Perodua D55L: Cars the upcoming SUV will rival

Perodua is working on its version of Daihatsu Rocky, christened D55L SUV for the domestic market, expected to barge in towards the end of this year. While details surrounding the upcoming model is yet scarce, the SUV has been grabbing headlines for all good reasons. Several sightings have been reported during test runs, though Perodua has managed to keep things under the wrap. With so much curiosity already created for the upcoming model, it is one of the highly awaited SUVs in Malaysia.

As mentioned in the beginning, the D55L will be heavily inspired by Daihatsu Rocky and will use Daihatsu’s New Global Architecture (DNGA) underpinnings. It will also share some parts and components with the Japanese model. As for the visual appeal, expect D55L to be styled in tandem with other Perodua cars, sporting some quintessential elements. Inside the car will feature a five-seat layout, and equip a host of comfort/connectivity features. Under the skin, there could be a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged unit paired to a CVT gearbox, though a 4WD system is unlikely to keep costs under check, Perodua could offer a hybrid variant in the line-up. Upon its arrival, the SUV will go squarely against Proton’s upcoming X50, set for launch sometime this year, and other popular models in the sub-four meter segment. Here is a look at models that Perodua D55L could be a threat to.

Before we begin discussing rivalling models, let us have a look at the expected Perodua D55L specs sheet and other details.

Starting with the exterior styling, expect the sub-compact SUV to get all-LED lights including full-LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, LED rear combination lamps with signature highlights. At the side, it will feature powered wing mirrors and large wheel arches. The equipment list is expected to include a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, climate control, power adjusting driver’s seat, etc. On the safety front, it could come with the below-listed features.

• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Hill-start assist
• Hill-Hold
• Reverse parking sensor with camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Park assist

Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport is one of the first names to pop out while speaking of sub-four meter SUVs. It has been revered globally ever since its introduction and continues to be a popular choice in the segment. The Malaysian-spec Ford EcoSport is available in two variants-1.5L TREND and 1.5L TITANIUM priced at RM 92,988 and RM 98,120 respectively. Under the hood, it gets a single 1.5-litre petrol unit calibrated to pump out 110 PS of maximum power at 6,300 rpm and top torque of 142 Nm at 4,400 rpm. This engine is paired to a six-speed automatic PowerShift. Some of Ford EcoSport’s key features have been listed below.

• High ground clearance
• Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment unit
• Low NVH levels
• Quiet cabin
• Spacious interior
• Cooled glovebox
• Multiple utility points
• Contemporary design

Honda HR-V

Honda gave its compact SUV, HR-V a facelift last year. Coming from the house of Honda, HR-V is a modish looking SUV, styled in line with Honda’s popular models featuring quintessential elements. Under the skin, it gets a 1.8-litre engine with 142 bhp at 6,500 rpm against 172 Nm of top torque at 4,300 rpm. A hybrid variant has also been added to the line-up, which features a 1.5-litre unit with an electric motor outputting collective power of 152 bhp with 190 Nm. The Honda HR-V is available in four variants with prices starting from RM 108,800. Like other Honda models, this also comes with a host of features, some of which are listed below.

• LED fog lamps
• Paddle shifters
• Ambient meter
• Six airbags
• Cruise control
• Stylish alloy wheels
• Honda Lane watch
• Sporty rear door handles
• Automatic LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights

Toyota CH-R

The Toyota CH-R is available in a single variant in six shades including Black, Green, Metallic Grey, White Pearl, Hydro Blue, and Red Mica. A popular model in the segment, the CH-R received an update last year, and features a host of styling tweaks that further enhance its road presence. Power on the Toyota CH-R is derived from a 1.8-litre unit good for 140 PS at 6,400 rpm along with 171 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm. A seven-speed Sequential Shiftmatic is linked to the 1.8-litre engine. It additionally gets 3 driving modes-Eco, Normal and Sport. Besides, the equipment list also comprises of -

• 6.75-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Puddle lights on side mirrors
• Fog lamp at both ends
• Leather seats
• Dual-zone climate control

Proton X50

Proton is also working on its D55L rival, X50, likely to come out sometime this year. The prototypes of the SUV were previewed last year, and since then there have been multiple sightings of the model, though the test mules were heavily camouflaged, and revealed nothing much. The Geely Binyue/Coolray based SUV will feature the weave grille from X70 in front along with full-LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels among others. A 1.0-litre turbocharged engine with 134 bhp and 205 Nm torque will power the SUV and come with a six-speed unit. Also expect the 174 bhp, 1.5-litre engine with 7-speed DCT to be offered in the carline. The key equipment list will include the following features -

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Voice commands
• Rear AC vents
• Reverse parking camera
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree camera
• Autonomous emergency braking

While full details about the model will be revealed at launch, the above information gives you a fair idea about how it will stack up against rivals in the segment. There is no hint around Perodua D55L price yet, though it is estimated to be priced on par with the competitors.

Also Read: Cars to look out in 2020