D55L: BIG BANG FOR THE BUCK?

THE much-awaited D55L is now open for booking, although Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has revealed little about the sport utility vehicle (SUV) save for some of its features.

In fact, even the D55L moniker is merely an internal codename (much like Perodua’s other models) that has gained mainstream traction.

The 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbocharged SUV will be based on the Daihatsu Rocky or Toyota Raize with some new features and the new DGNA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform. It may eventually be called Ativa, as heavily promoted by the carmaker.

Perodua’s first turbocharged vehicle will use a continuously variable transmission — also a first — and have a fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l.

What’s confirmed is that it will be available in three variants of X, H and AV.

All variants will come with LED headlamps, advanced safety assist 3.0 and the lane departure warning and prevention system.

Exclusive to the AV variant are the lane keep control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control features.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said due to its range of safety and intelligent features, the AV variant would be the carmaker’s first model to achieve level two autonomous driving standards.

The H and AV variants also get the adaptive driving beam, a seven-inch TFT multi-info display and a nine-inch touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition.

“The Perodua D55L is the first model under the Perodua Smart Build blueprint, spearheading breakthroughs for Perodua in style, safety, technology, equipment levels and value,” said Zainal.

The X and H variants will be available in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey and Cobalt Blue but the H variant also comes in Pearl Diamond White and Pearl Delima Red.

The AV variant will be available in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Pearl Diamond White or Pearl Delima Red.

“SUVs remain very much in demand and the Perodua D55L is our trendiest offering in this regard. Its compactness, contemporary style and modern features make it the perfect companion for day-to-day urban lifestyles,” said Zainal.

The D55L prices are estimated to be between RM62,500 and RM73,400 (on-the-road before insurance in Peninsular Malaysia), with a five-year or 150,000km warranty.

Thus, the D55L or Ativa has the potential to become one of the most competitively priced vehicles for the current local car market.

Perodua’s latest SUV is mostly likely based on the Daihatsu Rocky. Known highlight features of the D55L Ativa. Assuming if all its details line up with the Rocky, then the D55L or Ativa will be one of the year’s most competitive SUVs. Also known as the Toyota Raize in some markets. We can also expect rear foldable chairs for more boot space.