With all the hype surrounding the Perodua Ativa and its official launch event tomorrow (March 3), perhaps it’s worth taking a trip down memory lane to a time when motor shows were a thing.
Anyone remember the Daihatsu DN Trec? The concept SUV, which was an evolved version of the FX Concept, was first shown at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, and like many concept cars, it didn’t really stir up public interest. But at the time, Malaysian SUV buyers were already infatuated with the Honda HR-V, and the imminent arrival of the Proton X70 probably drew away much of the attention the DN Trec could have possibly gotten.
During our visit to Japan that year, former Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said that P2 was “seriously considering” the introduction of a compact SUV. “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,” he said.
Little did we know, the DN Trec concept would go on to form the base of Perodua’s most anticipated SUV yet. In terms of styling, the concept is actually much closer to the Toyota Raize in design as opposed to the Rocky. It had the huge gaping lower intake, a slim grille that joined the headlights, plus horizontal LED daytime running lights. Even the wheel design was similar to those on the Raize!
The similarities continue towards the back, chief of which is the tail light and rear bumper design. In fact, much of the curves and soft lines you see on the concept are gone. Instead, the Rocky/Raize/Ativa get a much sharper rump, and the Honda-esque LED reflector headlights design really makes the SUV appear properly modern. The coach doors also didn’t make the cut, naturally.
As for the cabin, well, things aren’t as futuristic as the concept, and understandably so. The hexagonal instrument binnacle and three-spoke steering wheel seem to be the only features retained from the DN Trec concept, whereas the integrated centre display has been replaced by a more conventional freestanding unit. The electronic gear shifter is also swapped out for a gated version, complete with a “Tiptronic” function.
In the engine department, the DN Trec featured a 1.2 litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, while the 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine was optional. Ironically, the latter was the first to make its debut. Daihatsu and Toyota are in the midst of developing a modern hybrid system for the compact SUV, and it is expected to be introduced sometime this year.
If you’ve seen the marketing materials for the Rocky, you’ll know that it’s an SUV aimed at those with an active lifestyle, not that it means much in this pandemic era. Still, the production SUV remained true to its initial cause, which was to offer high levels of practicality and use cases. In Japan, all-wheel drive versions of the Rocky and Raize are available, but it’s unlikely for us to get an AWD Ativa due to cost reasons.
Once again, the Perodua Ativa will be making its official launch tomorrow, and there’s a lot to be excited about. Estimated pricing for the Ativa starts at RM62,500 on-the-road without insurance, and goes all the way up to RM73,400. Further materials regarding the SUV can be found in the links, below.
Our coverage of the 2021 Perodua Ativa D55L SUV
- OFFICIAL: 2021 Perodua D55L SUV open for booking
- Perodua D55L SUV vs Proton X50 and Perodua Aruz
- FIRST LOOK: 2021 Perodua D55L SUV
- 2021 Perodua Ativa SUV leaflet and price list leaked – name confirmed
- VIDEO: Perodua Ativa D55L SUV versus Proton X50
- Perodua Ativa D55L – cheaper in Malaysia compared to the Daihatsu Rocky
- Perodua Ativa SUV: 1KR-VET 1.0L three-cylinder turbo deep dive
- Perodua Ativa D55L SUV – DNGA platform explained
- Perodua Ativa – how its D-CVT is different to other CVTs
- Perodua Ativa D55L SUV – virtual launch on March 3!
- DRIVEN: Perodua Ativa D55L SUV, first impressions
- Perodua Ativa D55L SUV – teaser shows more details
- SPYSHOTS: Perodua Ativa spotted undisguised ahead of March 3 debut – different from the Daihatsu Rocky
GALLERY: Daihatsu DN Trec concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show
GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky in Japan
GALLERY: Toyota Raize in Japan
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Daihatsu Perodua Ativa > all
Daihatsu is such an inspiring carmaker. Daihatsu constantly donating their cars to Perodua for rebadge and their company being managed with their experience, knowledge and management Perodua would be dead long time ago. Thank you Daihatsu for saving our Game Over Perodua, our national auto bumper changer and bodykit maker! Rebadge dulu kini dan selamanya
In mid 2000s, Perodua was restructured, giving its Japanese partner Daihatsu greater say in the affairs of the second national car company. Perodua’s sales and manufacturing divisions were separated into different companies.
The Malaysia-controlled portion is limited only to the sales and marketing division, which is now known as Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd or PSSB.
The most important manufacturing side is now controlled by Daihatsu.
There are three manufacturing subsidiaries:
#Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) makes the Myvi, Alza, and Aruz.
#Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB) makes the Axia and Bezza.
#Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PEMSB), whose Sendayan plant also makes the 1.5-litre 2NR-FE engine for the Toyota Vios and Yaris. The same engine (with different Daihatsu/Perodua specific 2NR-VE code) is also used in the Perodua Myvi, Aruz and Perodua-made Toyota Rush.
These three companies are manufacturing subsidiaries of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd. (PCSB), which is a joint venture between Perodua and Japan’s Daihatsu Motor and Mitsui & Co Ltd.
In short, the Malaysian portion of Perodua (PSSB) controls only sales, marketing and aftersales.
The manufacturing operations, where the bulk of the money is made, is controlled by Daihatsu (and trading company Mitsui) via PCSB.
So while UMW controls 38 percent of the holding company Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (POSB), the ones who hold the key to the company is Still Daihatsu.
The Malaysian-controlled sales arm PSSB has to buy the finished cars from the manufacturing arm PCSB, before delivering the cars to dealers. It is they that influences the selling price of Perodua cars the most.
Perodua’s manufacturing companies are listed by Daihatsu as its subsidiary
Daihatsu Motor lists the three aforementioned Perodua manufacturing companies as its subsidiaries or joint ventures. Still proud to call Perodua a national car company?
101% Comprehensively agreed. Better to keep DRB 100% owned Proton, than sell off to Geely.. We actually very happy with facelifts saga, iriz, exora, persona until 2047…. although own Locals totally incompetent and complete failure to make a better car. Those X50 & X70 on the road such a Big Nuisance… pffftt bikin ayah panas mendidih aje, geng jom gi mamak mengopi saapkok jap
DN Trec = Do Not Trec(track). Basically cannot move. Hahahaha
x kelakar bang….
As above.
Hari-hari ativa, I hampir nak muntah
Ditto.. more than a dozen posts before the car even launched! OMG!
And after launch this normally follows with a clutchful of articles detailing every single angle they can review of a car. If i could bet with Ladbrokes i would put my money this car alone would get >20 postings by the time the hype dies down. A single car alone, imagine that! And it isnt anything ground breaking like a new koenig, or veryon or tesla, no it is just an A segment CUV.
I really seriously blame NAP for doing us a disservice when we(the writers included) can get this much ‘excitement’ from what would have been a truly boring car anywhere else.
Betoii, incoming more than a dozen posts. Celebrate and hidup demokrasi, Power to the people. Ditto Malaysia!
Proton X50 also had a lot of articles last time, so it is fair and square.
yes, all the Proton haters complained about it i know. now its the other way round
Kereta JDM 60ribu dah dekat, riak wey
P2 sales advisors extremely upset of their most brutal blockbuster launching of affordable SUV of 2021. Apparently online reception wasn’t so hot and they had to organise support gangs to drum up hype over their car.
It not help that Rocky/Raize is not anything to shout about. SG car reviews it poorly against Corolla Cross. In you tube there is also a auto journalist who list down the real downside of buying the Rocky/Raize/Ativa(10 reasons not to buy).
It is brutal competition,cos P2 isreportedly faced with worsening sales figure after the Jan high in part of Dec spillover. Due to covid and SST tax free,people are careful with their car choices and prefer to buy value rather than the lowest price.
Anyway,bring it on,Perodua.School aready reopened. Let Proton school you on providing value for money cars once again.
Iriz Active is much more nicer than Daihatsu DN Trec especially the interior.
Ada orang menyamar jadi saya kat sini. Itu je saya nak cakap. Sekian terima kasih
Come now. If your impostor brings in more dupe traffic and repeatedly smashing the like (or dislike) buttons ups the web hits, you think they actually cared. Nuh uh.
Just accept that your identity here have been sold to the highest bidder, and in this case: perodua.
Cash is King, bradda.
if they kept it like the concept car, i would have bought it in a heartbeat.
Personally, i think toyota raize has the best looking design among all.
Why cant they just continue on with the concept’s design. Its production ready, its normal, its simple and rounded and solid. The production version seems fussier, more busy, too sharp.. and with the Ativa trying to cater our market, the weird sharp fog lights and rear bumpers just seems cheap.