Perodua will not be calling its new MPV and MPV it seems. It is more like "a car that can be an MPV when you want it". Reminds us of the Grand Livina actually. Perodua has certainly moved on as the new MPV has a target of 90% local content, PLUS the MPV has many unique parts to differentiate it from its donor model. According to Datuk Syed Hafiz, Perodua managing director, Daihatsu and Toyota will come out with boring design. Perodua tries to spruce things up with its own design and in the case of the new MPV, Perodua has come out with a higher spec vehicle than the Daihatsu Luminas itself. The front end has changed (we get projector headlights and even HID on the high spec version), the rear door is unique to Perodua alone and the hatch has also been redesigned to accomodate a new tail lamp. The offset bee sting antennae remains though (cool eh?). The headlight is really interesting. It has that "kink" design, a bit like the 370Z headlight, but not as aggressive. Suffice to say, the headlight will draw attention. The Instrument Panel for the Perodua is sportier, and also more "cost effective". Those HVAC buttons on the Luminas have been replaced with the ones you can find in the Nautica or the Vios (just like Toyota Passo Sette as pictured below). The covered storage area just behind the driver's remain. Sadly, the stereo repeater buttons on the Luminas' steering wheel have not been transfered to the Perodua. There is a HUGE Bluetooth button on the left of the headunit (you can see both buttons sandwiching the headunit here). The gated gear does not make it, and you get a standard straight-line affair like the Myvi's. An interesting note. The passenger side air bag uses a seamless airbag design, which means the airbag is hidden beneath the dashboard. Using laser cutting technology, you can't even find the lines where the airbag is located. This is certainly good as some CBu cars (Swift for example) can't even do this. Gauges are located at the centre, but I notice the hood for the meter panel is a bit too low. Then again, the engine was not switched on and so it might be visible once the Optitron meter is turned on. The second row seat slides forward and tilt, just like the Grand Livina's. It does not tumble, but it slides forward to give enough space for a giant like me to climb into the third row area. Frankly speaking, it is easier to get to the back in this MPV than in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The third row seat fits me, like a glove. You can seat 2 adults there, but it will be a tight squeeze. The second row seat can sit three adults, but make sure they are of Yani's size, petite. If they are like me, they'll curse you to death. There is no third row aircond vent, but I think you don't need one as it is only slightly longer than the Myvi. Boot space is acceptable, but if you want to use all three rows of seat and go balik kampung, get a Thule. Another surprise is the price. Perodua wants to sell the basic model between RM56k to RM60k. The high spec ones will be between RM66k to RM70k. Interesting.....and although this car is orginally designed by Japanese, there are parts which we designed to make it better and having 95% of local parts certainly earns it a Made in Malaysia tagline. The engine is a 1.5L steel block DVVT DOHC 16V engine, the one that sits under the hood of the 1.5L Avanza. The Myvi replacement (out in 2011) will also be using this engine. Let's wait for its launch in November.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Leave us your comment