The new Nautica SUV which was launched on May,09 signals a new phase in the evolution of Perodua. The name seems appropriate since 'nauticca' is actually derived from 'nautica' which means bring to sailing into uncharted waters and Perodua is now going into new territory since this company established 15 years ago. This is the first time that Perodua is importing the model that completely built-up unit from Japan, a move that critics say is a departure from its original mission and aso not appropriate for a national car company.
The reason why Perodua has chosen not to make the Nautica locally is that the potential sales volume is insufficient to justify the investment that would be needed. Basically, the SUV segment is no longer as large as it was 10 years ago when the Kembara was launched. Consumer preferences have changed and last year, more MPVs and pick-ups were sold than SUVs. So the SUV segment is not substantial and even the best-selling SUV, the Honda CR-V, only averaged about 443 units a month in 2007.
The Perodua Nautica is essentially a Perodua-badged version of the short wheelbase Daihatsu Terios/Toyota Rush. The front bumper and grille is different, and these along with the rear bumper are made locally in Malaysia, while the rest of the car comes completely assembled from Japan. For lighting, you get foglamps and projector halogen headlamps while the rear brake lamp cluster use conventional bulbs.
Under the hood lies the familiar 3SZ-VE 1.5l Dynamic Variable Valve Timing engine with electronic fuel injection engine. The powerplant achieves 107bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque at 141Nm at 4,400rpm; this is delivered via a four-speed auto box, which has an overdrive function.
Nautica’s 4WD system also comes with a Centre Differential Lock (CDL) which, when activated by pressing a button on the dashboard, locks the front and rear axles so they rotate at the same rate. If unlocked – the normal mode – the wheels on the front and rear can rotate at different speeds to compensate for slip and surface conditions that vary grip. This is important to avoid excessive wear as a locking them can cause some wheels to be dragged along. Thus it is important that the CDL be used only in very difficult situations, ie very muddy ground when the Nautica is stuck, to ensure that equal torque goes to each wheel to get whatever grip is available. Not many small SUVs have this feature and not many people understand it either!
For better traction on rough terrain, the centre differential lock function can be turned on with a flick of the switch near the dashboard. This function helps to distribute power equally to the front and rear wheels thus giving superior road grip.
Style wise, the Nautica looks slicker and more modern compare to the Kembara. Quad projector headlights, turn signals fitted side mirrors and the crystal 3D rear combination lights also give it a very modern and stylish look about it.
Moving inside the Nautica, it will be immediately evident that it is very different from the Kembara. The earlier SUV was small and the cabin was compact but the Nautica offers a lot more space with its wider body. Those who felt the Kembara’s seating made them too ‘intimate’ with their passengers will be pleased with the extra elbow room and also the larger seats. The driver’s seating position is high, like in the Kembara, something which was a major reason for many people buying the SUV.
Measurements for the vehicle are an overall 4115mm length, 1695mm width and 1740mm height. Interior-wise, the numbers are 1800mm (length), 1385mm (width) and 1240mm (height). Width distance between front passengers is 700mm, while seating height is 740mm.
Additional niceties include electrically adjustable and flipping wing mirrors and a multi-info display on the meter panel which displays a clock, average fuel consumption, external temperature and remaining travel range.
In a nutshell, this Nautica is undoubtly a great urban SUV with a musculine looking, easy maintainance, fuel efficient that we can use both as a workhorse or leisure and family vehicle. But with a price around RM 90,000 (which is about the same as the 7 seater Toyota Rush), there is nobody stopping you to say it is a "massively ridiculous pricing".
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