Set to be introduced soon, the upcoming 2021 Perodua D55L has been rendered as a entry-level, or "kosong spec" model. With a little Photoshop, we've given the D55L steel wheels, unpainted bumpers, and a bee-sting antenna.

If you haven't already known, the upcoming Perodua D55L is based on the Japan-market Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky. "D55L" is merely a code name, and we still don't know what its final name will be upon launch.

Over in Japan, the D55L's cousin, the Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky, is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo engine paired to a CVT and has two drivetrain options – 2WD or 4WD.

Indonesia will be the first to get the Raize/Rocky with a 6-speeed manual transmission and that sounds like a great recipe for a budget little SUV. However, we’re not very optimistic on Malaysia getting the manual-transmission.

News is that the 2021 Perodua D55L would sell circa RM 60k, making the D55L sandwiched between the Perodua Myvi and Perodua Aruz when it comes to price.

Although not exactly comparable to the Proton X50, the Perodua D55L looks like a decent choice for a little runabout SUV.

The Perodua D55L could very well be one of the cheapest new SUVs in Malaysia. It makes us wonder how much cheaper a “kosong” spec Perodua D55L would be (if it ever happens).

So far, the Perodua D55L is expected to launch in March 2021 (delayed date from initial plan for January 2021).

However, things are still subject to change depending on how bad the COVID-19 situation is. Currently, it is still rather fluid as the MCO has been extended until February 18. 

Any further delays will result in 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.