2020: RISE OF THE 1.0 LITRE, 3-CYLINDERS
cbt@nst.com.my
WE are at the very end of 2019 and what an exciting year it was for the automotive industry.
For the national carmakers, we have seen how Proton X70 performed in its first actual sales year, exciting the C-segment SUV landscape and people’s perception towards the national icon.
Perodua, on the other hand, did not have to crow much and straight away launched the Aruz, marking its return into the SUV market. The model is listed as the top car in Google’s Year in Search for 2019.
As for non-national brands, there have been quite a significant number of promiproduct nent launches as well, wise.
BMW unveiled the all-new G20 3-Series, Porsche with its new 911 generation and Mercedes released the top-of-thetop AMG GT R beast.
Next year is also going to be exciting in its own way, with a line of cars set to make their way to our shores.
So, what’s in store for 2020?
As we wait for more news on the flying car, here’s a list of models that we highly reckon will be launched locally (and we picked our favourite, too). tuRn to Pages 42
PROTON X50
Along with the CKD X70 which has started its production in the RM1.2 billi plant expansion in Tanjung Malim, Proton will also be introducing the B-segment SUV to rival the Honda HR-V and the Toyota C-HR.
The X50 is based on the Geely Binyue crossover and i the car is offered with a 1.5-litre turbo engine that veloped with Volvo, a seven-speed dual clut mission, GKUI infotainment system fe
“hi Proton”, and level 2 aut mous driving capabi
PERODUA ALZA
If you are a keen automotive industry, you might have seen or read somewhere regarding a prototype that has been caught testing up Genting Highlands.
The prototype with a strange-looking “Toyota Avanza” silhouette appeared to be the development mule of the next Alza.
The B-segment MPV, although still a decent one for the price, has shown its age now and a substantial update is due.
On a more interesting development, Perodua is also hinted to introduce the D55L SUV, a compact B-segment SUV.
Take it as a more rugged and raised y
The Perodua D55L SUV will be based (or sharing platform) with the 2020 Daihatsu Rocky that has been on sale in Japan. The car also gets a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine packing 98hp and 140Nm of torque.
We are also looking forward to the realisation of the Myvi GT.
In July, Perodua stated that they are studying the way to produce the Myvi GT feasibly, as the concept shown earlier in KLIMS18 was fitted with an overkill kit, including 17-inch wheels, Brembo brakes and Alcantara leather interior.