"We wish to clarify that the information used by certain online portals on our service details is inaccurate and misleading," said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin in a statement.
The March 11 media reports illustrated the difference between the five-year service costs of the Persona and two other car models, purportedly the Bezza and Honda City.
The inaccuracy in cost difference is due to a comparison made not on an apple-to-apple basis, said Zahari.
The Persona’s service costs were calculated as scheduled in its service booklet or owner’s manual whilst for the Bezza, the calculation was based on its Preventive Maintenance costs (which are optional) instead of scheduled costs as recommended in the service booklet.
Based on the table above, the Bezza’s total maintenance cost difference at the 5-year mark is only RM44 or 1.4 per cent and not 32 per cent as reported. The difference is attributed to the premium cost of 0W-20 grade for lubricant used in the Bezza instead of the 10W-30 for the Persona.
In addition, the Bezza uses iridium spark plugs for maximum fuel efficiency and a smoother engine performance, said Perodua.
In fact, Bezza owners pay RM239.55 less than Persona owners on maintenance at the end of the third year, it added.
It also said the Bezza is among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the country.
The Bezza 1.0L manual can potentially travel 22.8 km/l, which is the best in the Bezza family. The 1.0L auto does 21.3 km/l. It’s 21.7 km/l for the 1.3 manual and 21 km/l for the 1.3 auto. For the 1.3 Bezza Advance auto with Eco Idle, fuel economy is 22 km/l in the ECE mode.
These reflect huge savings in overall ownership costs for the Bezza owner, while the competitor’s fuel efficiency figures have not been made public, said Perodua.
For those who are willing to spend a bit more than what is recommended in our owner’s service manual, Perodua also offers an optional preventive package known as Pro-Care.
The Pro-Care package includes tyre alignment and balancing; air conditioning maintenance; and replacement of components to ensure smooth driving and peace of mind.
