Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

What is DNGA, you ask? It’s short for Daihatsu New Global Architecture, much like parent company Toyota’s own TNGA. It’s a brand new platform that entered the Japanese market as recently as 2019, and this is significant to us as it means that Perodua is getting the very latest platform, engine and transmission from Daihatsu. For your reference, the current Myvi runs a modified version of the second-gen Myvi’s platform, which had its roots from the 2010 Daihatsu Boon/Toyota Passo.

The fact that the Daihatsu Rocky and the Toyota Raize is sold in Japan is also worth noting, as we are now getting a bonafide JDM twin in the Ativa. In contrast, the Aruz is a model designed for emerging markets, i.e. Indonesia and Malaysia. You won’t find its seven-seater Indonesian twins Daihatsu Terios and Toyota Rush in Japan, that’s for sure. DNGA is also a unibody/monocoque base, which is a lot more sophisticated than the Aruz’s more utilitarian rear-wheel drive ladder frame architecture.

Modular and CASE-ready (connected, autonomous, shared, electric)

Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

Like most modern platforms, DNGA was designed to meet a number of criteria, which includes connectivity and autonomous driving technologies, as well as future electrification plans. Modifying existing Daihatsu platforms to be CASE-ready would be too costly and time consuming, so a brand new solution was deemed necessary “to swiftly launch products in emerging markets, where competition is expected to become increasingly fierce,” according to the Japanese carmaker.

DNGA is a modular platform that will be used to underpin Daihatsu’s entire range of cars, specifically JDM kei cars, as well as A- and B-segment models (designated DNGA-A, DNGA-B) for domestic and international markets. Having mastered the “smallest details” of small car manufacturing, Daihatsu came up with a redesigned concept to have as many shared parts as possible between new models, which will lead both to high quality at affordable prices and greater development efficiency.

Faster, cheaper development of new models

Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

Key components such as suspension, underbody, engine, transmission and seats were all developed from scratch and updated at the same time. Daihatsu says the modularity of DNGA allows parts sharing between models to exceed 75%, shortening the development time of new models by 50%. The capital investments of developing and launching a new product is also reduced by 30%.

This significantly reduces operational costs over time, and whatever savings made can be used to add more features to the cars, benefitting customers. Shorter development times also mean the brand can offer fresher, more up to date products, reacting quicker to any changes in market trends. Now equipped with the new platform, Daihatsu intends to release 15 body types and 21 models by the end of 2025, with a targeted annual production volume of 2.5 million vehicles by then. That’s a massive target to say the least.

Goal: class-beating stability and comfort

Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

Daihatsu’s development of the new platform started with the suspension, with an updated geometry that prioritises stability and comfort, optimising vehicle behaviour and responses on various road surfaces. The total number of moving parts have also been reduced, which results in a lighter chassis.

The Rocky and Raize use a brand new MacPherson setup up front and a torsion beam for the rear. These were developed from scratch with optimised mounting points and reduced weight, yet at the same time offer a stable ride with minimal body roll, Daihatsu says. Vibrations experienced on undulating surfaces are also neutralised more quickly with this setup. The platform’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels will be up to class standards for the next 10 years, Daihatsu claims.

Lighter but safer – increased chassis rigidity, ultra high-tensile steel mix

Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

A major change for Daihatsu chassis design is the linking of force-application points at the front and rear of the vehicle, smoothening the transmission of force through the frame. This improves the underbody’s collision safety performance and strength, and more significantly allows the chassis to be both more rigid and lighter than before. Using the Tanto kei-car as an example, the latest DNGA model is 30% more rigid and 80 kg lighter than its direct predecessor.

The DNGA upper body also utilises thicker, high-tensile-strength steel plates (10% more than before), further aiding rigidity and safety. Meanwhile, the crumple zones have also been redesigned to increase the efficacy of the absorption and dissipation of kinetic energy during a collision.

The Rocky scored the full five star Japan New Car Assessment Programme (JNCAP) crash safety rating in 2019, being only the second Daihatsu model to do so. You can watch the JNCAP crash safety test videos below. We’re expecting the Perodua Ativa, with all its passive and active safety features, to bag the full five-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating as well.

As a recap, the Ativa will get six airbags, electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention as standard. The range-topping Ativa AV will add on Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control to the mix.

Designed together with newly-developed engine and transmission

Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform – what is it, and how is it different from TNGA?

DNGA was developed together with new engines and transmissions, as to achieve significant improvements in all aspects. In the case of the Rocky, it gets the 1KR-VET 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a D-CVT drivetrain. We’ve already covered the engine in a deep dive story, and we’ll do the same for the transmission soon.

Suffice to say, DNGA, together with the entire package, is a pretty substantial generational leap forward from Perodua’s existing platforms and vehicles, and clearly a step in the right direction.

More DNGA models to come from Perodua?

Theoretically, all DNGA-based models, regardless of body type or size, can be built along the same production line. It’s the backbone of modular engineering anyway. By that logic, the Ativa SUV will be the first of many DNGA-based Perodua models to come. In 2020, P2 invested the better part of RM500 million on the modernisation and expansion of its plant in preparation of the Ativa, so you best bet there’s more DNGA-based models to come with that kind of investment.

Next in line should be the next-generation D27A Alza, perhaps with the hybrid technology already previewed at KLIMS 2018, or a turbo option if the Ativa’s boosted engine gets good response. So there you have it, the bigger picture that is the Daihatsu New Global Architecture. Like we said, the Ativa is only just the beginning.



GALLERY: Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)


GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky Japan NCAP crash test
GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky in Japan

GALLERY: Toyota Raize in Japan

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Compact SUV on Feb 23, 2021 at 8:32 pm

    Very good information

    Better than other source
    Tq Paultan crews

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 0
    • Nurul Mardiana on Feb 23, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      Should i let go my X50 booking? Sigh in big dilemma, pls advice gais.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 2
      • benlau on Feb 23, 2021 at 9:40 pm

        x50 is more comfortable,quieter, more powerful, bigger, more features and better interior build quality. If these things is not worth the extra money over Ativa, then get the Ativa! saves you some money.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 1
        • Ativa is also more quieter, reliable, safer and better build quality. All Ativa variants also come with AEB and Lane Departure Warning

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 7
          • Osim Massage Chair on Feb 24, 2021 at 7:18 am

            Sound like the best car in the world

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
          • Quieter hahaha what a joke P2 and most of the T and D brand is one of the noisiest car for Segment A-C cars with NVH more than 75Db

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 13
      • John Geli on Feb 23, 2021 at 10:30 pm

        Yes you better cancel X50 booking because DNGA – Don’t Need Geely Anymore.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 7
        • Celup King on Feb 23, 2021 at 11:47 pm

          DNGA from Japan means Don’t Need Greedy Arses from Japan. When the buying stops so as the killing will. Say no to Perodua!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 30
          • Yo, Perodua is making real game changer. You may not know that you feel that will make you experience even more better when driving this.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 4
          • Celup King on Feb 24, 2021 at 1:22 am

            Perodua fans keep saying their making real game changers but what game did they really change? They continue to sell more at bottom basement segment and never threatened Proton’s position higher up. Meanwhile Proton continue to steadily eating up non-national marketshare and competing equally with their cars and winning. So in truth the real game changer is Proton.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 15
        • Amran on Feb 24, 2021 at 12:45 am

          We should give thanks to Proton & Geely for challenging Daihatsu & Toyota to give this stunning car to Perodua for rebadging. If we did not have X50, today we only see a jacked up ‘SUV’ Myvi with no turbo engine and only ancient 4AT. So kudos goes to Proton/Geely and credits goes to Daihatsu for giving us this car. Perodua gets 0 point for not doing anything except changing bumpers.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 18
          • Amran Khan on Feb 24, 2021 at 6:22 am

            x70, x50 rebadge of geely? eh oppss. pftt

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
          • PEJUANG on Feb 24, 2021 at 9:53 am

            Perodua played a part in the development of the car.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
          • Copy Paste on Feb 24, 2021 at 11:37 am

            Copy paste: ““If you’re talking about the model(Rocky) 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(P2 CEO) revealed.”

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
          • Amran on Feb 24, 2021 at 3:32 pm

            BUURRNNN!!!!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • SHAHUL HAMEED MOHAMED IBRAHIM on Feb 24, 2021 at 11:19 am

          Right on man!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • when Ativa available at dealer lot, Go to the showroom, sit inside front/rear, feel the cabin, touch all the materials, find the best seating position for your size, must have steering adjustment for up/down and fwd/back,then go out for testdrive, write down things you likes/dislikes, repeat the process with X50, go home then compare both notes. Better wait after 6 months then repeat above step. Take as much time as u need. No pressure. Another trick is to rent these SUVs for the whole day/night from available rental service providers. Go on your familiar D2D routes, B roads & Highway in your chosen time throughtout the day & night

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 0
      • Gud things comes to those who wait. If u have to wait long that means its a better car.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
      • Don’t release your booking first. Test drive this Ativa then decide. I cancel my booking on my x50 standard model due to wait for this Ativa. Not rush. I personally feel x50 too cramp in. Base on Rocky n Raise, is very spacious. Let see first. Don’t collect your car till you test both and decide.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
        • yawnz on Feb 24, 2021 at 10:48 am

          Rocky/Raize belum datang sini, how do you base your decision on something not here? This story smell fishy.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
      • YB Albert on Feb 24, 2021 at 10:42 am

        Just cancel booking .Don’t waste your time.P1 sales dude said like those early days,don’t choose color,take lowest specs.If still want premium specs,wait 8 months.Book Ativa now n stick to it.before Raya,car is yours.30percent x50 bookings will migrate to Ativa.This is reality.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
        • Amran on Feb 24, 2021 at 3:35 pm

          Where did you get that 30 percent from? Pluck from the sky again? Perodua salesmen sini nak tipu pun agak-agak lah. Make it at least believable and readers just might trust you.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Casual reader on Feb 24, 2021 at 1:41 am

      For those who prefers a neutral user review there is one by @JD in the last article. 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 small cars at more competitive prices with better specs and options for hybrid or EV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • M & B on Feb 23, 2021 at 8:32 pm

    Nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • This 60k Perodua DNGA crossover, my frens and family in Indon, Aussie and thailand dreaming to get. Tengkiu Jepunis!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 3
  • That 1KR-VET wonderful turbo overboost howl at the redline that you never get tired of listening to. Best city and balik kampung cruiser for sure.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
    • Looking good for me.... on Feb 23, 2021 at 9:32 pm

      hopefully can offer similar turbo kits as gearup for myvi, aruz, axia and bezza.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Sounds interesting. Similar goes to TNGA, which also quite useful

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Good

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Jia Ren on Feb 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Bring it on

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Yamseng on Feb 23, 2021 at 9:59 pm

    Better than previous platform

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Kazuma on Feb 23, 2021 at 10:33 pm

    Tanpa varian 4WD, tiadalah sehebat mana..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 7
  • Driver on Feb 23, 2021 at 10:47 pm

    Ppl are still shouting about 98ps vs 103ps myvi like its gonna make a few second difference in quarter mile. Come on ppl. Does ppl really redline everytime to get the advertised hp. And almost all car are “automatic”. Really ppl?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Celup King on Feb 23, 2021 at 11:48 pm

      103PS – can fly
      98 PS – goes like turtle
      Why else ppl care so much about the engine power.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 7
      • But this 1.0 3 cylinder turbo engine (98Hp) is basically same power level as 1.5 Na Engine (103Hp)

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
        • Not really
          Turbo 1.0 ativa engine 98HP – more torque, less top speed
          NA 1.5 myvi engine 103 HP – less torque, but little more top speed

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
          • Why less top speed for Ativa because Ativa uses 3 cylinder turbo 1.0 engine is SUV. And what if Myvi uses 3 cylinder turbo 1.0 engine, top speed will be higher.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • SHAHUL HAMEED MOHAMED IBRAHIM on Feb 24, 2021 at 11:26 am

        Lighter Ativa equal more speed for less

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Toyoda hon on Feb 24, 2021 at 5:28 am

    Japan tech atleast 5years ahead of china China products maybe big package and value for money but jepun products are more innovation effective. People wants something practical for daily use, not a 80k km changing interval timing belt and makan minyak car in 2021.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Watch out Axia & Bezza with turbo after this … MDM to JDM …. P2 success depend on this strategy … Sooooo many JDM lover out there … Hate it or love it , you cant denied this big culture ….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • sam123 on Feb 24, 2021 at 8:51 am

    remember fuel consumption are range ya! cant wait

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • azrai on Feb 24, 2021 at 9:38 am

    The main points for P2 selling so well in Malaysia are low fuel consumption, nimble and easy to drive and maneuver, straight forward tech, no complicated new technology, safe design (why fix when it ain’t broke), more people use it, easy spare part (even can get Jepunis at half cut), better RV since many people use it.
    It is not a secret Toyota is the last carmaker who opted for FWD because it don’t want to take any risk.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
    • shocking FC 13km/litre on Feb 24, 2021 at 10:14 am

      For those looking to buy Ativa to save fuel cost, better you test the FC first before fill the booking form.Toyota Raize is the identical twin Suv for the upcoming Ativa, why not use it as the reference. Found this video on YT recorded on 17 Oct 2020 by CarLifeSingapore channel
      2020 Toyota Raize 1.0 X review
      x is the lowest specs variant
      skip to min 6.30 – 7.24 where the owner said the best FC he and his wife achieve is 12 – 13 km per litre on city day drive from home to office and the same figure from his nightshift highway drive, not even close to 18km per litre as advertised.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UitFYuNCY4&t=5s

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Celup King on Feb 24, 2021 at 10:50 am

      They can sell because Malaysians like ancient dinosaurs.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
      • League of Virunae on Feb 24, 2021 at 11:46 am

        Too easy to influence la-la kepang kerang generation lacking smart consumerism.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Still Perodua haters call it (HANDLING MELAYANG)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Lack of refinements on Feb 24, 2021 at 2:20 pm

      Way more than just ride comfort and handling issue. The lack of Refinement on multiple driver touch points – steering, brake, gear level and seat. lets not discuss the chassis
      Famous quotes on axia’s 1.0L 3cyclinder engine.
      Harvinder Singh: “there’s very bad vibrations even at idle and during acceleration, the clutch has zero weight and feel, the gear lever is loose all the time” unfortunately axia is sloppy to drive, it’s not sorted, the steering is over assisted, the brake are not servo enough, you wouldn’t want to make full throttle maneuover, because the engine gets so noisy”
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd2Sn4raDqY

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Adnan Mat Ali on Feb 24, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    Berapa byk beza keluasan dlman dgn X50

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Big Let Down on Feb 24, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    What a dissappointment. 4WD variant as per original model is not offered in Malaysia.
    We Malaysians always get discounted specification..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • JACKSON on Sep 04, 2022 at 2:47 am

    I used to drive Perodua Myvi EZ1.3 2012 car owner, when Perodua they came out of Ativa, I wanted to buy this ATIVA AV car, why did I buy it because after I experienced it, I realized that Perodua Ativa car is better than mine Myvi was much better before. . . I didn’t say Myvi is bad, but Ativa made me experience a very good feeling. Mini suv also has Turbo. You said that Perodua car is bad, but it can’t compare to X50, X70. But you are wrong! Do you understand the meaning of Perodua’s slogan? We build our people first, before we build our cars!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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