After checking out the stylish Daihatsu DN Compagno, we shifted attention to what’s possibly the most relevant (to Malaysia) showcar among Daihatsu’s 2017 Tokyo Motor Show concept cars.
The Daihatsu DN Trec is a compact SUV, and small SUVs are currently very popular everywhere outside of Japan. The Honda HR-V is the default choice in Malaysia, and there’s the Mazda CX-3 for those willing to sacrifice space/practicality for design and dynamics. The Toyota C-HR, while not yet launched, has been drawing in big crowds touring the nation.
Needless to say then that an affordable option by Perodua, and to a lesser extent Proton, will surely prove to be popular.
Perodua, Daihatsu’s “Malaysian wife” (Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh always refers to the Perodua-Daihatsu relationship as a happy marriage) and our market’s leader, has acknowledged the trend. In July, Aminar said that Perodua was “seriously considering” the introduction of a compact SUV.
For a company that has been traditionally tight-lipped on future plans, that was pretty much an admission that Perodua is working on something.
“SUVs seem to be the flavour of the day. It is not out of our range and we’re studying the feasibility of introducing such a model,” Aminar told paultan.org then. The P2 chief also added that the company is now putting more resources into product planning as well as understanding consumers’ tastes.
With that as context, the Daihatsu DN Trec could very well be a preview of what’s to come. The B-segment “compact car” was created with the themes of “active, fun and tough” in mind, and is described by its maker as an active vehicle suitable for daily use and hobbies. That’s the standard spiel for any SUV, though.
The showcar is proposed with a 1.2 litre hybrid powertrain with a 1.0 litre turbo motor as an option. In his show opening speech, Daihatsu’s president Soichiro Okudaira mentioned hybrid and electric powertrains as part of Daihatsu’s future plans – that’s something new for the carmaker, which already makes some of the cleanest and fuel efficient cars around.
More pertinent is the DN Trec’s design. It’s a more refined version of the Daihatsu FX Concept that was showcased at the 2015 GIIAS show in Indonesia, and it appears production ready. The dashboard has also evolved into a futuristic yet realistic design, with a diving centre console.
Throw in a Toyota/Daihatsu 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i engine and we could be looking at a “new Perodua Kembara”. Like what you see?
GALLERY: Daihatsu FX Concept from GIIAS 2015
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I present to you, the brand new Perodua Kembara!
Perodua Kembara was a best seller. Now orso a looker !! Phewittt
How long to wait until available in Malaysia P2 market?
And pricing makes the big factor…
Take my money P2 !!!
Yes P2 !!! Just rebadge and sell laa hoho3.
Yes. So what. What we want is cheap, reliable n good quality cars.
I see a Haval M4…
now daihatsu become copycat
re-born of Kembara
But, Perodua still doesnt have any safety features, still wanted to launch Perodua SUV in Malaysia without any safety features and EV SUV. Not only that, Perodua also doesnt have any EV vehicles and Perodua also having rear axle problem. Look at Proton, Why proton Boyue SUV launch in Malaysia next year because Proton have safety features, Proton also doesnt have any rear axle problem and Proton also have EV vehicles. That’s why Proton Boyue SUV launch in Malaysia next year. Buy Proton better, dont buy Perodua.
Despite whatever allegations p2 still remains as “top seller” for decades.
Its just because of the branding..proton is very poor at branding n SC..just because of that..make it better proton..your SC..
I really want to see proton shine..
Would love to see P2 introduce this as the next Perodua Kembara. Yes, bring back that awesome nameplate!
Kembara should make a come back after sooo many years
It did come back for a while as the limited Nautica
Hahaha 1.0T engine on CUV. Stop an go traffic = can’t boost -> 1.0L engine on CUV = very gooding FC. Hahaha.
Great looking vehicle but sell below RM50k ….
The Kembara, while a looker, was a major guzzler. And the hard plastics in the original Kembara gave new meaning to the term tough resistant interior.
Still, I am sure they have sorted the FC out now, with the 21st century engines and all.
For many years of exprience producing vehicle, yet we just learn on how to copy and paste rather than creating and inventing our own style of design and technology. Are we lacking of great designers who can think out of box?