Perodua has recently announced their new model SUV will be named Nautica 4WD. This model is believe to be based on the Daihatsu Terios (see the photo) first generation with shorter wheelbase compared to the new version of Toyota Rush.

This model is expected to be launched sometime mid May 2008 and to be positioned as a premium compact SUV which powered by 1.5L DVVT (VVTi) engine and standard 4-speed automatic transmission.

Based on my study, this CBU model will only undergoing very minor loclisation in term of their bumper and Perodua badge only. Its come with 2 colour of either Medallion Grey or Majestic Black. The price is expected at RM90k - 99k.

Many said that the Rush, an Indonesia made SUV not doing so well in Malaysia eventhough compared to its predecessor (Daihatsu Terios), its bigger in term of size. With the introduction of Nautica, people will compare this 2 model and of course in term of value for your money, Rush will be more attractive and of course this will lead to better sales.

Anyway, we just wait next 2 weeks on what actually Perodua can offer

Popularity: 23% [?]

I just visited Auto-Lah another auto blog by Malaysian. Auto-Lah has interesting fact that we should read on our latest Perodua Viva.

This new model is a replacement for the Kelisa and is based on the Daihatsu Mira (also known as the Cuore, Domino or Charade outside Japan). In fact it is almost identical to the Mira externally. Internally however, it is a different matter all together. Malaysians have been handed down the old tired design. Take a look at Paul Tan’s blog post here to see what I mean.

My comments is so simple, Perodua is 2nd National car with very limited market, many of us will agree if I say that almost 90% of perodua was sold in Malaysia only.  (Is it 100% I dont know, Paultan could have the figure) If perodua were to develop their own model like what PROTON did, I dont think they can make good money. Since Daihatsu own majority share in Perodua, the best option is to sell car which already in the Japanese Domestic Market.  As a result you can see Kancil vs Mira, Kenari vs Move, Myvi vs Boon/Passo and this new Viva vs New Mira and many more for sure in future……

Popularity: 33% [?]

If in Japan this car known as Daihatsu Move and in Malaysia they call it Perodua Kenari. The Kenari featured here is one of the best Kenari I have ever seen. Changes were done to most of the bodyparts, from the original boring look to JDM Daihatsu Move RS model. Not all from RS model, look at the added long spoiler..it kewl huh ?

See the interior, you can notice presence of many gadgets, the tachometer ? VIP steering, JAF emblem, wah FIT emblem some more ? Can you see any boost meter ? .

Do you know what he have under the hood ? Is it a 100% autoshow car and no performance modification was done to the engine ? I cant answer that. Looking at interior and exterior, he matched everything into blue Finding Nemo theme, and its awful. For me the key attraction is the airbrush and from front angle it looks perfect…welldone

As can be seen in the photos, this Kenari has been successfully transformed to autoshow car. I estimated that the cost of mod is more than RM20000. Eventhough its more than 20k, for me its reasonable indeed. The owner may be proud to own this car….

P/s : Please note that this review is totally based on the photo taken during recent autoshow, no interview was conducted.

Popularity: 44% [?]

I received an email with a photo of New Kancil Replacement Model which expected to be in Malaysia Market this April or May 2007.

I am not sure this is based on which Daihatsu’s model, but its look kewl and elegant.

No wonder Perodua recently produced Myvi SE, this could be one of their strategy to maintain sales of Myvi and at the same time have good sales for this new model.

I personallt think that this model can get good sales also. But wait for the price and the spec too…

Kancil Replacement Model

Popularity: 27% [?]

For those who still wonder how the Toyota Passo (standard version) look like, this video clip can actually help you. Watch it…

Popularity: 14% [?]