Perodua’s next model to get aluminium engine

daihatsu mira es-perodua

Perodua is planning to introduce an aluminium engine in its next model (Daihatsu Mira e:S pictured), which is due in the third quarter of next year, Bernama reports. The motor would be produced at its new RM1.3 billion facility, located next to its existing Sungai Choh, Rawang plant.

“We are going to change our engine from cast iron to aluminium to further improve the internal combustion engine,” CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh told reporters recently at the Revive Your Drive Contest prize-giving ceremony yesterday.

Besides improved fuel consumption, the move to an aluminium engine would reduce manufacturing costs, he said. The automaker aims to reduce costs by 20 to 30% come 2015. The new 65,000-sq ft plant is expected to begin operations by October 2014, and is capable of adding 100,000 units to Perodua’s annual production capacity.

The “next model” talked about here is most likely the replacement for the Perodua Viva, which has been around since 2007. Its successor will be the cheapest new car in the country, and could be either be based on the Daihatsu Mira e:S (Japan) or its Daihatsu Ayla (Indonesia) derivative.

KF-VE and 1KR-FE

The engine in question could be the Topaz Neo, the 52 PS and 60 Nm KF-VE transverse three-cylinder 658 cc NA mill used in the Mira e:S, or the 997 cc D26F-1KR-DE (otherwise known as the 1KR-FE as used by Toyota, as seen on the right), which offers 66 PS and 87 Nm in the Ayla. Both units feature aluminium engine blocks, as opposed to the cast iron-block E-Series units (660 cc EF, 850 cc ED and 1.0 litre EJ).

Perodua has previously intimated that the new car will offer very good fuel economy, and the KF-VE touts just that as its biggest selling point – claimed figures on a JC08 mode test cycle is 30 km per litre.

Back in 2010, the automaker said it had plans to develop a next-gen eco-mill with the help of Daihatsu, and the target specifications for the mill would be a 660 cc displacement and an inline two-cylinder turbocharged configuration, complete with direct fuel injection. The forced induction lump would be good for 63 hp and 100 Nm, but there’s been no word on that front since then.

In Japan, the Topaz Neo KF three-pot is also available in turbocharged form, the KF-DET offering 64 hp and 103 Nm – the engine was found on the previous Mira incarnation, which was adapted to become the Viva here. It’s unlikely that we’ll be getting anything along the turbo route for this market, of course, which leaves us with the KF-VE and D26F-1KR-DE. Which will we see? The speculation continues.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • sudonano on Sep 27, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    The thing is, it is not only the FC, but the build and safety that need to be improved. Look at the Dacia Sandero. Pretty decent 4 star Euro NCAP and has ESP and a pretty strong body. Well built too. Starts at? 600 quid for the base, which is equivalent to the Viva 660 spec. (Actually the base Sandero Access 1.2 petrol is the 5995 quid one. About RM30k). Mind you, the Sandero is imported in from Romania so there are transport costs too, which Perodua won’t have in Malaysia.

    Basically its not only the engine, but the whole package. No point for Perodua to have infinite Special Editions and millions of body kits and touch screen systems, when they should be focussing on things like structural rigidity, safety and handling. Viva feels really tin-like, which is sad, since it is not far off than the Sandero (mind you the Sandero is more of a Fiesta size which is about the Myvi level.)

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 67 Thumb down 7
    • frenzyaustin on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      Because Malaysian love to spend money on skirting, rims and stuff on car instead buying a base spec higher segment car.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 64 Thumb down 1
      • u mean malaysians got looks but no substance? kasi chance la sikit brother..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
        • tiadaid on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:14 pm

          Yes, your typical Malaysian is all style without substance – if not there wouldn’t be the saying, “biar papa asal bergaya”

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 1
          • that’s why the HP interest rate for somemakes are so high coz some ppl want to gaya but never pay the loan after 3 months kene repo! niamah!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
        • Jonathan Lee on Sep 28, 2013 at 5:09 pm

          But it’s all true…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • you mean 6000 quid.
      our government only deemed airbags compulsory, so they simply wont bother with ESP. Nvm ESP, both P1 and p2 still have non ABS base model.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
      • sudonano on Sep 27, 2013 at 2:05 pm

        My bad! 6000 quid. if it was 600 quid, it would take out the Tata nano too!

        True. And yes. Malaysians feel that ABS, ESC and all is not so important compared to the ah beng spoilers.

        Just see the number of people who bought Myvi EZs and pasted on ah beng spoilers and bodykits instead of using the same amount of moolah to top up on a safer car. Cause if anything happens (touch wood), that spoiler is not going to save you.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • brian on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:44 pm

      asean need eco car while in europe need a safety and good handling car.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
      • rally_fan on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:55 pm

        because of tough regulations and a mature car buying public with a huge choice of cars to choose from.. safety and “eco” is expected and not considered as a “feature” anymore.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • perut dua on Sep 27, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    balik lah perodua, yg hanya tau rebadge with no R&D sendiri~

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 38 Thumb down 22
    • brian on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:52 pm

      what for R%D if no market? just waste a money only!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 19
      • no r&d means no self-sufficiency for long term. r&d must run parallel with rebadge models.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
        • Got r&d is so good. Not only sell cars but sell company too. Now this ailing company survives on life support from public & will die once the life support is taken off.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • if no R&D, why they want to call themselves as national car maker? no R&D, means no budget will be allocated to research activity, hence, the development cost would be lower. but in this case, how cheap the myvi and viva are, judging from its specs and safety? close both myvi and viva doors, listen to the closing sound. sit inside alza, listen to how loud the rain sound from alza’s roof. yes, i know there are numbers of expensive CKD parts to be paid. but in the end, who is the earns big? daihatsu japan or malaysia perodua? and what about us as customer?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Jackson on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:09 pm

    As long as Perodua doesn’t make the number plate on the tailgate. Keep it at the bumper.

    Not everyone likes the high number plate. Ruins the smooth surface of the tailgate.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • Low Budget on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:36 pm

      One irritating thing about the Viva is the front number plate has to be removed to reveal the screws that hold the bumper, and the bumper must be removed in order to service the car or Air conditioner. Due to a number of removals, my Viva’s number plate is now cracked and the guy at service center have used double sided tape to gum it back. Bodoh punya design.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 0
      • sapa suruh beli???

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 18
        • Kaifa Haluk on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:24 pm

          haha i guess we should all add that to our checklist for purchasing a new car…

          “hey mr salesman, could you show me what items need to be disassembled before servicing the aircon? does the bumper have to come off? how about the dashboard?”

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
          • Low Budget on Sep 29, 2013 at 10:25 am

            Yes, the Viva dash board need to comes off too if the aircon cooling coil rosak.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • BeemerFreak on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Savings of 20-30% in cost, but that savings has never been passed down to the consumer, blatant profiteering and yet still dare to admit.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 1
    • Chris on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      Came here for this. Wasn’t disappointed hahaha.

      20-30% saving means 20-30% extra profit for them, not for us.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • yoolang on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    the aluminum is not more safer for the engine or no? before got my daughter make one project for the engineering courses, she say not suitable for propeller.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 7
    • sepucps on Sep 27, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      So, what engine use propeller?its aluminium block and i dont think there is relation between propeller and engine block.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 5
    • thats propeller dude…this engine

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
      • Cakehot on Sep 28, 2013 at 3:12 pm

        I think she meant the propeller shaft is also made out of aluminum, probably if its an all aluminum car like the Aston Martin.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • powershot on Sep 27, 2013 at 3:01 pm

      it depends on how thick is the engine block. aluminium engine block is definitely more lighter than cast iron, thus the fuel save.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Beside being lighter, aluminium block engines warm-up faster than cast iron ones which contribute to fuel economy because engine got up to optimum temperature thus optimum fuel combustion faster.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • brian on Sep 27, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    I thinks perodua will use D26F-1KR-DE. Anyway thanks perodua for relieve our burden. u knows ron95 will increase anytime.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 9
  • Lane tamer on Sep 27, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Aha, now we know where will all of the recycled aluminium cans go to…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Cakehot on Sep 28, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      No its Japanese recycled cans. The engine will still be smelted in Japan, no?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Besides improved fuel consumption, the move to an aluminium engine would reduce manufacturing costs, he said.
    ——-
    I thought aluminium engine is much more expensive than cast iron?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Kalun on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:59 pm

      not really.

      If you compare Ecoboost with Duratec engine, duratec engine is cheaper and lighter due to its aluminium block.
      Ecoboost use iron instead but not sure if we compare apple to apple because both have different cc and both have different type aspiration.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Cakehot on Sep 28, 2013 at 3:28 pm

      You thought right, and Malaysians will pay more upfront and Malaysian banks will reap better interest long-term.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • wiralution on Sep 27, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    30km per litre is no doubt a very good FC. If they sell in hybrid mode, imagine how far it can go in 1 litre fuel. Fuh… can sell like hot cakes lah!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • Cakehot on Sep 28, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      No, they don’t have the R&D to do the hybrid, remember the savings from r&d? Profit or savings from no-r&d will go to the ceos holidays to switzerland or a Porshe.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • After 10 years, the engine will have more value than the car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
  • Peluh Tua on Sep 27, 2013 at 2:46 pm

    Aluminium engine —> Overheat —> GG

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
    • Kalun on Sep 27, 2013 at 5:01 pm

      oh really?

      How about toyota vios that you so call indestructible? No overheat.

      Vios use Aluminium block too.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 5
  • abuya123 on Sep 27, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    Aluminum engine wont last longer than cast iron.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
  • FAISAL on Sep 27, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    lancer & Inspira use aluminium engine

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
  • lol the way he talk like Perodua is developing its own engine…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • benzs on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    Perodua should introduce long time ago. Not now! Always stay behind even Jpn is using it for years. Anyway, Aluminium block is lighther hence the efficiency is good in term of petrol consumption. Those who wish to buy P.Viva better delay 1st. New generation is better n current model consist too many complaints. Hope P2 does their homework by looking at ppl talk n release a better car. They can refer Paultan as their feedback. Especially issue by Low budget. Sorry for hearing that Low Budget.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Protua on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    I doubt these engines for their longevity, cuz normally all-alu engines need tender care, while low-cost cars would normally go thru rough ownerships.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Kelvin on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    Aluminum use in engine design is in theory nothing new.

    The fuel savings is quite significant.

    Although prices of aluminum is significantly higher than iron, it is offset by the lower manufacturing costs (lower melting point of aluminum, lower energy use, longer tool-life etc)

    A drawback of using aluminum is warping under high temperatures due to the CTE of aluminum being higher than iron. Therefore, its use is mostly still limited to small engines and simpler designs.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Denaihati on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    also hope perodua consider better sound proof. by the way it is good move.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • kadajawa on Sep 27, 2013 at 4:50 pm

      Yes good job Perodua. Just keep sell fuel efficient cars the only thing matters now for most rakyat. We don’t need something syok sendiri eg. Proton.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 16
      • salambangi on Sep 27, 2013 at 6:26 pm

        Kudajawa , you are pathetic and a solid congenital Proton basher. We are tired of it. For once please be objective.we need constructive and not destructive comments .

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 6
      • rakyat? You mean rakyat jepun? Buy japan engine, japan chasis, japan transmission and all the money goes to japan.

        Yeah right, for the rakyat where all the profit, all rnd experience goes to japan rakyat.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
      • jeremy on Sep 27, 2013 at 8:09 pm

        Kadajawa is your typical proton basher….no originality (takes name from kadajawi, did he rustle your jimmies, Kadajawa??)…highly bias towards Proton, but somehow loves Perodua (I wonder why, maybe because its “Japan”)…and thinks without Proton around, they would now be driving Mercedes and BMW….reminds me of what peyno said, those who normally bashes Proton just drives celup bau-bau jepun cars…(any Perodua, Vios, Avanza, Innova) and thinks of themselves so highly because of that, even though in reality their cars are even worse than Protons….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
  • Just me on Sep 27, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    How come no one mention about the 1.6 turbo that doesn’t produce much power????

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • LOL! he dare to say like Perodua develop the engine by themselves. all they did was managing the localization activity, cut some internal parts as time goes by, and put pressure to local vendors to lower the part price while maintaining the sales price to customer (bigger profit margin).
    in that case, i believe Naza also eligible to say they are the first national car maker to produce 6-speed auto vehicle (forte) and the 1st euro ncap car (208).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Cakehot on Sep 28, 2013 at 3:45 pm

      Agreed. P2 is only clever at rebadging and increasing the initial cost. The long-term reduction in running cost is eaten-up in the initial cost. Look how pricier are the economically-running cars like toyol and hon2.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Brought a Proton basher to sit in my Persona, she was shocked to experience the lotus ride and handling which shuts her mouth up.. :D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 5
  • Motorhead on Sep 28, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    I still don’t understand why p2 is enjoying the perks of being a national car. There is nothing homegrown about the design nor the technology. It’s just a rebadged daihatsu/Toyota. I’m not saying that is bad but in the long run( now more than 20 years old) it is still a Japanese car unlike proton which comes with warts and freckles but is truly a Malaysian product.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • Does the reduced manufacturing cost translates into a cheaper car price?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • what perodua doing is better than completely importing cars or ckdied bcoz our country can saves on import expenditures. P2 only pay for design cues and 80% local contents help boosting domestic economy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • New viva enjin, KR will be fully import from Indonesia, ADM. While transmission possibly come from new Daihatsu plant in Seremban. Perodua cuma pasang saja, sudah claim Perodua engine ka!?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Veneno on Oct 02, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    yeaah yeah.. dont care la aluminium ka, magnesium ka.. yg pnting, buat enjin sndiri ma..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

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