What we know so far about the Perodua D55L SUV

Codenamed as the D55L, Perodua’s upcoming SUV has already grabbed a lot of attention and hype in Malaysia much before its launch. It started making the rounds on the internet in May 2019 and during the Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu’s move of showcasing an unnamed subcompact SUV based on the DNGA platform gave a strong indication that it will be the basis for the upcoming Perodua D55L. 

Later, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad reinforced this notion when he stated, “our next model will use the DNGA platform,” without revealing any other details. The automaker always remains very tight-lipped when it comes to its new models and the same is the case with the market leader’s first compact SUV. 

Some earlier reports suggested that the D55L will be coming in the second half of 2020, but back in August, the company stated that due to the pandemic, the launch schedule for the D55L had to be adjusted, and it could probably happen in 2021. Recently, the SUV has been spotted with heavy camouflage outside the Road Transport Department.

So, waiting for the Perodua D55L launch? Here we bring all the details of the SUV we know so far.

Perodua D55L Exterior design and dimensions

Perodua’s upcoming SUV is a close cousin of the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize twins, so the design cues would be similar to those but it is not expected to be a straight rebadge. As per the spy shots, the SUV’s overall profile does not differ from the Japanese relatives, but the changes at the front and rear could be spotted. In terms of lightning, it is likely to get all-LED lights units including headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps, and rear combination lamps with signature highlights. At the sides, powered wing mirrors and large wheel arches would be included.

Dimensionally, the Daihatsu Rocky measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,525 mm. These numbers should also apply to the Perodua SUV as the two SUVs underpin the same architecture.

Perodua D55L Interior

The D55L cabin will feature a five-seat layout with decent space for passengers seating at the front and back. In terms of connectivity and infotainment features, it could equip a large 9.0-inch touchscreen display, which is unlikely to get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support as none of the Perodua models offer this connectivity feature and it seems that the D55L would not break this tradition. Other expected interior highlights include 7-inch MID, automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver seat, and mechanical handbrake.

Perodua D55L Engine and transmission

Under the hood, the upcoming compact SUV might get the engine used in the Japanese cousins. That is a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline mill generating 98 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of peak torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. The engine features DOHC, variable valve timing, 12 valves, an idling stop system, as well as a continuously variable transmission. If the SUV actually gets this mill, it would be the first Perodua model to get a turbocharged engine and a gearbox, other than the conventional torque converter automatic.

Perodua D55L Safety net

As for safety, we can expect a slew of active and passive features on the Perodua D55L specs sheet. These include six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-Hold, reverse parking sensor with camera, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist would also be there, given that the Axia, Aruz, Myvi, and Bezza equip this safety suit. It covers: 

• Pre-collision warning
• Pre-collision braking
• Front departure alert
• Pedal misoperation control

Also read: Daihatsu Rocky clinches a five-star JNCAP safety rating

Perodua D55L Rivals

If we go by its purported dimensions, the D55L is not in the league of the much-hyped Proton X50 and its competitors such as the Honda HR-V, Subaru XV, and recently launched Hyundai Kona. Perodua SUV seems to be an A-segment SUV, but falling in the compact SUV category brings it head-to-head against these players.

Also read: Proton X50: Same price, other options

Perodua D55L Price

Perodua’s most expensive 7-seater Aruz is priced at RM 68,526 while the top-spec Myvi hatchback retails at RM 52,697. Lying between these two models, the upcoming SUV could be priced somewhere between this range.

Also read: All you need to know about 2020 Perodua Myvi