From one nationwide automotive model, we now transfer on to a different. This time, we’re specializing in Perodua and the brand new merchandise that would doubtlessly be launched by the corporate in 2021. Not like Proton, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua hasn’t been express of their plans for the longer term, though there have been loads of hints right here and there.
Again in January, the corporate launched the facelifted Bezza and later offered its full yr overview, the place it mentioned the strategic route for upcoming merchandise. On the time, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad informed members of the media that “our subsequent mannequin will use DNGA platform” when requested concerning the D55L mission, so let’s begin with that and transfer on to extra.
Perodua D55L SUV
Undoubtedly set to develop into one of many largest launches of 2021, D55L is the codename of Perodua’s upcoming compact SUV that will likely be positioned above the Myvi within the native line-up, alongside the seven-seat Aruz.
The yet-unnamed mannequin will likely be primarily based on the Daihatsu Rocky, which rides on the DNGA platform talked about by Zainal Abidin. DNGA stands for Daihatsu New International Structure, and except for the Rocky, it is usually used for the rebadged Toyota Raize.
We’ve seen spyshots of the D55L earlier than, the place the general profile doesn’t differ a lot from the Rocky. Nonetheless, anticipate the D55L to have a noticeably totally different exterior design in comparison with its Daihatsu sibling, and this could lengthen to its inside. The same method was executed with the Aruz, which differs by a sure diploma from the present Terios and Toyota Rush.
By way of working gear, the Rocky is obtainable with a sole powertrain in Japan, made up of a 1KR-VET 1.0 litre (996 cc) turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 98 PS (97 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. The mill is paired solely with a CVT and will be had with front- and all-wheel drive configurations.
The D55L will likely be fairly important for Perodua, as it’s going to have the model’s first all-new platform (DNGA) in years. Not solely that, ought to the powertrain match the Rocky’s, it’ll even be the primary time one of many firm’s fashions comes with a turbocharged engine and CVT – AWD is unlikely. Keep in mind again in December 2019 when a Thor was noticed in Malaysia with an oil cooler? That was a powerful signal that Perodua is testing the powertrain package deal for its personal utility.
It’ll be fascinating to see how the D55L will likely be priced subsequent to its bigger however much more fundamental Aruz, which at present begins at RM68,526. The Rocky’s shut sibling, the Raize, has confirmed to be successful amongst automotive consumers, outselling the Corolla to develop into the best-selling automotive in Japan. Whether or not it’s going to unseat the Myvi right here, we’ll need to see.
Initially hinted for a 2020 launch, this has since been pushed again to 2021, with the hearsay mill suggesting a March debut. It needs to be famous that the D55L doesn’t compete immediately in opposition to the X50, because it’s a very, actually small B-segment mannequin – it’s really nearer to being an A-segment and is named such in Japan – given its purported dimensions, whereas the X50 is a properly-sized B-segment SUV.
Perodua Myvi facelift
Wait, didn’t the Myvi get an replace this yr? Sure, however the July revision merely noticed the corporate’s best-selling mannequin obtain the most recent Superior Security Help (ASA) 2.0. The security suite first appeared on the Aruz in 2019, including extra options and growing the capabilities of some techniques, and has since discovered its option to the facelifted 2019 Axia and 2020 Bezza.
That is purely hypothesis, however seeing how the Myvi is now three years outdated in 2020, it’s the oldest automotive within the Perodua vary in the event you rely facelifts – even the Alza obtained a facelift in 2018. As such, a correct facelift with new styling might be due, though as per typical Perodua process, nobody however the individuals inside the firm is aware of about it.
If it does occur, don’t anticipate large adjustments past the same old minor visible nip and tuck, because the Myvi is already extraordinarily nicely geared up for its worth. Nonetheless, may we lastly see a brand new GT variant that was previewed through the 2018 KL Worldwide Motor Present (KLIMS 2018)? The most recent phrase from Perodua is the concept of a Myvi GT continues to be being evaluated for feasibility.
The Myvi has already made its option to Brunei, the place it’s obtainable in a S-Version variant that includes a physique package sourced independently by sellers there, which resembles the KLIMS 2018 present automotive. Maybe a Myvi SE could be on the playing cards as nicely? In any case, what could be in your wishlist for a 2021 Myvi?
Perodua D27A/all-new Alza
As soon as once more, that is pure hypothesis, though there’s some sense to it. The present Alza has been round since 2009. Again then, the world was coping with H1N1/swine flu pandemic – and we thought that was unhealthy, though most individuals have already forgotten about it.
Since then, the seven-seat Perodua MPV has gone by way of two facelifts – the primary in 2014 and the second in 2018 – so it’s successfully 11 years outdated in 2020 and can flip 12 in 2021. In all that point, the automotive hasn’t modified by an entire lot, nonetheless packing two airbags, no digital stability management (or VSA for that matter), an getting old DVVT engine (not Twin VVT-i), so an replace is desperately wanted.
Once more, Perodua has made no point out of a alternative, though in October 2019, it was caught testing a Mitsubishi Xpander, a Suzuki Ertiga and a suspect-looking Toyota Avanza with a Genting Highlands climb. Might this be an “all-new Alza” at present being developed below the rumoured D27A codename?
Earlier studies coming from Japan recommend that Daihatsu is making ready a brand new MPV, and Indonesian media are linking that to a brand new era Daihatsu Xenia, which is the Toyota Avanza with a D badge. The mannequin will reportedly use the DNGA platform and is alleged to be supplied with a 1.0 litre turbo energy in addition to a 1.2 litre hybrid possibility.
Hybrid energy in a Perodua? It’s not as far-fetched because it sounds, because the nationwide carmaker did preview such a expertise on the 2018 KLIMS. Perodua additionally revealed throughout its yr finish overview in January that it was keeping track of together with electrification, so there may very well be some reality to it.
Perodua has stated that it’s able to introducing one full mannequin change (all-new mannequin) and one minor mannequin change (facelift) per yr. There was no all-new mannequin in 2020, which was supposedly meant to be the D55L however has since been delayed, so we will assume that the D27A Alza would have been initially deliberate to be a 2021 launch. We’ll need to see if Perodua plans to stay to this plan, or if the present pandemic has compelled it to reshuffle its timelines.
