The Perodua Alza is a decent alternative for the economically-minded, and don't mind sacrificing a bit of space (which is still fairly decent). The third-row seats are good enough for short distance trips, and its more compact size makes it the easiest to park and drive in urban areas.

Peroduas are generally very cheap to service and if you are smooth enough, fuel cost is not going to be that far off from a similar engine capacity 1.5-litre Perodua Myvi.

I have been driving toyota cars for last 14 years. And now have this Innova since 2005. I have 3 more cars but there is no comparison.

I have another SUV of similar engine capacity and slightly more expensive, and yet i find this car good for city as well as highway. My car is self and driver driven. It is easy to maintain, though slightly expensive, but you do the servicing in time and that's it. Car offers good comfort with adequate luguage for a short outstation journey.

THE ADVENTUROUS CHOICE. Skoda Octavia TSI 06. A true's left winger's choice. Do not underestimate this car, as after all, Skoda belongs to the mighty Volkswagen group.

The Octavia shares a similar engine and parts with Audi/VW. A decent European sedan for half a price of a new Myvi, shared parts with Audi/VW should mean they're easy to obtain, although likely just as pricey. Spotting a worthy used unit around Malaysia is like looking for a needle in a haystack.