Agree on the back row. For short distances I think will have no issue (give and take a bit with middle row people) even for tall passengers. Of course not Penang drive.

What's the disadvantage of that gap? Not really a car person, but for me... not visible from outside, does it matter?

I mean, I come from Saga BLM (2008) and Alza (2009), but driving the car this morning (received yesterday) did not notice wind noise at 100 km/h. Will try to pay attention when on highway next time.

Anyway if anyone got question for the new Alza can ask. I got the H variant. Pretty happy with it so far, size and handling wise (definitely handles better than old Alza).

Middle or back? Currently am using it in my 'default Alza' configuration, which is move the middle row all the way back, and back row used for storage (my children's bikes etc.). Both my primary age boys use booster seat.

Comparison to Saga/old Alza, more leg room for middle (when fully push back). Easy for them to sit in their booster seat and still have their roller-school-bag at their feet. Much easier than my Saga (A-class ma), and even the family MyVi I was using for a while. The extra length makes a difference.

The middle seat between two boosters can sit a relatively slim adult too, but wouldn't recommend for long distance.

For now no real-world experience with the last row (except for the test drive) so won't comment yet. I do plan to do a jalan-jalan drive with family and put my boys at the back, so will have a better idea then.

Veloz would be the "competition". Based on brand and the slightly more features (telescopic steering etc). Price conscious people won't pay the 20k premium though for sure. Brand conscious might.

New Alza thread, D27A owners can jump in here - https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/5298364