Earlier this year, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said that the national carmaker was “seriously considering” a compact SUV, admitting the segment’s growing popularity in Malaysia. His statement all but confirms that the company will build such a thing – a next-generation Kembara, if you’d like. Resident Photoshop expert Theophilus Chin has already shown us what that car could look like.
Now it’s the turn of local designer Idiyaz Baharuddin, and it’s a fairly handsome machine, taking after the new Daihatsu Terios quite a bit. At the front, sharp headlights flank a slim upper grille with a U-shaped garnish reminiscent of the new Myvi, while a large lower grille sits below it.
On-trend details include a black roof, a D-pillar kink and turbine-style two-tone alloy wheels, and there are also broad two-piece tail lights joined by a strip of red trim on the tailgate. The prerequisite black trim on the bumpers, side skirts and wheel arches provides the much-needed off-roader look.
Expect the real Kembara to be smaller than the seven-seat Terios, perhaps based on the DN Trec concept shown at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Under the bonnet, you’d likely find the 102 hp/136 Nm 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i engine from the new Myvi, paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the blog post about the Perodua Kembara render reveal a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism. Many express hope for a competitive price point under RM50k, with suggestions for 5 or 7-seater options and improved interior features like armrest and storage. There's excitement about its potential to rival models like HRV and Toyota Rush, with some fearing it might impact competitors negatively. Several commenters highlight the importance of affordability, simplicity, and reliability, advocating against hybrid or complex tech to reduce maintenance. Others mention the design resemblance to Daihatsu Terios and wish for more distinctive styling. Concerns about engine power, especially with 1.5L options, and the potential for 4WD or AWD features also surface. Overall, there's strong anticipation for a practical, budget-friendly SUV that caters to Malaysian consumers.