Greetings fellow forumers.

Introduction:
Basically, I am considering getting a new vehicle sometime later this year and I have shortlisted a few models that seem to fit my requirements.


Requirements (arranged in descending order of importance):

1) Since the new car will be used almost 100% for city driving, ride comfort is of utmost importance.
Ideally, I want it to soak up undulations and imperfections in the road surface and ride like a magic carpet.
To achieve this, the car must have high profile tyres (minimum 60, preferably 65).

2) Additionally, I would like the interior to be bright, airy and reasonably spacious.
I dislike cars with dark, dingy interiors and small windows.

3) I would prefer if the seat height (hip point) is slightly higher than regular sedans.
This would make ingress and egress much less of a hassle especially for elderly folks.

4) The car should be reasonably safe and reliable.

5) I prefer fabric instead of leather upholstery.


Non-requirements:

1) Performance and handling are definitely not a priority (because I drive like a grandma)

2) Fuel consumption is not much of a concern since I only refuel about once a month (My monthly mileage is less than 400km)


Budget: I hope to keep the total cost within 100k.


Cars that I am currently considering:

Newly facelifted Proton Persona (Executive)
Newly facelifted Perodua Alza (SE)
Peugeot 2008 - A Unique and nice little SUV but I am a little concerned about the large rims jeopardising ride comfort.
Honda BR-V (Grade E) - I love the large windows but I am concerned about the built-quality and ride comfort.
Toyota Sienta (G) - Perfect seat height and nice high roof but again the low profile tyres are an issue.
Nissan Almera (VL) - Looks quite dated but very comfy. Comes standard with Conti Comfort Contact tyres too (185/65r15)
Perodua Bezza - I prefer to wait for the facelifted model to make its appearance later this year before considering the Bezza


As of now, I am very keen on getting either the new Persona or the Alza.
However, the low profile tyres on both these cars really are a deal-breaker for me.
The "large-rim-thin-tyre" setup is becoming an annoying trend among car manufacturers.

Both the Persona and Alza come standard with 185/55r15 tyres (which are way too thin to deliver a comfortable ride).
Hence, I would definitely want to change the stock rims and tyres.
I would like to upgrade (or should I say downgrade) to 14 inch rims with 185/65r14 tyres.
Based on the research that I have done, it seems that the Persona can accommodate 14 inch rims but I could not find anything on the Alza.
Does anyone have any idea if the Alza can be fitted with 14 inch rims? (If it can't, then I will have to strike it off the list)


Additionally, it will also be helpful if anyone can suggest other vehicles (not listed above) that are in line with my requirements and budget.
I am still in the preliminary planning phase of choosing a new car and I look forward to your opinions and suggestions.
Thank you


EDIT: Btw, I tried to keep the post brief but it ended up as a long essay. I apologise for that.



This post has been edited by Alan Andrews: Apr 4 2019, 05:42 AM

myvi better than alza

X70

First, cross out cars without ESC. There goes alza and almari
Then cross out hard to service cars. There goes the pug

What's left
Persona
Brv
Siena

Of which for comfort, the best should be sienta but also the most expensive.
Brv to me is wobbly so cross out.
Persona is a good choice for budget.

Additional consideration
X70. This will rank above all the above cars
Go try if the height fits you

If you prefer easy parking and not much of rear space. Then Persona is perfect. Value too. The NEW Persona will be out soon, open for booking.

Why not just change the tires to 185/60/R15 it is more economical than changing rims as well. Rm150-180 per tire

This post has been edited by Jessieccy: Apr 4 2019, 08:11 AM

Sometimes high profile tyres not necessarily gives u ride comfort. The suspension plays a bigger role. Try to find cars with multi-link rear suspension instead of torsion beam so the passengers at the rear can have a comfortable ride.

If u insist on high profile tyres, u can consider Honda city E spec since the tyres size is 175/65r15. But Honda city suspension is stiffer and it uses torsion beam.

Or u can consider Proton Preve coz it uses a multi-link rear suspension.

This post has been edited by lil_flank: Apr 4 2019, 08:25 AM

you might want to consider new yaris

Is it me only noticed 5 out of 7 cars listed by TS is NOT categorized as comfortable ride?

For 100K i would rather get Vios or City or Mazda 2 sedan.. topup abit can get Civic, Altis, or Mazda 3 these all confirm much more comfortable than what listed.

And yeah agree high profile tyres may not necessarily give more comfort

Comfort Sienta is good wat...Sliding door easier for old folks.Not too high,not too low ground clearance..Good NVH.Good Fuel consumption..Drawback it's ugly as hell..Tyres change to Conti tyres comfort what

To be honest don't go maximize your budget. Just test drive and enter/exit few times till you feel comfortable getting in and out. Although I don't advice Almera but it's one of the high roof cars. Never did I got my head hit on the roof doorway. But safety is not good.

consider C-segment car. it is always better than B-segment..

your requirements, absorb bump, seat height and spacious. = SUV.
but then you say you want the new persona = b segment .
so which one you want..?
persona will no give you that seat height and magic carpet feels, its famous for the agility through corner.
meanwhile SUV is for magic carpet and seat height

I think she meant the seats are higher than let's say a low seated sedan like WIRA. She don't want to bend her knees. Most compact cars fit that bill. Not the car/ride height.

ahh.. after triple confirm i think TS wants a seat height that is suitable for elderly to enter/exit the car easier.. is it?

aruz not in the list..? covers point 2 & 3

go for Persona (2019 facelift), upgrade the tyres to your liking and save the remaining RM40k for something else

Well that is how i ended up buying an Almera for ferrying my parents. Gap from door to seat small enough. roof high enough. however, many complain Almera feels under powered. It is really a big car inside, not easy to find parking if you park illegally at roadsides like wet market or hospitals. Anyway Persona saves you more money.

Yup, TS is using it to ease elderly in & out of the car. So cars that the seats are position just nice without bending or hurting their muscles/joints.

This post has been edited by Jessieccy: Apr 4 2019, 10:41 AM

car like atos / kenari is very good for elderly to in/out from a car.. too bad is not in production anymore.

test drive persona, some cant stand the jerky cvt and whine. other than that the persona is superb, NVH handling safety.

Unfortunate indeed. i was aiming for the Mini Alphard aka NEW Kenari. it never happened.
Yeah got my car in 2015, just before GST implemented. Not much of choice compared to now, so many improved car. So jealous.

Alza suspension not comfy though. U will feel the suspension banging over bumps

X70 standard variant

every budget car are lean towards comfort

TS mentioned new Persona for a high ride. Actually he is right.

Persona is taller than myvi if some of u guys dunno.

but TS, u top up abit get estima.

New vios/yaris.....the ride & refinement feel almost like a c segment car

True but the Myvi's roof is a bit too low. Doesn't feel airy.


That's a very systematic strategy. For now, safety isn't my top priority as the car will mostly be used for low speed, short distance trips.
I love the X70 but it is just a bit too big and I am not too keen on the 1.8 litre turbo engine. Thanks for your suggestion


It's true that high profile tyres may not guarantee a comfortable ride. However, using low profile tyres will definitely jeopardise ride comfort even if the suspension is compliant.
And yes, the Preve is a good suggestion but we already have one at home and I changed the tyres from 205/55r16 tyres to 205/60r16 ones.


Thanks for all your ideas and suggestions. Btw, it's HE not she..


Yes, I like that idea too. No point spending precious money on a car. Thanks for the feedback.

Yup, that's my main worry. I was hoping that changing the tyres would help but apparently 14 inch rims can't be fitted on the Alza.
So, I will be eliminating it from my list.


That's actually my favourite variant of the X70. However, for now, I am not considering the X70 because it is a bit too big and I am worried that the maintenance cost might be a little too high. Thanks for your suggestion.


Yes, I like the Persona because it is one of the tallest sedans and the windows are large.
The interior colour scheme also suits my taste


That's good but unfortunately I find the roof of the new Vios too low and the dashboard is too high. It feels dark and dingy inside.

Yes, I have travelled in an Almera a couple of times and I found it very pleasant indeed.
Feels very spacious and the seats are comfy. Frankly, I don't mind it being underpowered because I am not a spirited driver.


Actually, I am not really ferrying "elderly" folks per say. My parents haven't even turned 60 yet.
I am just looking for a car that we will be comfortable in not just for now but in years to come too.

Oh, cool. Yeah my parents probably just reach 60. You got the same small little things I look for when I bought my car. Out of all the sedans. This was the only one that has the lowest dashboard and have a high door roof space. Higher seat height as well. Well if you end up with an Almera do join me in the Almera group.

The only other car that has the lower dash was a Pug 208/2008. Although overbudget, Citroen Grand Picasso/Tourer fits that space of airiness. Too bad it's a costly car to own.

Oh yes why not spend some time at MAEPS, Serdang. Hopefully all the cars are there you can save some time trying everything at one place. 11-14 April http://www.autoshow.com.my

This post has been edited by Jessieccy: Apr 4 2019, 09:07 PM

If u drive above 60 then you will need ESC. So please do not discount the need for it.

Persona is a very good car to drive. The suspension a bit hard to my preference though.

Aruz is also on the bouncy side. Else it's a strong contender . Do try it out

1500KG car with stock spring setups DSegment

This is the most ideal choice.

If insist sedan instead of SUV, then Persona (wait for the facelift especially when you have a lot of budget headroom)

Honda HRV with discount can get ke at 100k?

If compare new persona to preve, which is cheaper to maintain? Which one is more reliable?

Seems like preve components doesnt last long.

Persona is cheaper by lot. Example 80k km service persona RM2++ , Preve RM3++. you can actually see the comparison in their website.

https://www.proton.com/en/after-sales/service-maintenance

For me, all car reliable as long as u service on time. But for me on proton, it really depends on ur luck. u get lemon, too bad. u get good ones, then its the best of ur luck.

I do not own any, but tested both. i like persona more despite i hate its look.

I thought the Almera was underpowered too.. (I drive 2.0L and 2.4L sedans)

But after driving my friend Almera, it's surprisingly good for city driving. For me better pedal response vs my cars.
For city driving, light throttle acceleration and response is more important than pure pedal to the metal power.

Well, if u like it get it then. Persona have good record, comfort, and cheaper maintenance. It is also quite fast ( not as fast as that lighweight bezza.. this lil fella could go 180km/h like nothing ).

an unpopular suggestion: check out the previous gen nissan sylphy - spacious and comfortable seats

I did google on the problems on preve, major prob is the oil cooler hose for turbo bocor, all engine oil will leak out and the engine might need a top overhaul... scary man... and in long term if its a turbo engine, it might affect the gearbox and engine itself too.

I think I will not get a second hand preve turbo for now. It seems new persona is a better choice. I will wait and see. Im currently driving a persona SV. No major probs so far.

i tot the preve was just a mule to test the turbo? no ar?

turbo is for show only ofcoz u can feel the oomph but proton forget about making it as ideal daily driver. u push too much, ur f. u din push, ur f too coz u paid for the turbo. LOL

Means your friend know how to care for the car. Owner experience, either pump Ron97 or just regularly use fuel injector cleaner. Done. Response is dependent on driver habit. ECU will calibrate after a while. I tried driving slow for one week, when u floor it, like nothing happens. Hahaha.
Stable till 160kmph. Best at 60-120kmph.

Someone said Bezza fly... Yup it flies alright, unsteady floaty at 110kmph

This post has been edited by Jessieccy: Apr 5 2019, 05:22 PM

Preve owner here, so far no engine issue after 6 years, but the CVT having some unsolve jerking like cluth slipped. I also just spend some money to replace gear position level sensor that causing gearbox alert. Other than that no major issue.

Pretty sure u just described proton x70 in your requirements

nah.. my friend does not know much about cars except pour petrol and go.
Anyway at least my friend Almera has adequate power for city driving. Didn't test drive any other friends Almera, so I can't confirm anything different with her car vs the others.

Yup. Btw, I am currently driving a 2012 Persona Elegance. Overall very satisfied with the car. Most likely will go for the Persona again. Thanks for the feedback.