How Much Of The Myvi Is Actually Perodua?

By Naveen Victor

We all know that Perodua don't make their own cars, they build cars based on models produced by Daihatsu, which begs the question how much of the new Myvi is Perodua? Perodua an abbreviation for Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sendirian Berhad is Malaysia’s second largest automotive manufacturer. Established in 1993, Perodua formed a partnership with Daihatsu allowing the Malaysian marque to rebadge Daihatsu models.

Based on the Daihatsu Mira, the Kancil achieved good sales figures here in Malaysia

Unlike Proton who now builds its own cars, Perodua merely redesign the look of Daihatsu models without messing with the engine and mechanicals. Since Daihatsu is under Toyota, Perodua gets to enjoy some of the finer things in life such as getting an efficient DVVT(Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) technology.

First generation Daihatsu Sirion

At a glance, its clear that the Perodua Myvi is a restyled Sirion

So, the question is how much of a Perodua is actually Perodua and how much of it is Daihatsu? Well, the latest generation car is based on the second generation Sirion/Passo and is by far the best Myvi yet. It comes with the bells and whistles that were unheard off in a Myvi just a few years ago. This makes it extremely good value for money and with the help of the S-Series line has contributed to Perodua’s sales growth this year.

Second generation Perodua Myvi

Based on the Daihatsu Sirion/ Toyota Passo, the new Myvi comes in a number of trim levels and is offered with two engine choices. You can either opt for the 1.3-litre engine (K3-VE) or go all out and get the “pocket-rocket” edition, the 1.5-litre (3SZ-VE).

Both engines are Toyota sourced units while the body and other mechanicals come from Daihatsu. Just like the exterior, the interior of the latest Myvi was made specifically for the car meaning; the Passo and the Sirion don’t get the same thing.

Unlike the previous generation, the latest Myvi has a more attractive interior

The Extreme edition comes with the best equipped interior

Built by Denso, the dashboard features a more premium design with the 6-inch touch screen infotainment system taking centre stage. Just like the Alza, the gear lever of the Myvi has now been integrated with the dashboard, giving it a van-like appearance. But as a whole, the Myvi is 60% Daihatsu, 20% Toyota and 20 % Perodua. Though it’s still made up of hard plastics and lacklustre styling, it offers more equipment than many B-segment cars, is economical, cheap to run and is basically an imported car that’s built locally.

Perodua’s Myvi is probably the envy of Proton. Despite the national automaker’s best efforts to introduce more attractively priced cars, the Myvi continues to dominate the segment and will probably continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Source : http://my.news.yahoo.com (via Motor Trader Malaysia)