The Perodua Bezza 1.0 Automatic, produced between 2016 and 2019, represents an entry-level offering within the Bezza sedan range. Introduced as Perodua’s attempt to capture a larger share of the affordable sedan market in Malaysia, the Bezza aimed to provide a spacious and economical vehicle for families and first-time car buyers. This particular variant, powered by the 1KR-VE 1.0-liter engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, was positioned as the most accessible trim level, prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of use over outright performance. The Bezza itself was Perodua’s first locally designed sedan, marking a significant step in the company’s development and independence.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Perodua |
| Model | Bezza |
| Generation | Bezza |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (68 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 kg/Nm, 103.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 68 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 91 Nm @ 4400 rpm (67.12 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1KR-VE |
| Engine displacement | 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.7 l (2.85 US qt | 2.38 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 2.9 l (3.06 US qt | 2.55 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 880 kg (1940.07 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 508 l (17.94 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l (9.51 US gal | 7.92 UK gal) |
| Length | 4150 mm (163.39 in.) |
| Width | 1620 mm (63.78 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2455 mm (96.65 in.) |
| Front track | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.0 m (29.53 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Bezza 1.0 Automatic is the 1KR-VE, a 998cc inline-three cylinder petrol engine. This engine is part of Daihatsu’s ‘KR’ family, known for its compact size, lightweight construction, and focus on fuel efficiency. The 1KR-VE utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system and features four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively smooth operation for a three-cylinder engine. The engine’s 11.5:1 compression ratio aids in extracting maximum energy from each combustion cycle. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission, a conventional torque converter type. This transmission was chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, prioritizing smooth shifts over sporty responsiveness. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for maximizing fuel economy, with a relatively tall final drive.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0-liter engine and four-speed automatic combination delivers modest performance. With 68 horsepower, acceleration is best described as adequate for city driving and highway merging requires careful planning. The automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving experience, particularly in urban environments. However, compared to the available manual transmission or the 1.3-liter variants, the 1.0 Automatic feels noticeably slower. The gear ratios are spaced to prioritize fuel economy, meaning the engine often operates at higher RPMs during acceleration. While not a performance-oriented setup, the Bezza 1.0 Automatic provides sufficient power for everyday commuting and errands.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base-level Bezza 1.0 Automatic typically came equipped with basic amenities. Standard features included air conditioning, power windows, and central locking. The interior upholstery was typically a simple cloth material. Safety features included dual airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Optional extras, depending on the package selected, could include a radio with USB connectivity, alloy wheels, and body-colored door handles and mirrors. The overall interior design was functional and utilitarian, reflecting the car’s budget-friendly positioning.
Chassis & Braking
The Bezza utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. The rear brakes are drum brakes, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. The suspension is tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were not standard on the base model, contributing to a slightly more pronounced body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Perodua Bezza 1.0 Automatic was generally well-received in the Malaysian market as an affordable and fuel-efficient sedan. Critics praised its spacious interior and practical features for its price point. However, the engine’s lack of power was a common criticism, particularly when compared to the 1.3-liter variants. Fuel economy was a major selling point, consistently achieving around 50 US mpg in real-world driving conditions. Compared to competitors like the Proton Saga, the Bezza offered a more refined interior and a slightly more modern design, but at a slightly higher price.
Legacy
The Perodua Bezza 1.0 Automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle in the used car market. The 1KR-VE engine is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. Common issues are typically limited to routine wear and tear items. The four-speed automatic transmission is also generally reliable, although regular fluid changes are essential for maintaining its performance. Today, the Bezza 1.0 Automatic remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable and economical sedan.
