New Perodua Alza Facelift 2014 Specs Leaked

It is the new Perodua Alza 2014 we are after. Many leaked photos of the facelifted Alza SE/AV has found their ways to internet lately. It is hardly surprising as Perodua Alza is one of the most popular MPV in Malaysian market. Nearly every streets has one. It has become a default choice for the household, even when the family size is hardly growing. Newly weds, 1-kid small family all opted for this mini-MPV, especially after its first 2 years of launching. I just don't know why, but I too was one of them.

Perodua launched this sub-MPV late in 2009 and now time has come for Perodua Alza facelift. It will be introduced in January next year as a 2014 Perodua Alza, with a rationalize model line-up from the base to the top-line Perodua Alza Advanced.

Perodua announced yesterday that the new Perodua Alza 2014 will be available from January. Teaser is up too in the websites. Tagged as "The Alza For Everyone", clearly the 2014 Perodua Alza is set to receive a revised cosmetics, enhanced equipment level and more practicality, such as split folded 3rd row seat.

Thanks to the leaked sales material (all sources can be found at the end of the post), we now know that there is going to be 3 version of 2014 Perodua Alza, namely Perodua Alza Standard, Perodua Alza SE and Perodua Alza AV. The Alza S will be discontinued and thus one can expect the new facelifted Perodua Alza Standard to receive a very competitive pricing.

As for the exterior, all variants will receive new bumper design, revised headlight graphic, revised tail gate garnish, new rear bumper and revised rear combi coloring. The version seen above based on leaked photo is the top-line 2014 Perodua Alza Advanced, sporting exclusive new alloy wheels, all around skirting, clear lens rear combi and rear spoiler. Perodua Alza Standard will have none of those, but the chromed front grille will remain.

For the interior, from the earlier leaked photo we already know that Perodua has re-engineered the 2011 Perodua Myvi gearknob to fit into new Perodua Alza gear console. They have revised the paneling surrounding it too, encompassing a garnished surfaced for both gear console and airconditioning control panel. The car seen above is 2014 Perodua Alza AV. The new Perodua Alza SE will feature red-theme fabric upholstery as seen in Perodua official teaser covering both seats and door trims. The new steering wheel from 2011 Myvi introduced earlier will remains, although only Alza AV will feature the steering wheel button.

The new features however is the change of cabin color for 2014 Perodua Alza Standard, the interior will be two-tone, with beige lower portion, including the seats! Seems Perodua has taken the leaf out from its owner in offering beige cabin in the cheaper variant. 2014 Perodua Alza SE and AV will be monotone black cabin. The automatic version will get new armrest with storage space, while the ISOFIX slot, 50/50 split 3rd row seat will be standard across the board. Roof mounted DVD player is Alza AV spesific, so is the leather upholstery. Multimedia touch screen audio system is available on all bar the Alza Standard.

Safety wise, apart from the aforementioned ISOFIX, all variants will get dual SRS as standard. Opting for Alza SE and AV buys your ABS with EBD. The new Perodua Alza can now be booked at your nearest Perodua outlet and will be delivered starting from January.

In case you find the write-up is too long and can't be bothered to read, the leak specification can be found in the following source:

Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Source 4

Is this Perodua Alza SE?

There is a new photo of the new version of the ageing Perodua Alza, confirmed to be Perodua Alza SE from the rear badging. This is another leaked from the factory, in addition to the one we've seen before HERE.

From here we can see the new front bumper which features a new bumper with swept up outer edge fog lamp housing. The upper radiator grille is chrome trimmed while the headlight is carried over from the 2009 car. At the back, the rear light is all-clear item instead of partially, while the license plate garnish is all is a full-width item. SE badging can be seen clearly. The rear bumper too is an all-new, and it features a vertical reflector, which is now becoming a design trait of Perodua SE series.

Full photo can be seen here:

http://rahmanheman.blogspot.com/2013/12/perodua-alza-2014_3.html

Perodua Alza Facelift Leaked

This is the leaked photo of the Perodua Alza SE. As can be seen the design change is quite significant, so significant that we believe this version is a derivative of the updated Alza. Perodua Alza has been in our market since 2009, so 4 years is already late in fact for a facelift. 

Externally, Perodua Alza SE you see here sports a new front bumper assembly including the grille, while the hood and headlight looks as if it has been carried over, saved for the deletion of yellow lens in the headlight. There's also lower lip found on the front bumper, perhaps an SE-spesific accessories. The rear end also retains the old sheetmetal, whereby the changes are new rear bumper, clear tail light and wider license plate garnish which covers the entire width.

The change is the cabin is small but significant. The creaky Alza old's gear level has been ditched, and in come the unit from the 2011 Perodua Myvi. The entire centre console cum gear console has been redesigned. It has been shaped and retrimmed for a classier look. Audio system is a touch screen unit, while the steering wheel too is brought is from Perodua Myvi SE. Roof mounted screen is also observed to be in. The black leather finishing on the steering, seat and console could be Alza SE spesific, but we hope the new instrument panel and control item will be carried over the non-SE updated Alza.

Perodua Alza is a strong seller in our country. It has become a default choice for a small family who previously stick with the sedan format. This should strengthened Perodua position as a number one car maker in Malaysia.

Perodua What's Up Graduate - easier way to own nation best seller

Perodua has kicked out a campaign for student and fresh graduate to own its model, which include the nation best seller Myvi and its siblings. The program consists of an affordable financing scheme which starts from as low as RM299 permonth. Other items in the package include 50% discount for the service and maintenance for 2 years, RM20,000 personal insurance coverage and free driving lesson. The offer starts from 1st October 2012 and runs until 31st March 2013.

Perodua is a Malaysian second national car maker, and number one seller for many years in a row, thanks to a credible model like Perodua Myvi and Alza. MMN has grabbed the opportunity to test some of their latest offerings and you can read the review of Perodua Myvi HERE and Perodua Myvi SE/Extreme HERE.

By the way, there's new Perodua showroom in Bukit Beruntung, opened at the new Adenium industrial area so Bukit Beruntung folks do not need to go to Rawang stores anymore. Do check it out.

Anyway, the author observes that the freshies working at Perodua drive more JDM than struggle to buy the cheap national car on special financing package. Why? Many of them are Jap's grad and they brought back Toyota Altezza, Honda Integra, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and other high performance car. Glory life isn't it? Regret of not opting to study in Japan now.....

Revamped Alza Advanced with integrated GPS - RM69,503

Perodua has revamped the equipment list for the Alza Advanced model mainly on the interior appointments. While the exterior still retained the Alza Advanced bodykit comprises of front, side and rear skirt plus the spoiler, the interior has been refreshed with the touch screen multimedia system with GPS functionality. This is the same unit as per in the 2011 Myvi. Thus this will end the retro-fitment of the GPS on the dash top slot for the current Alza Advanced model. The seats are also upholstered with Luxvelvet which supposedly more pleasant to sit on. 

As opposed to Proton who hook up with Yes 4G for the mobile internet, Perodua has packed the new Alza Advanced with TM Wifi Hotspot Locator. The 6" touchscreen unit is also capable of searching Perodua outlet, phone search for commercial number and Yellow Page Integration. The GPS map is also TM-powered and is capable of rendering 3D building and junction. Reverse camera is included too. More page of the brochure can be seen after the jump.

PETRONAS Dagangan & Perodua signed RM225 million deal

The new contract dubbed the Perodua Genuine Oil agreement will see Perodua using PETRONAS’ SL/SM grade oil at all its service outlets nationwide worth RM45 million per annum for 5 years with immediate effect.

“This deal is indeed very special for us as it strengthens the already good relationship that we are enjoying with PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad and I believe that this agreement will usher in a new chapter of cooperation between both parties,” Perodua managing Director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said in his speech at the ceremony today.

The agreement was signed by Aminar and PDB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Aminar added that the deal emphasizes Perodua’s confidence in the quality and reliability of PDB’s products and services.

PDB, the principal domestic marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) for downstream products has vast experience and expertise in the area of fuel and lubricants development. With PETRONAS’ seven state-of-the-art blending facilities worldwide including Italy and two world-class research and development centres, PDB is committed to develop products of international quality for its customers.

At the signing ceremony, Amir said, “Over the past 30 years, PDB has successfully grown to become Malaysia’s second largest lubricant company in a very competitive market. We aim to be the number one in Malaysia by 2015 through effective marketing initiatives, backed by our technological expertise and strong support from our strategic global partnerships.”

“Today’s signing ceremony between PDB and Perodua is certainly a step forward to reinforce PDB’s position as the Brand of 1st Choice,” he added.

Both Perodua and PDB have a long standing business partnership since 2003.

Proton to revamp management team in March & DSSZ back to Perodua?

According to Malaysianinsider, Proton will retain its current management team until the transfer of 42.7% shares to DRB-Hicom is completed, which is expected to happen next month, said by Tun Dr Mahathir. Tun also said that there is no confirmation upon the return of Tengku Tan Sri Dr Mahaleel to Proton as a chairman, as at 23 February 2012.

DRB-Hicom initiate the purchase of Khazanah's shares in Proton back in mid January where is has offered to take over the 42.7% stakes in Proton, totalling RM 1.291 billion in monetary worth. Since then, there has been a rumours in the new management team displacing current Proton's top management, covered by MMN back in 21st January.

Meanwhile, Tengku Mahaleel left Proton is September 2005 after his contract was not renewed by Proton management at that time. Till that date, Tengku Mahaleel has succeed in, for the first time, establishing Proton's R&D facilities with adequate resources to develop the vehicles from conception to mass production as well as setting up the massive assembly facilities in Tanjung Malim.

On a different note, there is a whisper within the industry that a whole new shock is about to happen, and it mirrors the pre-September 2005 quite closely, albeit in inverse. Think about this date, and think about Tengku Mahaleel and Datuk Seri Syed Zainal. Still couldn't get it? Ok I'll be blunt here, while it has been strongly suggested that Tengku Mahaleel is set to take up a Proton's chairman role, little has been discussed about Syed Zainal movement. The latest MMN heard is that he could be back to lead Perodua!

If this is true, it is a shame that another national talent has been taken by foreign-controlled company, just like some GLC leaders in the past. The visionary Tengku Mahaleel, supported by engineering perfectionist of Syed Zainal could just be what Proton needs these days! But this opinion is, of course, from  a mere car blogger, and people in industry will prefer to label as an 'armchair expert'.

Perodua Alza SR - In Photos

Perodua Alza SR was introduced in early February 2011 as an effort to expand the Alza range downwards, encroaching a little in the dominating Myvi market. Selling circa 3000 units permonth, Alza sales is not as brisk in Perodua sales standard, judging by the fact that the Myvi and Viva are hammering the market at a rate of 7000 and 5000 units per month. This could also due to the revamped Exora from arch-rival Proton, who priced their base Exora sub RM60k, which managed to win quite significant amount of buyer for the lower end of the MPV market. Combined with the ever tightening legislation in disbursing the HP loan, a lower-priced model could be perceived as an attractive option for the buyer, particularly those who are cash-strapped in putting up a deposit. So there it goes, how much does the Alza SR loses anyway due to the price trimming?

The Equipment.

Not much really, especially if you based your judgement on the Standard Model. Since the Standard Model already loses much of the safety item (ABS, EBD, BA and Airbags), nothing has been further pared down on the SR. However, some of the convenience has been taken away such as the remote-operated side mirror, rear wiper and rear water nozzle. Other exterior addenda missing on the Standard Model like the rear spoiler and fog lamp has been carried over missing too. The projector type headlamp with 15"alloy wheels are retained though. 

The Interior.

A touch unique to the SR model is the split front seat for automatic variant instead of only for the manual with its floor-mounted gear lever. This essentially frees up some deformation space for the lower seat bolster so the lower back of the occupant can be accommodate comfier. With the inclusion of floor console, gone too is the foot operated parking brake, replaced by more conventional hand operated item, which is Alza manual-geared feature from the day one.

The silver painted interior accents ( steering wheel garnish, power window panel) is gone as the SR make do with the Standard Model material colored item. Chromed door inside handle is also absent, replaced by the material colored item as well. The meter binnacle and the audio system are as per the Standard Alza, with their amber lighting and incapable of streaming bluetooth and accepting USB. Seat fabric is of a different tone from the Premium Alza while the steering wheel ( a monotone with total lack of chromed badge) is not leather upholstered.

The floor console is lifted off from the new 2011 Myvi, which itself is a carry over from the 2005 Myvi. The gear lever hole is covered by the storage box like the auto-geared 2011 Myvi. More after the jump.

Perodua Alza SR - Full detail, from RM53,013

Perodua Alza SR - full detail, technical spec, pricing detail, official photo and brochure photo

The battle for the homegrown MPV is getting more interesting. While Proton moves it Exora range upwards (with 21st century engine plus CVT and luxurious Prime version), Perodua expands its Alza model downwards with the trimmed down accessories. Enter the Perodua Alza SR. No, the SR moniker does not buy you a high performance version as the moniker usually implies, but instead it is the cut-priced version of the Perodua popular MPV. There are two variant for the Alza SR. First up is the BX (5 speed manual) while the other one is BZ (4 speed auto). While it is cheaper than the Standard version of Alza ( the SX and EZ version), the loss of equipment is not that drastic, as the Standard model is pretty bare already. However, my previous posting has some error in the equipment level. My apology for that.

Based on the brochure photo you can see here, the exterior is pretty similar to the rest of Alza range. Closer inspection on the specification list, the Alza Standard model omission of rear spoiler and fog lamp has been accompanied by the deletion of rear wiper and the front hood garnish is now body colored instead of finished in chrome plating. The 15" alloy wheel on 185/55 R15 still intact, so are the side mirror mounted indicator. However, the side mirror is now manual operated instead of electrically operated. The projector-type headlamps are still featured though.

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Similar differentiation can be found on the inside too. Just for a recap, the aesthetic of Standard Alza and Premium Alza is differentiated by the silver painted accents on the power window switch panel, steering wheel garnish, chromed door inside handle and the blue lighting for the instrument panel. While the Premium (and Advanced) model get those, the Standard model gets material colored panel and door inside handle, as well as amber lighting for the instrument panel. The Alza SR naturally follows the Standard Model trimming.

However, the rest of interior is slightly different. Both manual and automatic version gets an individual front seat instead of a bench-type for the automatic variant of the Standard and Premium. Hence, the floor console appears on both manual and auto version, so are the hand operated parking brake. The audio system is as per Standard model, i.e Radio-CD player with MP3/WMA capable. No USB and Bluetooth here, not a deal breaker really. Another omission is the UV protected glass, which is now featured for the front windscreen only. More after the jump.

Perodua Alza SR - basic version coming next week

Perodua will launch a strip-out version of the Alza sub-MPV, which will be called Alza SR. The model is due to be announced next week. I haven't obtained the precise detail yet on the cut-spec, as well as an indicative pricing, but among cost cutting measures include the deletion of rear wiper, rear screen water nozzle and a different seat fabric. The chromed-finish hood garnish will be gone too, making way for a color coded version. There's not much to be deleted anymore from the Standard Alza, as it is quite spartan with the lack of airbags and ABS as well as a bare-look interior by the use unpainted interior plastic panel and amber meter binnacle and console lighting. The audio system for Standard already features no USB and Bluetooth function. The spoiler and fog lamps are already also deleted in the Standard spec. The 15" alloy wheel is replaced by a cheaper steel rims with wheelcap. What can be deleted anymore?

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Perhaps the immobilizer will be gone too? Or a single-DIN audio system will make an appearance? As it is now, the cheapest Alza is the Standard Spec with manual transmission, which is priced at RM55,503 for Peninsular region is solid color. How much lower can it go? RM 50,000?

Proton Saga FLX vs Perodua Myvi vs Hyundai i10 by CBT

Ever wondered what is the best car for your RM50k? For the price bracket, there's not much choice, and not much point to choose other than the national cars and the locally-assembled budget car. They are a much better and reliable choice than buying a dying old banger.

CBT runs the test to help you in choosing the right car for this budget. Ultimately, what they concluded is the Proton Saga FLX has the best interior and boot space due to its sedan body, Hyundai i10 has the best interior quality, Perodua Myvi triumphed on equipment level, the lithe i10 suprisingly topped the performance and handling, and the overall winner, after everything considered, is Proton Saga FLX.

The article can be found at CBT website and Motor News Magazine #6. Summary of the articles can be found after the jump and belong to CBT.

Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE/Extreme - design review and test report

For many people, especially the outgoing Perodua Myvi owner, the new Myvi 2011 represent a cosmetic update solely. While it is newer looking, has more pleasing interior, quieter inside and drives better, it is very hard to justify to upgrade to the new model from the outgoing one. For one, while the Japanese cousin has moved on to dual-VVT and CVT gearbox, the new Myvi soldiers on with old K3-VE engine paired with archaic 4 speed automatic transmission or 5 speed manual. Secondly, it is slightly smaller, evidence in tinier boot. Thirdly, the new styling is an acquired taste. Lastly, the whole world has heard that there's going to be a 1.5l variant, that even with archaic auto transmission 'box can potentially give the new Myvi a gutsier drive. The wait is now over!

How does it drive?

The extra 12bhp and 19Nm of power and torque advantage over the 1.3l brother make its presence clear. The   Myvi Extreme feels more powerful off the line, with more than enough power delivery. I have the chance to test the car over a straight road, punctuated by corner and speed bump and slight uphill road. The ride feels firmer than the old Myvi, but this is the same as the smaller capacity 1.3l model. At low to mid engine revolution speed, the engine sound and feels smooth. However, at higher rev, the noise is quite audible. There's no such opportunity to stretch the car top speed, but the salesman said the car has seen 185 km/h during testing. This is clear advantage over 1.3l automatic version, which struggle to get pass 160 km/h.

The model tested in automatic version. Other than better acceleration and higher top speed, the Myvi SE/Extreme is as per your 1.3l model. The handling is same, with no sport-oriented setup. The drive is great with the finesse steering feel (helped by bulge to rest your thumb on perforated leather wrap) that has optimum spoke thickness ( no different from 1.3). Noise intrusion is OK at mid-speed. Ride is slightly firm over bump. Despite this, body roll is still felt upon cornering. Handling is as per old Myvi too, which is OK to be pushed hard into steady state sharp bend, but any encounter with mid-corner bump or necessity to change direction in high-load mid corner will get it easily out of shape with inconsistent body movement. Brakes is however felt better than Perodua Alza.

Speaking on Alza, it is amazing how much engineering progress Perodua has made in the last two years. The steering design for example, is world better than Alza, and the steering feel has some finesse feel to it, compared to rude feel of power assisted steering of the old. Gear lever shift smoothly into designated slot, none of creaky, squeaky and  stiffness of Alza gear lever movement.

Exterior Styling

Over the 1.3 version, the Myvi 1.5 SE was given a new front bumper design, which include the new upper grille too. Main radiator intake has been enlarged, with two fake side intake on each side, each housing the fog lamp at the centre. The upper grille is finish in contrasting grey with textured square pattern. The lower section of the bumper is slightly lipped, giving an impression of integrated skirting.

The rear end also sports new bumper. True to SE styled, it gained a fake air duct at outer edge on both side, complete with higher-mounted rear reflector. The exhaust tip is now exposed, pointed rearwards instead of down-pointed of 1.3 model. Enlarged spoiler is featured too, and the make-over is completed by SE 1.5 badging on tailgate panel.

The 1.5 Extreme model, as the name implies, gets more extreme exterior garnishing. Over the standard SE front bumper, slightly different side intake (with less bars) , additional contrasting lips and edge skirting have been added. On Majestic Yellow model, contrasting intakes, grille and lip really make it a menacing look. 

Perodua officially launched Myvi SE/Myvi Extreme

* Updated - Test Drive Report at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-seextreme-design-review.html

After months of spyshots flying around, and almost a week of allegedly leaked brochure, Perodua has officially launched the Myvi 1.5 model, dubbed Myvi SE and Myvi Extreme. There's no new details that we don't yet know, thanks to a lot of reliable sources regarding the specs and pricing.

The SE version starts at RM50,900 for Solid Color Manual. Going for an auto will cost you RM 53,900. Opt for metallic paint for both model will cost you an additional RM500. The Multimedia System with Navigation is available for Myvi SE Automatic, for an additional RM2,100. 

The Extreme variant starts at RM58,200 for Solid, manual version and goes up to RM61,200 for automatic version with solid paint. As the SE model, going for metallic cost additional RM500. 

Any chance for the manual SE to be a youngster's car of choice, like the Proton Satria in the mid-90's?The manual SE has a century-sprint of less than 10 secs, making it the fastest Perodua ever. The Black Myvi SE, with a dark coloured 16" wheel hooked to lowered suspension set could be a menacing head turner!

Like what you see here? Head to your nearest showroom or buy-perodua.com to book the Lagi Power, Lagi Best Myvi 1.5. Anyway, all the details can be found from my previous posting below:

http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-se-and-extreme-rm50900.html

More details are still to come. So stay tune.

Perodua Myvi 1.5 - SE and Extreme - RM50,900 to RM61,700

*Update - Full Test Drive Report at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-seextreme-design-review.html

Early news for those who are waiting for the 1.5l version of the popular new Myvi 2011. Early brochure has been leaked by  Perodua salesman so if you like what you see here, head on to call him to book the car as it will surely fly out of the Perodua shelves like a hot cakes.

There are two variants of Perodua Myvi 1.5, called SE and Extreme. Both are powered by 3SZ-VE 1.5l i-4 engine that we have seen in service for Alza model. The output are as per Alza, at 104bhp@6000 rpm and 136Nm@4400 rpm, which combined with lower kerb weight (995kg vs 1150kg) should gives it a sprightlier performance. Both model comes with manual and auto transmission option.

SE and Extreme variants are differentiated only by their accessories package. SE version could be said a cooking version for the 1.5l with more or less similarly equipped like the Premium 1.3 model. On top of the 1.5l new front and rear bumper design design, the Extreme version comes with additional skirting to give it more aggressive looks. Although alloy wheel remains at 14", the racier bumper design (especially the skirted Extreme) give it more masculine appearance.

Myvi Extreme front

The version you see here is Extreme. Compared to SE version below, it comes with additional front lip complemented by skirting. Both version gets new front bumper design with larger air intake and blank-out side intake which also housed the fog lamp. Front grill garnish has carbon fibre graphic on it.

Myvi SE front view

Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE/ Myvi Extreme - starts at RM57k

*Update - Full Test Drive Report available at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-seextreme-design-review.html

As per previous entries, there are two version of the new Myvi 1.5, namely Myvi 1.5 SE and Myvi 1.5 Extreme. The version you see above is the Extreme version. Refer to my previous post for 1.5 SE version.

buy-perodua.com has listed tentative pricing for this model.

• Perodua Myvi 1.5 SE : RM57,000
• Perodua Myvi 1.5 Extreme: RM62,000

Launched date is on 15 September 2011. Book now and you'll get it within a month of launching.

Perodua Myvi SE / Myvi Extreme launching soon

*Update - Full Test Drive Report available at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-seextreme-design-review.html

Do you fancy a faster Myvi? The 1.3 variant is a tough machine to be handled at 170km/h (if it somehow reach this speed), so Perodua will introduced a more powerful version powered by mightier 1.5 litre engine.

Packed with nothing-high-performance-whatsoever engine currently powering the sub-MPV Alza, the 104 bhp lump will minimally make Myvi mildly speedier. The massive blacked-out front splitter (whole color scheme looks suspiciously Renault Megane RS inspired) hopefully was aerodynamically tuned to produce some meaningful downforce. Behind the similarly-sized alloy, hopefully housed at least lowered kit (unlikely by looking at the car photos).

Industry spy bird was caught saying the car will be launched on September 16th. Words are that there is a "normal" SE without the sporty bodykit and an "Extreme" version with, well, sporty bodykit. Let's wait if Malaysia has produce a pocket-rocket hot hatch which is affordable to the masses.

Perodua Myvi Extreme / Myvi SE 1.5 spyshots

*Update - Full Test Drive Report available at http://malaysia-motoring-news.blogspot.com/2011/09/perodua-myvi-15-seextreme-design-review.html

A new Myvi 1.5 has been spied. This is different from the version we used to see before, with more extreme front fascia design . This variant of Myvi is due to be launched very soon.

According to believable insider news, the 1.5 litre Myvi is called Myvi SE. Where previous Myvi SE is just a cosmetically enhanced, the new SE will sports a 1.5 litre engine to give a boost in performance, parallel with the racier exterior styling. The versions you see above is Myvi SE Extreme with much more agressive front lip and side skirting compared to cooking Myvi SE. Read more after the jump.

Daihatsu Sirion 2011 launched in Indonesia

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor launched the 2011 Daihatsu Sirion Indonesia International Motorshow. The car is essentially a rebadged and re-spec Perodua Myvi 2011. The car is heavily based on Premium spec Myvi, but with some trim downgrading.

Essentially a Perodua Myvi with Daihatsu badge 

 More pictures and details after the jump.

Perodua Myvi Elegance Photos

More photos of Myvi Elegance. The car is in Ebony Black. The high gloss really accentuates the curvature of the body surfacing and the curvy skirting. My verdict is that Perodua really gives their all in designing this new baby. There's no awkward angle to be viewed, be it front, side and rear. The interior too is free from obvious ergonomic foibles. This is hardly surprising as the new Myvi has a big shoe to fill. Anyhow, enjoy the photos.

Cohesive front fascia design, the skirting squared off the jaw, lending it more squat appearance

More photos after the jump.

Proton takes the market lead from Perodua up to May 2011

For the first time since, well forever, Proton has taken the lead in sales volume, according to market analysis from January to May 2011. During this  period Proton sold 72,229 vehicles compared to 70,752 cars for its national   nemesis. 

The bulk of Proton sales contribution came from the affortable range of Proton Saga (BLM) where 33,649 unit were sold during this period. Traditionally, Saga is beaten by Myvi and always settled for second spot for quite a while, with occasional top and third spot observed at some points. Continue after the jump.