2023 Toyota Vios D92A based on DNGA platform, next-gen B-segment sedan co-developed with Perodua?

2023 Toyota Vios D92A based on DNGA platform, next-gen B-segment sedan co-developed with Perodua?

They have not said anything and they probably never will, but could Toyota have worked with Perodua on the next-generation Toyota Vios? It’s speculation on our part, but there are some clues.

This week, Toyota Thailand released the first official teasers of the next-generation Toyota Yaris Ativ, which is the sedan version of the ASEAN Yaris hatchback – we in Malaysia know this B-segment sedan as the Vios and will be calling it as such from here. The Vios is an ASEAN heavyweight, a household name, and one of the most popular cars in the region.

The new Vios will make its world debut in Thailand on August 9, and the teaser shows – in exact order – a fastback-style sloping roofline with a windowline trim that’s accented at the end; a face with L-shaped LED DRLs and a big lower grille with a prominent chin; a Mazda-style horizontal dashboard that’s heavy on red; LED tail lamps with sequential turn signals; and an overall profile with a long cabin and super short boot.

2023 Toyota Vios D92A based on DNGA platform, next-gen B-segment sedan co-developed with Perodua?

From top: D92A Toyota Vios, Daihatsu DN F-Sedan Concept from GIIAS 2017

Word is that the new D92A Vios sits on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, which underpins models like the Perodua Ativa/Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize as well as the new Perodua Alza/Toyota Avanza and Veloz/Daihatsu Xenia. DNGA is like Toyota’s TNGA, but for compact cars. Compact car expert Daihatsu is of course a subsidiary of the big T, and by virtue of that, Perodua is under the giant umbrella.

That steering wheel looks familiar? It’s the same one used in the Perodua Ativa and Myvi facelift. The new Vios’ curved roofline is unusual in this segment, but a small sedan with a four-door coupe-style roof was previewed by the Daihatsu F-Sedan Concept back in 2017. We’ve been covering Indonesian motor shows live since 2011 and have witnessed seemingly fancy concepts turn into reality – check out this early vision of the Ativa/Rocky from 2015.

Now, Perodua working together with Daihatsu to come up with joint models isn’t something new. The Ativa and Alza are some of the fruits of the collaboration. These joint models are sold as Toyotas too, but Daihatsu typically takes the lead in co-branded models in Indonesia (Daihatsu is not present in Thailand).

In cases where there’s a JDM model involved – such as the Ativa/Rocky/Raize – P2 has its people in the development team in Japan from the start. When it comes to ASEAN-only models such as the Alza/Avanza, Rawang has equal if not more say than its counterpart in Indonesia due to the Malaysian company’s superior R&D capabilities, even if Astra Daihatsu Motor has the volume advantage.

This Low MPV Genting hill climb group benchmark sighting is an example of Perodua’s ASEAN R&D/testing activities, although the bulk of it happens behind closed doors – P2 has a sprawling test track in Sg Choh that has a high speed “parabolica” banked curve and sections that simulate a variety of local conditions, including very realistic simulations of the PLUS highway. Nothing as severe as Genting, though.

This may come as a shock to those who still think of Perodua as a rebadge company slapping on bumpers to JDM models, but that’s all in the past. The Bezza is a pure-P2 design, with no equivalent sedan in Indonesia or Japan, and the third-gen Myvi is P2’s original design, exported to Indonesia as the Daihatsu Sirion.

2023 Toyota Vios D92A based on DNGA platform, next-gen B-segment sedan co-developed with Perodua?

In 2020, Perodua declared its ambition to be an ASEAN R&D hub for Daihatsu, which is owned by Toyota

In the manufacturing department, P2 has an extensive local vendor network (Ativa was launched with 95% local content, and this is the norm, not the exception) and its own engine factory, which also supplies NR engines to Toyota for the Vios/Yaris. Rawang also manufactures certain related models for Toyota – the Rush and upcoming Veloz are current examples. It’s a lot more integrated than we think.

With full upper body design capability long in the bag, Perodua in 2020 announced that it wants to be an R&D hub for ASEAN and develop models with – and for – Daihatsu. Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said then that P2’s aim is to design vehicles not just for Malaysia but for Indonesia and Thailand as well, and the company is working very hard to be the R&D hub in the region.

“In terms of R&D, at this moment Perodua R&D, in terms of testing equipment, investment and facilities, is bigger than Indonesia,” the P2 chief declared then.

Perodua also then showed a strategic direction presentation graphic (attached above) with the Ativa plus four future unidentified DNGA-based models, but Zainal pointed out that not all would be Perodua models. “These four new models may not necessarily be Perodua models. When we achieve the level of R&D to become an ASEAN hub, we will design a model even for Daihatsu,” he said. The DNGA-based Alza ticks off one of those four boxes, with three to go.

Is the next Vios one of those? We’ll probably never know, as it’s not really the Japanese way to put your hands up and claim credit ahead of your senior.

GALLERY: D92A Toyota Vios teaser

GALLERY: Daihatsu DN F-Sedan Concept from GIIAS 2017

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Great Job Perodua. Malaysia Boleh!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 2
  • Civic Turbo 2018 on Jul 27, 2022 at 9:26 am

    Is no secret Perodua = Daihatsu
    And Daihatsu =daughter of Toyota

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 2
    • Kanasai on Jul 27, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      If that is true, then P2 had scammed us as a national car brand when they are nothing of that sort. They should be an Inquiry on how they had been cheating Malaysians all these decades and like a certain exPM made to pay back all their illgotten gains plus penalties.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 10
  • Piano on Jul 27, 2022 at 9:26 am

    Good to hear that EPB with Autohold is fitted for this new Vios

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
  • autodriver on Jul 27, 2022 at 9:36 am

    Hope Toyota this time will bring Vios not only a new chassis of DNGA but also new powertrain. It is actually good option to put 1.0T pair with DCVT just like Ativa into new Vios. I believe there are still many sedan lovers will pick Vios over Ativa even if they sharing the same powertrain.

    Toyota can remain it ultra reliable 1.5NA but this powertrain is lame in current market. It is good to have an option other than the 1.5NA.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 5
    • Might be not. 1.5 NA Engine is also good too. Reliable and cheaper to maintain. But just have to wait and see what engines will offer

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 0
      • Autodriver on Jul 27, 2022 at 6:18 pm

        1.5NA is super reliable but it has been too long in the market with only minor update. Since it is DNGA chassis it is compatible to fit the 1.0T engine, this can give a fresher feel and additional option to consumer.

        Another good powertrain combo is the 1.2L e-smart hybrid which is similar to Honda IMMD. But the selling price of hybrid is always higher than NA and turbo.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
      • I miss Metramac on Jul 27, 2022 at 10:45 pm

        Dynamic Force Engine is better choice, although it is 1.5L but naturally aspirated. Perodua should also bring dynamic force engine to put into new vios for petrol and hybrid version

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Vito Aditya on Jul 27, 2022 at 12:41 pm

      I think the engine will still be 1.5 liter NA engine, except it could be a new motor (M15A-FKS)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Keep dreaming lah bangan, the new Vios is a project of Toyota Daihatsu Engineering and Manufacturing (TDEM) in Thailand. At most, Perodua will only be involved in developing a vehicle if said vehicle is going to be focused towards being a Daihatsu model for our region, which the new Vios isn’t as it is sold as a Toyota only model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 34
    • Already read the last part as mentioned that Perodua said will not be necessarily have to be for four new Perodua models. So this will be sold as Toyota Vios to replace current gen Vios

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 6
    • Pakar Ciplak on Jul 27, 2022 at 5:14 pm

      Vios was started by Thai Toyota in early 2000s as retaliation against Msian govt for delaying cheating the Asean AFTA agreement for the sake of some protected species that afraid of open fair competition.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
  • Jaguh Global on Jul 27, 2022 at 10:17 am

    New Toyota Vios 1.5L = RM75K-95K

    New Bezza (Myvi Sedan/Vios platform) = RM35K-50K
    Bezza 1.0L – RM35K
    Bezza 1.3L – RM40K
    Bezza 1.5L – RM50K

    Bye bye Sayonara adios takziah RIP to Proton Saga & Persona Lipas.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 35
    • Stephensen on Jul 27, 2022 at 11:33 am

      Yes, Daihatsu SEA insider confimed that new sedan coming to Perodua lineup to replace Bezza or Myvi sedan based on DNGA B – segment platform end of 2023 or mid 2024. Same goes for the new Axia based on DNGA A – segment platform coming end of 2022 or mid 2023.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 12
      • Bezza won’t likely rebadge Vios. Need to wait for Perodua models. Perodua mentioned not necessarily for four new models

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 11
    • Bezza unlikely to rebadge Vios. Perodua mentioned not necessarily have to perodua for four new models

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 10
      • Doomsday on Jul 27, 2022 at 2:14 pm

        New Bezza should be based on Myvi sedan (add rear boot) so as to minimize cost and streamline existing parts. It is wider like current Myvi so it’ll eliminate the hideous tonggek rear design.

        The overall body shape will be proportionate and looks a proper b-seg sedan like Honda City. Nothing odd or weird tall midget anymore.

        The new Bezza (Myvi Sedan) will continue to be the giant killer like it does previously until some China brother need to come rescue the deep sinking delusional jaguh global neighbour.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 8
        • Yeah, so this Bezza is unlikely to rebadge Vios. Perodua already mentioned that not necessarily to sell for four new Perodua models. Bezza is just small car and can’t compete with Myvi. Bezza can only compete with Saga

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 11
    • Wonder how much Perodua is paying you to promote this, when there are issues with new Alza?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 17
      • Stephensen on Jul 28, 2022 at 12:00 pm

        Im not rep for Perodua or anyone, got to know this info from fromer co worker curruently working at Daihatsu SEA.

        May I know what issues with the new Alza, because Im shopping for new car to replace my 16 yaer old City and the new Alza does ticks my boxes when it comes to safety/fuel?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
        • John Gagal on Jul 29, 2022 at 9:26 am

          Issues with the new Alza is that the bookings received so insanely high it caused zero sales to Proton Exora and Ertiga celup.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Imagining a Boxy Hatchback for AE86 Tofu Shop Body Wrap styling.

    Love that Porsche low dashboard maximized visibility for driving Fun and Comfort.
    Chill and relax. Also looks like the Mazda MX-5 Miate low slung dashboard style.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • seancorr on Jul 27, 2022 at 11:08 am

    Perodua doesn’t shout and brag like it’s bigger brother in Malaysia. Always the quiet type holds the title for sales.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 4
    • Celup King on Jul 27, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      There is no need to be shouting when they should be ashamed to call themselve national carmaker when in truth they are just national car rebadger unlike it’s bigger brother in Malaysia, a real national carmaker.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
      • Pakar Ciplak on Jul 27, 2022 at 5:08 pm

        Suzuki Ertiga says hello.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
        • Lolwhut? on Jul 28, 2022 at 9:03 am

          Toyota BRZ … opps, says Hi. And so as Toyota Mazda3… Toyota Z4… also says Hi.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • did you not read the article? it mentions that p2 does a lot more r&d now and the bezza is 100% p2 design.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • kingkong on Jul 27, 2022 at 3:42 pm

    Can pass euro ncap first of all ? Please dont use ancap cap ayam milo tin standard.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Ground europe passenger on Jul 27, 2022 at 3:49 pm

    Hopefully finally a proper b segment sedan like vios/city selling under rm60k in malaysia. A proper 4 cylinder NA timing chain engine with 4 AT or not punch cvt please.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
    • 4AT is already way outdated. CVT is more advanced but as long as more smooth and reliable like Aisin CVT or Daihatsu CVT

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • Ghostrider on Jul 28, 2022 at 8:47 am

    Proud to know that P2 had the capabilities of design their own new models plus for the Daihatsu/Toyota instead of just rebadge and design new bumpers for the outgoing model. Congrats. Hope the news is true.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • Betol Tak? on Jul 28, 2022 at 9:43 am

      It’s true if new Bezza is Myvi Sedan then Proton will cease to only rebadge Geely cars as their own product Saga and Persona will suffer zero sales.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
      • But doesn’t mean that Bezza can rebadge Vios and Bezza is small car and can’t compete with Myvi. Also, Perodua already mentioned and said not necessarily have to be four new models as perodua

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 4
    • Yes, at least Perodua have their own. Even toyota/daihatsu have done their contribution.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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