5 Things you should know about the upcoming Perodua D55L/Ativa

Dubbed as the most advanced Perodua yet, the D55L SUV is finally ready to make its debut in Malaysia after a long wait. The company opened booking of the SUV just last week and shortly after that released its key specifications and pricing. But, one thing which is still awaited for the final confirmation is the name of the SUV; an authentic-looking leaflet disclosed that it will be called ‘Ativa.’

According to the market reports, the most-anticipated launch of the Ativa will happen on March 3, 2021, on the brand’s social media platform at 8.25 PM. So, while we wait for the official Perodua Ativa launch, here we bring some important facts about the SUV that you should know.

Based on Daihatsu New Global Architecture 

As we know that the Perodua D55L is a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize available in Japan from 2019. This means that it is based on the newly developed Daihatsu New Global Architecture that encompasses not only the platform but also several other structural aspects of the SUV. It has an all-new suspension system with revised suspension geometry.

According to Daihatsu, the idea behind the development of this platform was a 'user-oriented approach to car production' aimed at producing small and affordable cars with fuel economy and safety as the main priorities. It also meets a number of other criteria like the latest connectivity, autonomous driving tech, and electrification. 

First Perodua with a turbocharged engine and D-CVT combo 

The Ativa is Perodua’s first SUV that features a combination of a turbocharged engine and D-CVT. This means it is a new chapter in the automaker’s journey as it embraces downsizing for the first time. All the Ativa variants - H, X, and AV will be powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine borrowed from the Rocky/Raize, generating maximum power of 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm.

Coming to the transmission, as we mentioned earlier Perodua brings on board a new D-CVT for the upcoming SUV that sends power to its front wheels. This is basically a dual-mode CVT, which first made its debut alongside the DNGA platform in 2019. According to the company, it is the world’s first split-gear CVT system that integrates a belt drive with a gear drive for better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and quietness. As for the Ativa, Perodua claims fuel consumption of 18.9 kmpl.

Advanced Safety Assist as standard

As the new architecture prioritizes safety, the SUV has all tip-top safety features. And, it is happening for the first time that all the variants of a Perodua model feature the brand’s Advanced Safety Assist system as standard. The standard features included in the pack are pre-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and pedal misoperation control. However, the top-spec variant also gets lane keep control, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Dimensions put it closer to the A-segment 

Perodua has not yet revealed the Ativa dimensions, but we can take reference from the Daihatsu Rocky. According to that, the SUV will be 3995 mm in length, 1695 mm in width, 1620 mm in height, and will have a wheelbase of 2525 mm. The dimensions put it closer to the A-segment rather than B-segment where the beloved X50 sits. As compared to the Proton SUV, the Ativa is 335 mm shorter, 105 mm narrower, and carries a 75 mm shorter wheelbase. Thus, the two models are not eligible for an apple-to-apple comparison.

Also read: Buy or Hold: Wait for Perodua Ativa or buy Proton X50?

Feature-rich SUV

The Perodua Ativa specs sheet comprises a number of advanced features inside and out. These are LED headlamps with auto high beam, LED rear combination lights, adaptive driving beam, 17-inch alloy wheels, 7.0-inch multi-info display, 9.0-inch infotainment system with voice recognition, parking sensors, six airbags, hill hold assist, vehicle stability control, and so on.

Well, these were the five important things about the Perodua Ativa. For more information on this, we have to wait till March 3. So, mark your calendars for the big or perhaps the most significant car launch of 2021, that’s just six days away.

Also read: Perodua launched Transformation 3.0 plan for a robust automotive ecosystem