All of us were taken aback by the presence of the Daihatsu New Compact SUV at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show press day yesterday. We, Perodua employees included, were expecting nothing more than the four cutesy concept cars on the stand.
Only the IcoIco, TsumuTsumu, WaiWai and WakuWaku (more on these later) were on the Daihatsu stage. But behind us were two units of the New Compact SUV, without fanfare or barriers. The official press release had no mention of the SUV either, and the official presentation by Daihatsu president Soichiro Okudaira only had a cursory remark that seemed like an afterthought.
No one seems to know why the New Compact SUV was given the silent treatment. This is after all a B-segment crossover (last we checked, a hot segment globally) that’s 100% production ready to our eyes (design aside, all glass panels had the vendor’s stamp, and there’s even a security alarm sticker), and a highly relevant car to Daihatsu’s two largest overseas markets – Malaysia and Indonesia, in that order.
Its presence caught Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad (pic) off guard, too. “We were surprised by it (appearing at TMS) too, because that model is not yet launched in Japan,” he told Malaysian media at a dinner meeting yesterday night.
Asked to comment on the possibility of the Daihatsu showcar being the upcoming Perodua D55L B-segment SUV, he declined to give an outright “yes”, but gave a couple of hints – enough for us to believe that this car would be coming to Malaysia in the near future as a Perodua.
“As I told Danny earlier, if you look at the model’s engine capacity – which is a 1.0 litre turbo – what does it mean? What’s interesting is that it’s a new technology of engine. I’m always thinking ‘technology for everybody’. It’s an if, I’m not saying yes or when, but if there’s anything, we’ll make an announcement,” Zainal said.
Perodua had a hand in the design of the SUV as well. On the question of whether P2 had any involvement, Zainal quipped. “If I said no I’d be lying. Because I’m very proud of our designers who are working in Daihatsu, who are part of the development.” He then revealed that there are currently 30 Perodua employees based in Daihatsu’s design department.
To the question of any other aspects that Daihatsu’s Malaysian arm had a hand in, the P2 chief said that DMC is using the Daihatsu New Global Architecture for the New Compact SUV.
DNGA is much like parent company Toyota’s TNGA platform, and has been engineered to be future proof, so to speak, for the next decade at least. It has been designed to accommodate the tech and features anticipated for the next cycle of models, which means it’s built to high specs.
“If you’re talking about the model we saw just now, we didn’t have a lot of input in terms of spec or architecture. Because the platform is actually the new DNGA. I don’t know if you can see it tomorrow (we’re paying a visit to Daihatsu’s Kyushu plant), but this car will be produced at Kyushu if I’m not mistaken,” Zainal revealed.
“But what we learned is when you create a new platform, we learn about production preparation. For example, setting up a line. When our designers work in DMC, they will share info with DMC. So if, if, we need to make this in Malaysia tomorrow, we know that it fits (the factory),” he added.
If all of the above comments aren’t strong enough hints for you, here’s one more. On whether there’s a market for the New Compact SUV in Malaysia, Zainal said: “That’s what we’re studying now, whether there’s a market for this (type of car). We’re not sure yet. Perception in Malaysia is a little different – whether a 1.0 litre turbo with that kind of body (size) will be accepted by Malaysians.
“Malaysians always feel that the engine is small but the body is big. We are now studying that perception and the technology,” he concluded.
There you have it, the yet to be named Daihatsu B-segment SUV, which will soon be made in Kyushu for Japanese consumption. Underpinned by the all-new DNGA platform and powered by a downsized 1.0 litre turbocharged engine, it could well be the base for Perodua’s upcoming D55L SUV, with a local face of course.
Of late, Perodua has been making strides in safety, rolling out active safety and driver assist features in the Myvi, Aruz and even the entry-level Axia. Is a leap in powertrain technology in the form of downsized turbocharging the next move? With this latest development, that’s likely.
This SUV prototype, should it translate to a future Perodua, would also go some way in helping the Malaysian market leader achieve its long term goal, which is to be considered based on quality and content – next to the leading Japanese brands – and not merely based on affordability.
“If you talk about Perodua, people will talk about cost of ownership, affordability and so on. But we can’t forever depend on affordability and price. We have a strategy where we want to rebrand Perodua vehicles to ‘quality’ and the sharing of technology to normal people,” Zainal said.
So, what do you think of the design and preliminary Japanese specs of the Daihatsu New Compact SUV? And how much would you pay for one?
GALLERY: Daihatsu New Compact SUV at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
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(Like) Proton X50 1.5 Turbo 180hp.
(Dislike) Perodua DNGA 1.0 Turbo 115hp
Different segment different market la bro.
I don’t think Proton should release their Chinese rebadged X50. When Perodua release this game changing SUV that is using DNGA platform, X50 will be game over immediately
Ini kali…. See who can launching earlier and Price!!! NO more 4 speed auto pls Perodua!!!! X50 6/7 speed Dual Clutch!!!! Don’t give us 4speed auto match with 1.0 Turbo pls… Can consider 1.2L turbo n gearbox from CHR… More soft touch materials on the dashboard please.
Only tikus choose underpower suv.
PRICE 1st, 2nd Safety features, 3rd looks and styles…. I town jam area… Most of time high power not necessary can use it… PRICE PRICE PRICE and no 4speed auto pls….. 5/6 speed Auto or Cvt
bukan same segment? both B segment SUV.
Proton X50 is B segment. P2 is A segment.
Both use 3 cylinders turbo…. X50 1.5L turbo…. This 1.0L turbo Road tax Rm 20 is Good for daily drive to work Got style and cheap road tax… JUST DON’T GIVE 4SPEED AUTO….
macha, both are b-segment SUVs
Boring design in and out but I wish Perodua all the best. Now I am even more excited in waiting for Proton X50. Hurry up baby!
This 3 sillinders engine will shaken in long run. More regret p2 buyer in counting.
U obviously don’t know how long Daihatsu had been making small engines like this. Heck even BMW now has a 3 cylinder engine to power it’s lineup.
Don’t compare BMW which spares no resources to make a good 3 cyl engine, with cheapo Daihatsu that is only satisfied it could run. Daihatsu small engines are a vibration monster because they are inherently unbalanced due to low cost engineering.
Perodua Baguz SUV 1.0 Turbo 100hp, 140Nm.
980kg min. 6airbag ASA2.0 & roadtax Rm20 aje
“Perodua had a hand in the design of the SUV as well. On the question of whether P2 had any involvement, Zainal quipped. “If i said no I’d be lying. Because I’m very proud of our designers who are working in Daihatsu, who are part of the development.” He then revealed that there are currently 30 Perodua employees based in Daihatsu’s design department.
To the question of any other aspects that Daihatsu’s Malaysian arm had a hand in, the P2 chief said that DMC is using the Daihatsu New Global Architecture for the New Compact SUV.”
This car looked like production ready. Just tampal logo Perodua… konpem laku lebat wei”
Yeaa, 3 cylinders like bmw i8, sure regret……..
Just a modern day Daihatsu Rocky 4WD, regret.
X50 also 1. 5L 3 cylinders….. YEAH
Theres no wrong with 3 cylinders. Even 1m Ringgit bmw i8 use 3c…
BMW i8 3cylinders engine sole purpose is to generate power for its electric motor that drives the car.
This compact SUV confirmed landing here. That day I saw them testing the Perodua Axia “wagon” panjat Genting… suddenly got Turbo boost sound.. I guess its the tiny 1.0Turbo engine
Majority of Perodua models has been using 3 cylinder engines for ages, including the original Kancil!
Back on the design.
I believe the external design has been the work of the Perodua team in Japan. Malaysian engineers and styists have been involved with designing daihatsu cars for decades.
One of the earliest was the Daihatsu Sirion Sport Concept for the Paris Motorshow in 2006. That was actually a preview of Perodua’s own Myvi RS version.
Perodua engineers can working together with ultra racing to develop and inatall oem stabalizer bars. To minimise vibration and improve handling…. Not always selling functionless gear up cromes, bodykits…
A lot of ultra racing bars are useless and have no engineering calculations anyway.
For example, you don’t need a stabilizer bars for rear torsion beam suspension!
I felt three cylinders are OK…My Viva stands the test of time…Haven’t had ANY problems right up to the time I let go of it last year…The new owner is ALSO proud of it…
This is DoA once X50 arrives. Just like how X70 slayed Aruz and hung it for all to see its carcass.
Est. price dalam Rm58-67k…3spek G, X dan AV..
At that prices, X50 sure to win. It should be cheaper like Rm40,000 max.
P2 copy Uturn gomen, konfom cheaper like Rm20,000 max. MY Baru lambak cheap car.
Don’t say like that la… at least those yang tak mampu ambik x50 ada pilihan “terpaksa” ha ha ha ha… nanti ramai yang tak mampu ambik, teru melalak sales tinggi… padahal tinggi sebab jumlah yang tak mampu lebih dari yang mampu… belom masok cheapo fucboi lagi, mmg kompom ambik punya… ha ha ha
Might as well 0.5L la lke this..capcai engine w tebu…kesian org msia…ashik kena je
Looking forward for this tiny-turbo engine. Interesting.
Road tax Rm 20 yeah…..
our high duties on car are supposedly to protect the ‘national cars’ why are we still doing it and putting people in so much misery and debt when there are no more national cars..if the gomen reduce these punishing duties it would only benefit everyone..why are we still in denial , perodua has never been a local product
blame the 60years regime, dont we still in denial.
Yeah I blame the Old Man’s regime for this. 60years and still dunno how to run a government even after getting 2nd try.
Yes.. Blame 22 years over 60 years regime.. He’s the one introduce proton & perodua.. Perotiga on the way bro..
I blame 60 months of Uturning Government. They promised want to reduce cost of living and reduce prices of cars but now uturn on that promise.
No more subsidies if like that…you prepare???
Read the news, soon subsidies will be gone but there is no mention on removal of excessive tax and excise duties for cars. We are going to pay more for BOTH.
It should be priced between a myvi n aruz
Same price as myvi OK also…. Cheaper road tax Rm 20
The small 980kg weight is probably due to the 3 cylinder engine and use of HPF steel. The fact that they are finally moving onto a new platform is a good news because the current Myvi platform is dated all the way back to first gen Passo with tweaks here and there over the years. Price it maximum 65K, it will sell and might even eat Myvi’s sales.
malaysian market will soldier on with the same engine as the myvi / aruz
floor salesman will tell potential buyers dat the engine is good enough for a 7 seater like the aruz , imagine the same engine pulling less weight…
since toyota built the engine factory in N9 awhile back , im sure they had this in mind a long2 time ago
Well.. again.. Proton/Geely is winning.. x50 is undisputed in its segment.. much like its Saga.. and X70… Now let see T and H drop price.. come on.. u can do it… Hahahaa
This is a game changer model, beating all sub compact SUVs in Malaysia
U mean X50….
Ladies will love this car because of 3 cylinders vibration
I recommend a 3-cyl for you too. Try it. It can shake your brain a bit to a working condition again.
Perodua rebadged this SUV needs to pay how much royalties to toyota/daihatsu?
As long as selling at affordable price to Malaysian, who cares…
That’s why consumers would not get cheaper on the road price Perodua when profit must share with mother toyota daihatsu
Ekceli all profits goes back to mother Diehatsu & Toyota. Deswai Perodua have not been declaring any profits and did not pay taxes since Day 1.
If the DGNA = TGNA, it will be a huge game changer.
Depend on price, if near X50? Sorry…. X50 Overall spec and looks better… Performance also better….
Perodua should improve on small Storages space for this car… P2 kindly refer Honda interior space utilisation..
I prefer the kenari replacement or even something like a super compact and square mini MPV (mini Vellfire)
Perodua Baguz SUV 1.0 Turbo 100hp, 140Nm.
980kg min. 6airbag ASA2.0 & roadtax Rm20 aje
P2 Gearup team should work together with aftermarket company like Ultra Racing, K&Air Filter, OEM rear disc brakes, 1.2L upgrading parts, Hondata/ Gear Up Ecu tune, KT-Racing Adjustable absorber Taiwan to Design/ Rebage as OEM Gearup performance parts. Not just selling functionless bodykits, cromes, tea tarik hook… At least give us 5/6 speed gearbox or Toyota vios CVT good enough. NO More 4 speed auto please…
I would take a 4 speed auto ANY DAY rather than having 6 speed auto but with super expensive servicing costs.
“We’re not sure yet. Perception in Malaysia is a little different – whether a 1.0 litre turbo with that kind of body (size) will be accepted by Malaysians.”
Translation: We don’t want to invest in new machinery, which would be necessary to manufacture the new 1.0 turbo engine. And our experience shows, that Malaysians are satisfied with outdated, obsolete crap.
Looks like we both can read between the lines.
Civic and CRV 1.5L tebu are highly successful (until X70 came, kinda still is), far more than their 1.8L and 2.0L NA variant, so what bs is this about Msian don’t accept 1.0L tebu in a big body.
There had been 1.0L tebu in Msia before, the Fiesta ecoboost, which based on my readings, owners generally don’t get much issues with the powertrain.
Heck, got plenty of BMW F30 318i running around, 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo.
P2 will only react if the new X50 threatens their sales beyond their projections. Otherwise, they prefer to reach volume for their Sendayan plant’s 1.3L and 1.5L dual vvti engine and 4AT gearbox.
Wow nice one. Got AAC. Surely can kacau X50 sales
it will sell if u put myvi price on it
Daihatsu or P2 cars are family. The difference is P2 cars touch up abit here n there.
P2 cars are the bastardised illegal children of Daihatsu and Toyota.
1.0 turbo? That good.. Can save roadtax!
But spent a fortune to repair blown turbo and oil leakage!
A copycat of the recently launched Audi A1 Citycarver
“No one seems to know why the New Compact SUV was given the silent treatment. This is after all a B-segment crossover”
Google “daihatsu compact suv” and see how many different types are there. They are all B segment crossovers. :\
I see sam loo in FTV interview with perodua ceo..i forgot his name alredy..haha..
1kj-vet have 136hp ….should enough lor…
Even this head unit is larger than Toyota Altis.
You kidding me the interior looks better than my crappy CH-R!
How much willing to pay? RM58k, no more than that.
Anything above RM60k is suicide for this kind of car. Kembara had a good sales volume at around 40k ++ last time.
1.0 turbo is suzuki engine.. suzuki use in their swift.. weight of the car is also the same sub <1000kg
Got the same hp but more torque than aruz
Shhhhhhh… Keep quite. Let Perodua do their job as usual. Rebadging.. Of course :)
“IcoIco, TsumuTsumu, WaiWai and WakuWaku”
Hopefully P2 will use this names in Malaysia too!