whole the new C-Class is undoubtedly the pick of the segment.

For
  • Sleek, modern looks inside and out
  • Solid performance, competent handling
  • Smooth, comfy ride
  • Improved rear seats
Against
  • Build quality downgrade vs W205
  • C300 missing upgraded lights and speakers
  • Still no additional active safety features
  • Most expensive in the class
SUV
Executive
RM 5,141.36 /month
RM 385,430.00 to
RM 528,430.00
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Date Reviewed
18 April 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

Love it or hate it looks aside, the iX is a quality electric SUV with keen handling and an inviting, practical interior. It still drives like a proper BMW, although its agility and ride comfort are deeply compromised by the considerable weight. Sport variant highly recommended for improved looks and necessary spec upgrade.

For
  • Head turning looks
  • Real-world range gets close to WLTP claim
  • Unique, spacious interior
  • Feels like a true BMW to drive
Against
  • May turn heads for the wrong reasons
  • Busy ride
  • Under-specced base variant
  • A few suspect interior trim
Hatchback
B-Segment
RM 609.61 /month
RM 45,700.00 to
RM 59,900.00
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Date Reviewed
8 April 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

The Myvi already does most things well for most people. It didn't need technical updates, but Perodua went on and replaced the gearbox - the D-CVT ups efficiency and cruising refinement. Safety - already unchallenged in its price bracket (and beyond) - is now at Level 2 ADAS, and ASA is available on all variants. As a starter car or affordable daily tool, the Myvi is a no-brainer.

For
  • CVT provides more effortless acceleration
  • Improved refinement, very low cruising RPM
  • Good FC gets even better with CVT
  • Unprecedented safety at the price point
  • LED DRLs, finally
Against
  • AV's interior is too heavy on the red
  • Not the best seats and driving position
  • Thick A pillars, visibility around corners not great
RM 3,501.03 /month
RM 262,459.75 to
RM 268,888.00
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Date Reviewed
24 March 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

With a century sprint time of 4.9 seconds, the electric XC40 is the hardest accelerating Volvo SUV that you can currently buy. It won't please keener drivers, but the regular Joe will love everything it has to offer.

For
  • Stylish
  • Powerful
  • Interior feels properly premium
  • Head unit with Android Automotive OS
  • Well-specced
  • Comprehensive ADAS
Against
  • No suspension upgrades over the regular T5
  • Battery weight upsets ride quality
Hatchback
C-Segment
RM 2,837.42 /month
RM 212,711.54 to
RM 237,012.00
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Date Reviewed
18 March 2022
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

We cannot shake the thought that perhaps the Mk8 feels like a mildly diluted version of its predecessor, but man, the Mk8 GTI is still one hell of a hot hatch, and we seriously think you will like it.

For
  • Corner-carving beast
  • Lightning-quick DSG shifts
  • Less prone to understeering
  • Great driving position, comfy seats
Against
  • Zero advanced driving assist system
  • No folding side mirrors
  • Touch controls take some getting used to
Hatchback
B-Segment
RM 1,052.47 /month
RM 78,900.00 to
RM 109,900.00
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Date Reviewed
19 November 2021
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

If you own the previous Jazz, this is not much of an upgrade. But we will say this: for those stepping into this territory for the first time, nothing comes close to matching the level of practicality the City Hatchback offers.

For
  • Super practical Ultra Seats
  • Punchy 1.5 litre DOHC engine
  • Spacious rear seating
  • Modern and airy cockpit
  • Responsive 8" touchscreen
Against
  • Loud engine and CVT
  • Steep asking price for City RS i-MMD
Pickup
Truck/4X4
RM 1,319.10 /month
RM 98,888.00
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Date Reviewed
9 November 2021
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

Overall, the kit list leaves much to be desired, but those looking for a mechanically polished pick-up truck below RM100,000 can give the Vigus Pro a real consideration. We are not fans of the basic cabin appointments, but objectively, as a package, it is a decent alternative workhorse.

For
  • Punchy powertrain
  • Silky smooth eight-speed ZF
  • Rides like a more expensive pick-up truck
  • Very poised in the corners and while cruising
Against
  • Terribly lacking in safety features
  • 8-inch touchscreen display looks and feels cheap
  • Bad-sounding four-speaker sound system
  • Vague steering
RM 1,785.97 /month
RM 133,888.00 to
RM 163,888.00
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Date Reviewed
18 June 2019
Performance
Ride & Handling
Comfort
Safety
Space
Value

As a family car, there is no faulting the updated 2019 Nissan X-Trail range. It's one of the quietest and most comfortable SUVs in its class, and for the first time comes with Nissan Connect and Nissan Intelligent Mobility. The 2.0 litre models feel lacklustre when compared to their turbocharged rivals, but that can be overlooked if you value convenience and comfort over performance.

For
  • Refined, quiet cabin
  • Supremely comfortable seats
  • Nissan Intelligent Mobility with AEB!
Against
  • Lacklustre performance for 2.0 litre models
  • Cabin feels outdated when compared against rivals