Perodua’s upcoming, yet-to-be named 2021 Perodua D55L compact SUV is set to be launched in Malaysia within the next month or so. Prices have yet to be announced but information trickling out from the grapevine have indicated that prices will start at circa RM 60k, below that of the 7-seater Perodua Aruz but above the Perodua Myvi.
More importantly, it could be a lot cheaper than the Proton X50 (ranging from RM 79,200 to RM 103,300). Yes, the two are not exactly direct rivals but consumers are expected to cross shop between the two nonetheless.
Remember how the hatchback Perodua Myvi stole sales away from Proton sedans and pushed Perodua past Proton in 2006 (and has stayed ahead since)?
Also read: Once unbeatable, Proton lost its No.1 rank not because of Perodua, but the PC. How?
But more than the Proton X50, the models that will feel the heat of the competition more are similarly similar priced B-segment sedans like the Honda City, Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, and possibly even the Proton Persona (higher range variants).
The Perodua Myvi range stops at RM 52,697 while the Perodua Aruz starts from RM 68,526. If the market talk is true, the D55L’s price range (expect at least two variants) could also possibly overlap the 7-seater Perodua Aruz, but that’s alright because purchase reasons for the three-row seat Aruz are quite distinct from other SUV buyers.
Does the low price mean that Perodua stripped all the fancy features?
Not really. Seeing that the lower range Perodua Axia, Bezza, and Myvi already come with A.S.A 2.0 autonomous emergency braking (AEB) function with pedestrian detection, the D55L should be pretty well equipped.
Other features like LED headlamps, six airbags and electronic stability control are a given, since it's available on even the lower range Perodua Myvi.
Will it be using the Japanese market Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky’s powertrain?
The Perodua D55L’s donor car, the Japanese market Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky are powered by a 1KR-VET 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged port fuel injection engine paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission.
The engine makes 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm between 2,400 – 4,000 rpm.
On paper, the engine appears to be weak but the car weighs only 980 kg (front-wheel drive versions), which gives it a very healthy power-to-weight ratio of 100 PS/tonne.
Also read: Think the 98 PS Toyota Raize/Perodua D55L is slow? Watch it smoke bigger engine cars
Mechanical details have yet to be confirmed but so far, we have little reason to think that the Perodua D55L will use a different, cheaper and less sophisticated engine.
When will the Perodua D55L be launched?
Perodua is expected to begin sales training for the Perodua D55L for its dealers this week. The D55L was supposed to be launched in March 2021 but with the Covid-19 situation showing little sign of improvement, it’s difficult to say exactly when the model will be launched.
However, we expect bookings to be opened (possibly online?) sometime this month, in February 2021.