Thursday, October 15, 2009

Full Road Test Perodua Myvi

Full Road Test

If you experience a sense of déjà vu when you see the Perodua Myvi, it's easily explained. No, you don't have extra-sensory powers to see into the future, but you are likely to have seen this car before - just with a different set of badges. The Myvi is Perodua's take on the Daihatsu Sirion, which itself shares the bulk of its bits with the Subaru Justy. To cap it all, all three are based on a pint-pot Toyota, though this model is not sold in Europe.

With those other companies in its credentials, there's no doubt the Myvi is the car to shake off Perodua's cheap and cheerless image in the UK. We've no doubt it will be a reliable helper when it comes to getting about, but it's a shame Perodua doesn't have quite the same confidence to endow it with anything more than a 36,000-mile, three-year warranty. This is all the stranger when Daihatsu and Subaru provide cover for 60,000 miles. Still, the Myvi is well put together, though some of the interior plastics are hard, shiny and missing the visual charm of several other rivals. Given how much Perodua charges for the Myvi, there are also no excuses on the grounds of this car being in the bargain-basement price range. For the same money as the Myvi, there are some brilliant city cars and superminis available, including the Fiat Panda and Ford Fiesta.

For the money, Perodua includes a fair amount of standard luxury gear, covering air-conditioning, CD stereo, electric windows all round, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, metallic paint and electrically adjusted door mirrors. Not on the menu, however, are side or curtain airbags, as only driver and passenger 'bags are fitted. There are also no alloy wheels on offer or sunroof of any description. On the upside, Perodua buyers can choose the EZi model to have a four-speed automatic gearbox instead of the SXi's five-speed manual. Unless you really cannot drive without the aid of an auto, we reckon you're much better off with the manual as the self-shifter dents performance, economy and emissions. The 1.3-litre petrol engine serves up reasonable performance when coupled to the manual gearbox and returns a decent, if unspectacular for the class, 48.7mpg combined economy. The EZi auto comes in at 44.1mpg, with 151g/km carbon dioxide emissions to the manual's 137g/km. Again, neither sets the class alight. It's much the same with how the Myvi drives. Around town, it has light steering and a good turning circle, which makes it a cinch to feed through narrow gaps and to park. The high-set driving position also gives a good view out and it's easy to judge where the car's extremities lie. Head beyond the city limits and the Myvi is much less at home. On the motorway, there's too much road, wind and engine noise for anyone but the most committed owner to contemplate a long journey, while country roads show up the dull handling. There's not too much body lean, but the Myvi misses the grip and balance of a Fiat Panda, and the Perodua's suspension soon looses its composure on rut-strewn roads.

Some compensation comes in the Myvi's surprisingly spacious cabin. Thanks to its tall sides and seats that put its occupants in a comfortable, upright position, there's good head and legroom. The steering wheel only adjusts for angle, but the driver's seat moves for height, so a good driving position is easily attained by most users. Rear seats space is good and the small boot is unhindered by intrusions to make the most of its 255-litre capacity. Fold the 60/40 split rear seats and you have up to 630 litres of cargo space. The Myvi also rewards with low running costs thanks to group 6 insurance and cheap servicing, but it must be remembered that it will not hold its value as dependably as some of its competition. Still, once you're over the feeling of déjà vu, you're not likely to encounter another Perodua Myvi on the road.

Comparison Perodua Myvi and Perodua Viva

Many of you would have watched the new advertisement by Perodua several days ago. Perodua is releasing a new version to replace their older models of Kelisa and Kancil. Rumor has it that the new Perodua D18B would be named Perodua Viva. How big is it? how fast it would go? which design it would take? how much will it cost? how many kilometers per liter? and so on..

The questions that emerges regarding Perodua Viva would be infinite.

Perodua Viva's Pros againts Perodua Myvi
1. Interior lenght would be slightly longer
2. Fuel consumption is better (17.4km/l)
3. Cheaper (of course). (*rumor* 1.0HG is RM38k)
4. Bigger brake lights (guess would be something like Kenari)

Perodua Viva's Cons againts Perodua Myvi
1. Interior width is slightly less wide
2. 660cc and 850cc version might be underpower
3. Design-wise, less attractive (but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder)
4. Possibility of cost reduction parts?

MPV Exora

If this is the real thing, and the price is between RM71K to RM76K, I have only 1 word for it. Wow!
[Update 16 April 2009]It’s true! The Proton Exora picture above is the real thing. Missed the launch yesterday. Did drop by a Proton Edar showroom at 6:30PM, but the car was still covered.
The close encounter was during lunch today. The Exora looks more spacious than other MPVs in its engine class. Even spacier than my 2.0 Citra.
From the front, it looks similar to a Honda, don’t you think?

The Proton Exora, is powered by a 1.6-liter CamPro CPS engine while the transmission is by Mitsubishi. For a MPV that size, not sure how’s the performance. I just hope that it will not be a big letdown like toyota Avanza 1.3. You have to test to find out, but make sure you bring along the whole family.

First impression - for the price between RM69,998 and RM75,998 with good looking exterior design, plus the spacious interior and extended warranty of 175,000km (or five years), this car will be a hot item.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

VIVA ELITE FACELIFT FEATURES SPECIFICATION

PERODUA VIVA ELITE FACELIFT FEATURES SPECIFICATION

By kdi • Jul 23rd, 2009 • Category: ! DAILY LATEST INFO, >" rel="category tag">! WEEKLY CAR HIGHLIGHTS >>, PERODUA

Today, July 23rd 2009, Perodua has launch the new variant of Perodua Viva facelift full spec special or limited edition called the Perodua Viva Elite. We were at one of the main Perodua branch to celebrate the launch of Perodua Viva Elite at 5PM. So here we are going to share the special features that you can get with Perodua Viva Elite facelift special edition.

PERODUA VIVA ELITE FACELIFT SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES SPECIFICATION

VIVA ELITE

Perodua Viva Elite have only one colour for the full spec premium available which is the dark blue. However, there will be silver colour option for the standard variant. The price of Viva Elite is from RM 37900 - RM44900. Basically, Perodua Viva Elite has the same specification as Perodua Viva Ezi full spec with additional “elite” features.

Price Of Perodua Viva Standard and Viva ELite

ViVA Elite EZi = RM44,900

ViVA Elite A/T = RM40,900

ViVA Elite M/T = RM37,900

ViVA 1.0 AT = RM36,900

ViVA 850 MT = RM32,900

ViVA 660 EX MT = RM28,900

ViVA 660 BX MT = RM25,300

PERODUA VIVA ELITE

Above is the picture of front facelift of new Perodua Viva Elite which has the fierce looks and i personally like the facelift of Perodua Viva this time.. The chrome grille with sport light or fog lamp really express the smart look of this cute car. The new bumper design makes this viva elite looks more wide and exlusive. Anyway, the viva elite appearance is just a “mini alphard” i would say.. =)

PERODUA VIVA ELITE SPECIFICATION & PICTURES

The rear part of viva elite is like following the design of first edition of Myvi SE rear bumper.. With a black area at the center that put a sporty looks on the viva elite and the red rear reflector with new bumper design and rear spoiler.

VIVA ELITE SPECIFICATION

The other special features came with the viva elite is the new 14 inch sport rim design, rear spoiler like myvi Ezi spoiler, the LED electronic side mirror also like the one fitted on Myvi and the new interior fabric finishing. The door is fitted with chrome finishing door handle, 4 door power window function and new fabric finishing on the inside.

viva FACELIFT

New design of viva elite rear bumper with black honeycomb design area at the center.

New fabric fitted in the Viva Elite at the top of above picture compare to normal fabric fitted in the standard spec of perodua Viva (bottom of above picture)

viva SPECIFICATION

The same engine fitted in the Perodua Viva Elite and you can see the chrome grille top part in front of the engine. The Perodua viva elite picture (top right) before the launch of Perodua Viva Elite just beside the standard Perodua Viva. New meter panel chrome finishing (Bottom left) in the Viva Elite. The facelift bumper, grille and sport rim of the Viva Elite (bottom right)

Above is the picture of the interior of the new Perodua Viva Elite. With the foot rest on the drivers left foot area for the auto transmission Viva Elite. It has the Radio MP3 CD Player with Bluetooth function the the center dashboard. The 4 speakers fitted at all 4 doors.

Here we also would like to share the actual dimension that we measured using our standard procedure comparing Perodua Viva elite vs Perodua Myvi vs Proton New Saga BLM

ViVa Elite

Perodua ViVa Elite : a new look for the viva

Perodua Viva Elite

Perodua launched the new Perodua ViVA Elite today, aimed at offering the market a variant with a more stylish image compared to the original ViVA. It is an aesthetic modification in the style of the Myvi SE, and at the same time they’ve revamped the model line-up a little.

The ViVA was first introduced with 660cc, 850cc, 1,000cc and 1,000cc premium variants. Now it has restructured the model lineup, offering the 660 BX MT, 660 EX MT, 850 MT, 1.0 AT, 1.0 ELITE MT, 1.0 ELITE AT, and the 1.0 ELITE EZi. That’s three different variants for the new ViVA ELITE.

Perodua Viva Elite

Externally, the ViVA Elite has its own front bumper with integrated foglamps, front grille and its own engine hood design. On the side you’ll see chrome door handles, side skirts, and 14 inch 12-spoke alloy wheels. On the back you’ll see a new rear bumper with a honeycomb grille design, and the 1.0 ELITE EZi model (note, this is different from the ELITE AT) gets an additional rear spoiler. The windows of the ViVA Elite also feature a UV protection coating that is said to reject 91% of UV rays.

On the inside you get a new 1-DIN head unit with MP3 and WMA support, an underside tray under the passenger seat, seat backpockets, a new seat fabric design, and fabric trim on the door panels. All ViVA ELITE models will get seat height adjusters for the driver’s seat, and electrically adjustable side mirrors. On the ELITE EZi, these side mirrors are also electrically retractable and have integrated turn signals.

Perodua Viva Elite

Only the ViVA 1.0 ELITE EZi gets a full load of safety features including dual SRS airbags for the front, ABS brakes, EBD and Brake Assist. Power steering is also only available on the ELITE models. The other non-Elite models are left with just basic features such as reverse sensors on the 850 and 1.0 model, and a CD player on the 660 EX, 850 and 1.0 model. The following are the prices for the new Perodua ViVA range including the non-Elite models: