Taking pride of place at Perodua’s KLIMS13 stand is a concept optimistically called the Global Model Sedan (GMS) Buddyz. Targeted at Gen Y and Gen Z consumers, the four-door study features a clean, angular shape with striking lighting elements.
The Buddyz is widely believed to hint at a future production sedan by Perodua, which, we’re told, is entering the second phase of its feasibility study. Remember the Perodua Bezza concept from KLIMS 2010? This is an evolution of the Bezza following consumer feedback.
Perodua says the Buddyz is “the perfect combination of local and global automotive trends.” The front end evidently derives more than a couple of aesthetic elements from the Myvi, albeit dressed up with blue LEDs on the headlamps and sides of the front bumper. Round the back, red LEDs run across the bootlid.
The even more space-age cabin is claimed to be a fusion of “architectural design and discerning home decor”. There’s a swooping, ‘floating’ dashboard with no centre stack, a control dial on the centre console with an engine start button and a central display screen.
The driver looks at a futuristic two-layer instrument panel through a funky, slightly oblong-shaped steering wheel with audio switches and shift paddles. Those foot pedals are unique, to say the least, and there are screens built into the backs of the front seats.
We’re told the Buddyz isn’t based on any existing platform used by Perodua, and that the concept sedan has been developed from the ground up by a team of local designers led by Muhamad Zamuren Musa, representing a step towards the development of its own platform.
