It’s been more than a decade since Perodua last sold a compact SUV, last one being the Perodua Nautica. No, the Perodua Axia Style doesn’t count. But the Perodua D55L very much an SUV and here everything we know about it so far.

Q: What will it be named?

A: D55L is merely an internal code name and as history of Perodua would suggest, it will be given a name.

Back in 2018, Perodua registered a few names including Aruz, Impax, and Lasaq. Since Aruz has been taken and Perodua has yet to trademark any new names, they could pick Impax or Lasaq for the D55L.

Perhaps it could even revive the Kembara nameplate as an homage to the original model – a fun-sized, go-anywhere SUV that was reasonably priced. Or maybe even the Nautica? It’s anyone’s guess at this point.

Q: Which segment does the Perodua D55L belong to?

A: The Perodua D55L is a twin of the Japanese market Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize. Both models sit in a rather odd segment-straddling position, not unlike the Toyota Corolla Cross.

It's only slightly bigger than a tax-deducted 'kei' minicar like the Daihatsu Taft, but smaller than mainstream B-segment SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

Putting it in our Malaysian context, it's closest in size to a Perodua Myvi, which suggests the Perodua D55L sits closer to B-segment than A-segment. Its 2,525 mm wheelbase is already longer than the Perodua Myvi's.

In short, we’d consider the Perodua D55L to be a B-segment SUV.

Also read: Proton X50 vs Perodua D55L – Should you, and can you even compare the two together?

Q: Does it compete against the Proton X50?

A: Well, yes and no. The Proton X50 is clearly a higher-class product with a significantly more powerful 177 PS engine, and has an interior that’s clearly more premium than the rather utilitarian Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize.

Still, cross-shopping between the two is inevitable. The price gap that’s available for Perodua to play with isn’t that big as it lacks the brand elasticity to push prices that far. Exhibit A – Perodua Nautica.

Also read: Perodua Nautica – Is the successor to the Kembara really a bad car?

Q: Onto the topic of price, how much will the Perodua D55L be priced?

A: The most expensive Perodua Myvi and Perodua Aruz priced at RM 52,697, and RM 73,226 respectively. That’s more or less the price bracket for the Perodua D55L. There will almost certainly be overlaps in price between the Perodua Aruz and D55L.

The Proton X50 in comparison, starts from RM 79,200 for the base 1.5T Standard variant. So comparisons between the three are inevitable.

Q: What engine and transmission will the Perodua D55L feature?

A: Presumably, the Perodua D55L will share the same powertrain as its Japanese donor cars - the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize - with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged 1KR-VET (turbocharged version of the Perodua Axia/Bezza’s 1KR-VE engine) that makes 98 PS/140 Nm.

Also read: Think the 98 PS Toyota Raize/Perodua D55L is slow? Watch it smoke bigger engine cars

Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT-type automatic transmission. There is an option for all-wheel drive for the Daihatsu Rocky, but it remains to be seen if the Perodua D55L will receive it.

Interestingly, rumour has it that the the Indo-spec Rocky/Raize would be offered with two transmissions, a 6-speed manual transmission and a CVT automatic. But considering our market demand and the fact that the Japanese Rocky/Raize only comes with a CVT automatic, chances of us seeing a manual D55L are slim to none.

Q: What’s the Perodua D55L’s fuel consumption?

A: The Rocky/Raize 2WD has a fuel consumption of 5.37L/100km based on the stringent WLTP test cycle which reflects real-world consumption. This is largely due to its small engine capacity and CVT automatic. Fuel consumption goes up to 5.7L/100km on all-wheel drive models.

Q: Will ADAS be available in the Perodua D55L?

A: Considering most of Perodua models in the lineup, save for the Alza, feature ASA (Perodua’s name for their suite of ADAS) in the range-topping variant, it’s almost certain that the Perodua D55L will feature ADAS.

What’s more, Rocky/Raize sits on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform which is a derivative of the TNGA platform made for compact budget cars. This platform is capable of Level 2 Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) and electrification.

The Daihatsu Smart Assist suite of ADAS includes:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• All-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Smart Panorama Parking Assist
• Pedal Misoperation Control
• No entry sign recognition
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

Q: How many variants will there be to choose?

A: At this point, but we can safely expect at least 2 variants of be offered. The main difference between these two variants would be the suite of ADAS, and perhaps leather seats.

Word on the grapevine is there’ll be 3 variants – the entry-level G, mid-range X, and the range-topping AV variant. The usual range of Gear Up accessories package will also be available.

Also read: Perodua D55L - production to start in Feb 2021, with 3 variants, use Nautica name?

If we were to guess, the entry-level variant would receive smaller wheels, downgraded infotainment system, urethane steering wheel, fabric seats, the lot.

The middle variant presumably gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, larger wheels, and perhaps a larger touchscreen infotainment system. And the range-topping variant gets the whole shebang with ADAS and leather seats.

Q: How will the Perodua D55L be like to drive?

Since the Perodua D55L is that it’s based on the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize twin, we can roughly extrapolate its driving experience from the base car.

According to the Japanese media, the Daihatsu Rocky is praised for its manoeuvrability. Since it’s a sub-4m SUV, it's easy to manoeuvre around tight city spaces. Plus, the taller seating position gives excellent visibility.

Space inside is deceivingly large considering its exterior dimensions, with a respectable boot space at 369 litres. Performance is described as sprightly due to the low kerb weight (less than 1 tonne) and decent amount of low-end torque.

The steering is said to feel rather vague and the ride quality can be a little crashy at low speeds. However, these may or may not apply to the Perodua D55L as it could be calibrated differently for our market.

Also read: Daihatsu Rocky aka Perodua D55L, what does the Japanese media think of it?

Q: Now the final question and possibly the biggest one, when is Perodua D55L’s launch date?

A: According to information gathered from Perodua dealers, sales training for the Perodua D55L begins on 8-February 2021. This would hint at a late-February/early-March launch.

However, the date is subject to change depending on how bad the Covid-19 situation is. Currently, it’s still rather fluid as the MCO has just been extended until February 18. 

Any further delays will result in is less time left for Perodua to ride on the sales tax (SST) exemption period for locally-assembled cars, which will end by 30-June 2021.

Assuming the late-February/early-March launch still stands, Perodua will have only around 3 months to hit most of its sales target for the D55L for this year.