Perodua’s long-awaited compact SUV, the Ativa, is the talk of the town. Based on the attractive Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize and utilising more of its Japanese partner’s technology than ever before, the D55L promises to be the most advanced Perodua ever – marking a new era for the national carmaker.
UPDATE: We’ve driven the new Perodua Ativa! Read our first impressions review here.
So far, we’ve looked at the specs, name and pricing; here, we’re taking a deep dive into the Ativa’s new engine, the 1KR-VET. Utilising just three cylinders and 1.0 litres in displacement, it will mark Perodua’s first foray into the world of turbocharging, making it bang up to date with the industry trend of downsizing.
Same block as Bezza and Axia, simple turbocharger setup
As the name suggests, the 1KR-VET is part of Toyota’s KR engine family, which also includes the 1KR-VE naturally-aspirated mill found in the Bezza and Axia. The lineup shares the same aluminium block, cylinder count and 71 mm cylinder bore, but the unit in the Ativa will have a scant 0.1 mm shorter piston stroke than the rest at 83.9 mm. This knocks two cubic centimetres off the displacement, dropping it down to 996 cc.
The engine’s stroke has likely been shortened to reduce the compression ratio, which has fallen from 11.5:1 on the Bezza and Axia to 9.5:1. This facilitates the addition of the already-compressed air from the turbo, which would otherwise cause knocking.
As is typical for a simple turbo engine, the 1KR-VET features a single-scroll turbocharger and a front-mounted intercooler. It’s this intercooler placement, not an additional oil cooler, that was being tested on a Daihatsu Thor mule on local roads in late 2019. That car originally came with a top-mounted intercooler; the Rocky’s longer front end allowed engineers to reposition it for greater efficiency.
New head with twin intake ports and injectors, multi-spark ignition, combined exhaust port
To keep costs down, the 1KR-VET gets multi-point injection rather than the more expensive direct injection technology. To compensate, this engine variant gets dual intake ports (meaning there are six ports on the intake side), each with their own low-penetration injectors. This design increases the atomisation of the fuel, allowing for more complete combustion – which, in turn, improves both performance and fuel economy.
As part of the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the combustion process has been further improved with multi-spark ignition. No, the engine doesn’t come with twin spark plugs – instead, it fires each spark plug twice in quick succession. This adds power to the flame kernel initiated with the first spark and allows the flame to propagate more quickly, allowing the mill to run leaner at low revs.
On the exhaust side of the cylinder head, the exhaust ports are combined into a single opening, which increases the temperature of the exhaust gases. The catalytic converter, positioned just downstream in the exhaust manifold, needs to be heated up to work properly, so the consolidation of the ports helps reduce emissions upon startup. The engine retains the Bezza/Axia’s variable intake valve timing, double overhead cams, timing chain and four valves per cylinder (12 in total).
In a bid to save weight and cost, the KR engines do not have a balance shaft to smoothen out the inherently unbalanced three-cylinder layout, unlike the more sophisticated 1.5 litre unit in the Proton X50. Instead, like the HR10DET in the Nissan Almera, the engine relies on a counterweights on the crankshaft alone. The 1KR-VE in the Bezza and Axia wasn’t especially successful in tuning out the vibrations, and it remains to be seen if things are any better with the 1KR-VET.
Significant power and torque increase, good fuel economy
Naturally, with a turbo in place, the 1KR-VET is significantly more muscular than the 1KR-VE, with outputs of 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. Against the Bezza and Axia, the Ativa will have an advantage of 30 PS and nearly 50 Nm, which is not to be sniffed at. Those figures are also not a world away from the Almera, which has a similar 1.0 litre turbo triple and CVT configuration.
To enhance the sensation of speed, the Rocky and Raize get a Power button on the steering wheel, which remaps the engine and gearbox for quicker throttle response; it’s unclear, however, if the Perodua version will come with the same function.
But the turbo isn’t just good for power – Perodua is claiming an impressive fuel consumption figure 18.9 km per litre for the Ativa. That’s even better than the Daihatsu and Toyota’s 18.6 km per litre with front-wheel drive, although that number was achieved on the stricter WLTP cycle.
The downsized engine and stepless transmission go some way towards improving efficiency, but the Rocky and Raize also benefit from a start-stop system. The Bezza and Myvi already come with this feature, but the one in the Daihatsu and Toyota has been improved slightly, switching the engine off when decelerating from 9 km/h (up from 7 km/h).
Looking at the technologies, output figures and efficiency numbers on offer, we’re pretty sure most of you can’t wait to try out the Ativa for yourselves (and we can’t, either!). But what do you think – is turbocharging the right path for Perodua, or would you have preferred it to stick with a more conventional naturally-aspirated engine? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky in Japan
GALLERY: Toyota Raize in Japan
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
98 ps is to little power, lower than the myvi even. They should have stuck with the 1.5na. More so for their flagship should have had at least 120ps. People would rather get an extra 70ps and a dct by going for the x50
Correct bro, top up abit and go for x50 170PS.
This 3pots will shake the car like Rocky. (Beware this is not a refine engine like in the X50/ Almera) Go do some research or watch review online urself
The 1.0L with light pressure turbo really does feel like a 1.4L NA engine, there’s no turbo-lag or sudden power delivery that pushes you back into the seats.
It fit calmly into city environment, short distance travel with traffic jam. At higher speed the Body roll will be very evident. You can still notice the CVT drone but quietier than Honda. The driver’s view actually feels very narrow and the engine 3 cylinder vibration can be felt through the steering and seat during start stop traffic and idle. This is not a car for you to gun for the flashing green arrow, your passengers will feel sick. The driving comfort and NVH are acceptable sub $88,000 in SG. Official fuel comsumption 18.9km/l , massively far from reality as what you get in the city 11-13km/l
You can feel the 1.0T shaking your driver seat while idling. No joke. Is why I suggest U guys do more homework
Not really shaking but depends on others that building 3 cylinder engine, reliable, stability, durability. But what someone said here is true as this brand is still reliable brand, even also making 3 cylinders turbo engine also no issues and don’t see any Japanese didn’t complain about 3 cylinder engine. You should do more homework.
Best 3 cylinders in Malaysia currently sit inside the heart of Almera. Fuel saved and high refinement. U won’t even dilemma is from “AXIA”
@Civic Turbo 2018
Not really. Didnt see any problems about Axia at all using 3 cylinder NA engine so far.
this comment was copied from my review on sg’s mycarforum:
https://www.mycarforum.com/forums/topic/2717474-spyshots-2020-toyota-raize-daihatsu-rocky/?page=7
$88,000 in SG. its RM300K in Malaysia…
Nice neutral review from JD. Unsurprisingly Sinkies don’t go gaga over this car since they have access to better cars with more value ie Yaris Cross. Again it reinforces my point that without perodua we could have better cars at more competitive prices with better specs and options for hybrid or EV.
35K for Axia. No problem
But 80K for Axia turbo is.
RM 30k is a little bit for you?
Pardon me datuk’s son
X50 still the better car. Msia ade vaksin, ade x50…. ade Harapan. Anak ambik Spm
Top up RM6k get 148hp X50
But 148hp X50 doesn’t come with Active Safety System with only 4 airbags
Really? You should experience more once this Ativa arrives in this country. Because this turbo engine is actually same power as 1.5 na engine.
But fanboys been saying small displacement 3 cyl turbo coupled with CVT is noisy, vibrate like washing machine, underpowered, makan minyak, unreliable, turbocor, not fuel efficient, maintenance mahal, spareparts mahal, and that’s why their ancient dinosaur 1.5L NA +4AT is superior. Does they mean Ativa is all that they said above? LOL!
So sadly, is millions of perodua cars on the road annoyed u everyday? Get over it dude. more people still buying perodua car and U will love perodua cars soon. LOL!
Copy paste: “That’s basically saying “Perodua memang macam ni””
Jilat jangan tak jilat tau
Dumbass the current gen 1.5na in the Myvi is the new 2NR-VE that’s also used in the Toyota Vios. You think about it small car myvi got engine of a vios, sure very syiok
Copy paste: “Truth be told, Perodua staff could not understand the subject matter then”
Most people look at torque value nowadays and how low the RPM can get the max torque value and curve. How many people will rev so high in everyday driving just to get 120ps? Torque is more practical in day to day normal driving compare to hp. Just look at electric cars & diesel engine why most of it so efficient, it is due to high torque.
and Ativa is below 1000kg, summore good FC.
Get your facts right. This 1.0L turbo engine only gets full torque at 2400rpm to 4000rpm. That is a very narrow torque band for a turbocharged petrol engine. You confirm get turbo lag because you dont get much boost below 2400rpm and the engine only has 9.5:1 compression ratio. Well, there is no replacement for displacement. You have a look at the 1.5L turbo Civic. Peak torque starts at 1700rpm.
Electric cars are efficient not because of high torque. It is because electric motors peak torque starts from 0rpm without the need to rev the engine hard to get full torque.
Diesel engine is efficient because diesel engines use compression ignition , and diesel fuel itself has 30% more energy content than petrol.
Can’t force the engine too much. Later become engine bocor lagi malu, just like Proton.
Copy paste: “Pity PaulTan must explain all this to us. Isnt it a Perodua car and shouldnt Perodua staff be teaching us on this?”
Unless you drive around town at 4000rpm to redline, power isnt important
There was a comment from a car website that the X50 delivery will be until october this year for those bookings collected since christmas.
I believe a big chunk of the bookings will migrate to other vehicle choices,one of them the cheaper alternative ,like Ativa.Of course ,you cant have huge horsepower with the smaller 1.0 turbo engine.
Imagine,the existing car keeps breaking down and the owner does not want to keep repairing.Thats why,they trade in fast before more costly repairs surface.
A waiting period of 2 months is OK,but not 6 months.
Copy paste: “smaller 1.0 turbo engine. Imagine,the existing car keeps breaking down and the owner does not want to keep repairing.Thats why,they trade in fast before more costly repairs surface.”
Copy paste: “the 1KR-VET. Utilising just three cylinders and 1.0 litres in displacement, it will mark Perodua’s first foray into the world of turbocharging”
CP: Buy today trade in fast tomorrow. A new high RV record.
Says from a brand that always break down and without spare part.
People saying new engine but it’s really just the axia with a turbo and a few tweakes. Get in an axia and see how unrefined the engine vibration is. Feels like a kancil from 20 years ago in terms of engine vibration refinement
This thing will struggle on highways above 100kmh.
Myvi 1.5 na engine is a beast for what it is. (Think vios engine in a smaller car)
vios is the slowest and least fuel efficient in its class by a significant margin. what’s so great about it? Please check the facts.
No real image of ativa yet?
Curious to see how the front and rear bumper design. But expected would be about the same as aruz?
Copy paste: “Why didn’t our engineers come out with a good SUV long ago? Didn’t we have any transfer of technology long ago.
Toyota made the best SUV before. The Land Cruiser is a legend still. Why we never learnt anything from our partner Toyota & Daihatsu”
No D-CVT details yet?
Wait first, i’m sure PT will release the article soon.
need to know more on the D-CVT things.
as from 1 of the HK youtuber claimed that the design for the current gearbox for Raize/Rocky can only withstand 150Nm.
as TDI tuning already have the chips that can boost the engine up to 123ps/175Nm.
D-CVT added 1 gear before handing over CVT. Is for snappy jump-start from zero while retain the efficiency of CVT beyond that 1st gear.
You are thinking of the Direct Shift Cvt. D-CVT works the other way around. Planetary gear kicks in at higher speeds
(Like) Keep ori Perodua Ativa front grille.
(Dislike) Change to Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize grille.
Due to its turbo nature, i just wish its body frame are strengthen enuf to absorb any impact from collision.
98 Hp don’t worry can’t go very fast anyway
The Ativa is based on a Daihatsu & Daihatsu is not new to turbocharging (Remember the Charade GTti?). It should be OK in stock form, but of course, there are always those who want to bring it beyond factory specs; good luck to them.
Copy paste: “I only wish our local Engineers had designed and made this car. Then we got something to be proud of”
Our local Proton engineers did come out with a factory production turbo car, the Preve CFE, but when its production ended, there was no replacement model. Is it because their management thought our local engineers did not do a good enough job in the long run?
Copy paste: “this is not the first for Daihatsu though. in fact, it was the first in the world to come with 1.0 litre DOHC engine with 4 valve per cylinder, fuel injected and turbocharged. and this was some time in 1986 and the car is called Daihatsu Charade GTti. this 1KR-VET is nothing new.”
Copy paste: “but when its production ended, there was no replacement model. Is it because their management thought their local engineers did not do a good enough job in the long run?”
ever heard of Charade DeTomaso? daihatsu tried the NA route but went back the original way due to the need of meeting JDM spec demand. daihatsu still produced many turbo kei cars after that. 660, 1.0 and 1.3. the kelisa kenari group are very familiar with those.
Are u the same person as Celup King?
regardless of anything, the new Ativa will be a good car.
Copy paste: “hmm I asked perodua’s salesman about the vibration of 3 cylinder engine. Does it vibrate a lot or not? He asked me to wait until the test drive units are out”
Despite this uses turbo engine, it still called reliable engine
Getting higher torque at lower rpm is great for city drive. Do talk about D-CVT next, thanks Jonathan.
I would prefer it with 4-cylinder instead. Dont like the shaking nature of 3-cylinder engine
It all depends on three cylinder engine producers bro. But since this three cylinder engine was made from Dahaitsu where joint venture with Toyota, it should be more reliable.
based on engine code, 1KR is toyota engine.
i also have doubt on 3 cyln. but more and more car manufacturer is moving in to the trend.
Thailand 2021 Honda City
BMW i8
2021 Nissan Almera
Ford Fiesta Eco boost
Yaris GR 1.6
X50
Volvo XC40 and so many more.
Nissan e-power engine (1.2L generator ^_^)
which make me give a deep thinking too..
But as mentioned earlier, Dahaitsu joint venture with Toyota and Yaris GR produce 3 cylinder turbo engine, it should be more reliable
Even the 3 cylinder from BMW/Mini is shaking as well.
Ya, 1.0L 3 cylinder will shake like rocky.
Copy paste: “Much better if can offer 10-years car warranty unlimited mileage (including CVT gearbox also)”
On terms of physics, no argument 4 cylinders is more balanced and better. But from OEM standpoint, they have other things to worry such as emission and efficiency. So it seems the later has outweighed the two.
I can sense , it won’t be long the big T will apply Turbo across their lineup for 3rd world consumers, as their Dinasour NA emitting too much C02 and loss ground to their rivals, notably Honda.
But with newer Dynamic Force Engine, it would be much better that consumes with better FC compare to Dual VVT-i engines. But actually, based on Vios GR-S, FC should be quite good too since Vios GR-S uses 10 speed. But I’m not saying that Dual VVT-i engines doesnt give such bad FC at all, as dual vvt-i engines (that having right now) with the integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head to reduce emissions together come with higher speed gears just like Vios, Yaris and even Innova which makes fuel more efficient but not all toyota models as like Rush and Avanza are still using 4 speed auto but it helps to make fuel more efficient but not much.
Perodua, please forget about those ADAS 3.0, 4.0. Malaysian driver still find it is hard even to use the signal stalk.
And not forgetting seat belt also don’t wear.
Perodua just following the trend of engine downsizing. a bit disappointed Honda didn’t bring in their 1.0 L city like in Thailand. Malaysia need to push for less carbon footprint, massive step taken by perodua.
I think many would be disappointed due to high expectation of myvi consumption
Remember, Perodua’s claimed fuel consumption is always the furthest away from their real world figures compared to other brands. Hopefully this turbo engine changes that.
1.0 litre engine might lethargic, even with the siput. Now, imagine the car’s performance with full passenger load, with barang-barang……..and traveling on long stretch of road with gradient like at Karak highway.
The “S” for this “SUV” might not stand for “Sports”, but probably means like “Slow”.
Whichever the case, can’t wait for the real driving review from PT.
the japanese engineers are a lot smarter than you! decades of research knowledge and data.
whats the range for 18.9l/km ??
I wonder do ppl rev 6k rpm everytime they drive to get their car advertised hp. They talk as the 10hp is going to shave 5 second from the 0-100.
I wonder if this means P2 will streamline their engine offerings in the future – replace the ones in cars with similar outputs with a single turbocharged 1.0L engine mated to a CVT for the 1.3L Bezza and 1.5L Myvi. Economies of scale?
Nice
Bring it on
Low and old tech engine…
This is not even old tech engine
Rocky is 4×4, is Artiva 4×4
Personally I don’t like the driving experience of a downsized turbo engine car, but a lot of Malaysian like it (asked for it), it’s a good move from Perodua.
Engine reliability no issue as proven under Japs technologies superiority but same power as my old wira. Err. No thanks
So sporty
Can’t please everyone. Most ppl who criticise aren’t actually their customer. I have owned three Peroduas and I am very satisfied with my purchases. I have placed a booking for this car. Hopefully I can get it in time before SST exemptions expiry on 30 June 2021.
this is not the first for Daihatsu though. in fact, it was the first in the world to come with 1.0 litre DOHC engine with 4 valve per cylinder, fuel injected and turbocharged. and this was some time in 1986 and the car is called Daihatsu Charade GTti.
it has 100bhp and it was one of the earliest cars to break the 100bhp/tonne in the world. this 1KR-VET is nothing new.
This could be a sign that Toyota will use turbocharged engines in their cars like Corolla, Camry etc. in near future.
But unfortunately, toyota wants to move on hybrid cars/electric cars to reduce CO2 emission, this is very good move too. Actually, toyota has decided not to produce turbo engine but slowly stoping producing turbo engines just like Harrier UX60 used to have turbocharged engine but with Harrier UX80, it no longer comes with turbo engine but only comes with Dynamic Force Engine and Hybrid. But as I mentioned earlier above, Dynamic Force Engine is also good sign to have which makes pursuing high efficiency and low fuel consumption as well as having a direct feeling, smooth and pleasant acceleration performance.
Still waiting for Perodua hybrid. Dah janji bila nak datang?
Dear Jonathan. From the picture above, TO ME, humbly (correct me if I’m wrong), it seems that the engine would be fitted with a “TOP-MOUNT” intercooler instead of a “FRONT MOUNTED” version.
I noticed the compressed air pipe running upwards (coming out from behind the wastegate actuator) towards a would-be like a top-mount intercooler next to the air filter box… like many of Daihatsu’s previous turbo incarnations (K3vet, JBjl, JBdet, Efdet etc) to save space and reduce pipe length / lag, vis-a-vis better turbo spool / response
The engine image here is of the Daihatsu Thor kei-car, which indeed uses a top-mounted intercooler. The Rocky uses a front-mounted intercooler as it has a much larger engine bay. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to an appropriate image of the 1KR-VET in that specific configuration.
As always it will be fun when driving this
P2 all the way
Talking about Perodua, is talk about the good RV cars!
Is it the same with Raize/Rocky or are we getting a de-tuned etc version??
Handsome looker
Ativa 1Nm cost RM446.43 to RM524.29
Aruz 1Nm cost RM515.23 to RM550.57
H1 1Nm cost RM434.91 to RM526.52
X50 1Nm cost RM350.44 to RM405.10
How about RM/second?
For a reality usable cost
Ko dah kenapa mat? first time aku jumpa org kira torque per RM
Buying an SUV will definitely need to choose more torque and get more powerful car driving force.
Without balance shaft to mitigate the three pot imbalance, later down the road when the car gain mileage, the engine will shake, and end up always change the engine mount. Looks promising but then without proper balance shaft, no matter how you tweaks the crankshaft,it will vibrate.
With all the safety features all over the range, I think this will be another Top Seller for Perodua. Just saw an article today, mentioning that this Perodua Ativa with 1.0L turbo engine actually matches the X50 in 0-100 time.
Ya, a lot of “women” will like this cute car as their grocery shopping cart.
Instead of axia 1.0 putting turbo. They should’ve put the turbo on the 1.5 myvi engine. That would be beautiful. Sure even the i8 and the f30 318i had 3 cylinders but those had refinement worked into the engine and with fluid engine mounts. Perodua isn’t the greatest in terms of refinement though their new myvi is pretty good in terms of refinement and even handling
Why are Malaysians so content with low powered cars. There’s something about having a vehicle with more power. Cmon guysss
Important is reliability that could run longer and safety that saves passengers and drivers. Vehicle power is not necessary at all.
Cute car
Suitable for “women” as a grocery shopping cart.
“switching the engine off when decelerating from 9 km/h (up from 7 km/h)”
This is such a BIG turn off. Super annoying and more expensive battery replacement. Be prepare to spend 2x more on battery.And it’s very annoying in traffic jam when the engine is constantly turning on and off every few sec.
The rear suspension is too soft when the car is loaded with full passengers. It’s almost similar to the Kembara model. Some noise also noticed from the rear wheels.
Different cars have different design goals; why bother comparing ATIVA with X50 or Almera. Different design goals altogether. Perodua’s overall design goal is affordability for sure.
hello I would like to know the reference of the gearbox of this vehicle…thank you