The country’s largest automaker Perodua has always been Malaysians’ choice for quality and affordable cars. Whether one needs a small starter hatchback or a big family vehicle, it has something for everyone. Three of its five models - Myvi, Axia, and Bezza are Malaysia’s top three best-selling models in 2020. To hold on to the customers’ interest and craze for the brand, the company follows the strategy of bringing updated models to the table every year. 

In 2020, Perodua kicked off things in early-January with the launch of the Perodua Bezza facelift, loaded with design and safety upgrades. After that, we saw the updated Myvi back in July, which further boosted the sales of the beloved hatchback with the inclusion of the ASA 2.0 safety suite and a new Blue exterior shade. We also heard the whisperings of a new Myvi Style trim, although nothing such turned up in reality. 

Also, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad dropped clear hints about the brand's upcoming new model in 2020 based on DNGA technologies. But that also could not happen the whole year. Well, now with 2021 right around our corner, we anticipate the Perodua upcoming launches, so let’s have a look.

Perodua D55L

Throughout the year, the market witnessed several spy shots and concept images of the Perodua’s upcoming SUV codenamed, the D55L. Based on the Daihatsu Rocky/ Toyota Raize, it is set to be the brand’s first-ever model to be built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA). However, it is not expected to be a straight rebadge as the spy shots reveal the brand’s specific mods at the front as well as rear fascias. Dimensionally, the Daihatsu Rocky is 3,995 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,525 mm, we expect the same numbers for Malaysian SUV because of the same architecture.

The five-seater D55L is also expected to get a good bunch of connectivity and infotainment features. It may include a 9.0-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, a 7-inch MID, automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver seat, and so on. Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist would also be there, given the fact that almost all Perodua models equip this safety suit. On the mechanical front, the reports suggest a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 98 PS of maximum power and 140 Nm of peak torque.

Also read: What we know so far about the Perodua D55L SUV

New Perodua Alza

Touted as an “MPV for the masses,” the seven-seater Perodua Alza is outfitted with all the big and small necessities that make a trip more comfortable. However, this 11-year model has been overdue for a generation update now, which is most likely to have happened sometime in 2021. Earlier this year, the speculations were all around in the market that the updated MPV would be based on the new Daihatsu Xenia, which is actually a Toyota Avanza with a D badge. 

If this happens, the next-gen Alza will utilise the DNGA platform as well as a downsized turbo mill, with a hybrid possibility. It also appears that the Daihatsu DN Multisix Concept showcased during the 2017 Gaikindo International Auto Show paints an early look at the new Alza replacement model. In terms of safety, the upcoming MPV is supposed to feature a number of safety updates including six airbags, stability control, and an advanced driver-assistance safety system.

New Perodua Axia

The six years old Perodua Axia has been trawling Malaysian roads since 2014, which could also see evolution sometime in 2021. The company brought the second facelift of this little hatchback back in 2019 that featured cosmetic and safety upgrades along with the addition of two new trims. Now for the next year, the experts speculate a new Axia based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) as the Japanese carmaker announced this platform for small cars in Japan as well as emerging markets. 

In the end, we just say that Perodua is an automaker that moves silently, but swiftly. It is hard to know much about the market leader’s impending model launch. However, market analysis and spy shots help a bit to figure out what’s in making. We will be covering each and every bit of the expected Perodua launches in 2021, so stay tuned with us for all the updates.

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