THERE is probably no such thing as good or bad timing to unveil a new product even amid concerns that the current economic environment may be pose a bane to demand.
In this regard, it is only right to assume that Perodua must have done an in-depth market diligence before deciding to announce today that its D55L – the most advanced Perodua yet – is open for booking.
The second national car manufacturer is making the X, H and AV variants available at prices estimated between RM62,500 and RM73,400 (on-the-road before insurance in Peninsular Malaysia).
“The Perodua D55L is the first model under the Perodua Smart Build blueprint, spearheading breakthroughs for Perodua in style, safety, technology, equipment levels and value,” commented Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
The D55L is said to be a close relative of the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize twins, both of which went on sale in Japan last November.
Among the D55L’s headlining features is its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA). Available on all variants, the latest ASA features higher operating speeds than the current version and is capable of detecting two-wheeled vehicles.
Also available on all variants are lane departure warning and prevention, while the top AV exclusively gets lane keep control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
All these features make the Perodua D55L the first Perodua model to satisfy Level 2 autonomous driving standards.
“True to our aim to continually bring more and more advanced technology to the masses, the Perodua D55L AV is Malaysia’s most affordable Level 2 autonomous vehicle, bringing state-of-the-art safety and convenience to a wider audience,” noted Zainal.
“SUVs remain very much in demand, and the Perodua D55L is our trendiest offering in this regard. Its compactness, contemporary style and modern features make it the perfect companion for day-to-day urban lifestyles.”
The Perodua D55L is also Perodua’s first turbocharged vehicle in line with the global downsized forced-induction trend, and the first Perodua to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), contributing to a class-leading rated fuel efficiency of 18.9 km/l.
Elsewhere, LED headlamps are standard across the range, while H and AV variants get adaptive driving beam, a seven-inch TFT multi-info display and a nine-inch touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition.
The X and H variants are available in glittering silver, granite grey and cobalt blue, with the H variant also available in pearl diamond white and pearl delima red. The last three colours are new for Perodua.
The top AV comes in glittering silver, granite grey, pearl diamond white, pearl pomegranate red, or the last two colours with a black roof. A five-year/150,000 km warranty is offered. – Feb 19, 2021
Photo credit: ZigWheels.my
