Perodua Viva just a poor copy of Mira

Learned about the launch of the new Perodua Viva on the 10th of this month, from Xcarz who left a comment on my blog.

This new model is a replacement for the Kelisa and is based on the Daihatsu Mira (also known as the Cuore, Domino or Charade outside Japan). In fact it is almost identical to the Mira externally. Internally however, it is a different matter all together. Malaysians have been handed down the old tired design. Take a look at Paul Tan's blog post here to see what I mean.

Prices range from RM 28,400 (for the Solid color 660cc EX Manual) to RM 44,200 (for the 1000cc Metallic paint Automatic Premium) - these are on the road prices.

FYI, Perodua is short for Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd.

UPDATE: Learned from Azwan that the 660cc and 850cc versions of Viva don't have power steering.

Malaysian auto sales down

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association's (MAA) annual report, auto sales in Malaysia were down 11% in 2006 from the previous year's position to 490,768 units. This is the first drop in three years.

The country's No. 1 spot has also been taken by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd and National carmaker Proton Bhd falls to the second spot.

The lower sales last year were attributed to low second-hand car prices, higher fuel costs and the tightening of loans for the purchase of cars by banks following high default rates.

However, the report had a positive note in that they expected sales to rise this year- predicting 1.9% growth in 2007.

Related Links:
- Perodua firmly in pole position
- Perodua Sales Up, Captures 42 Pct Share Of Passenger Car Market
- 2006 car sales plunge but ‘worst over’

Tags: MAA Perodua Proton

Myvi Vs Savvy

Received this from another friend.

Myvi goes up against Savvy one on one and lets see who wins. The previous one was clearly written by a Perodua supporter so I edited it a bit (neutral mah).

1. Technology Partner: Engines

Myvi: K3 Engine by Toyota
Savvy: Renault engine
* Toyota engines- reliable, easy to maintain, proven for Malaysian market
Renault engines- expensive parts replacement, not proven for Malaysian hot weather
* Perodua 1

2. Technology Partner: Handling

Myvi: Toyota ???
Savvy: Lotus
* Proton 1

3. Engine Capacity/ Horse Power

Myvi: 1.3, 88 horse power
Savvy: 1.2, 74 horse power
*Perodua 1

4. Engine Cams

Myvi: DOHC
Savvy: SOHC
*Perodua 1

5. Fuel Injection

Myvi: EFi
Savvy: Multi point injection
* Proton 1

6. Engine Belt

Myvi: D.V.V.T
Savvy: Timing belt
* D.V.V.T - change every 200,000 km @ 4 years
Timing belt - 100,000 km @ 2 years
Perodua 1

7. Rear lamp

Myvi: LED
Savvy: Standard bulb
* Draw. LED Problems/ Bulbs need to be replaced. Perodua 0, Proton 0

8. Windows

Myvi: 4 power windows
Savvy: Rear windows - manual
* Perodua 1. Though good exercise for Savvy passengers owners, Proton: 0.5

9. Side mirror

Myvi: Electronic adjustment
Savvy: Adjusted manually
* Perodua 1

10. Fuel Economy

Myvi: Fuel - 1 litre = 21 km
Savvy: Fuel - 1 litre = 18 km
* Perodua 1

11. Price

Myvi: RM41,200 - RM51,300
Savvy: RM42,888 - RM42,494
* Proton 1

12. Quality Assurances

Myvi: Toyota??
Savvy: TUV
Perodua 1, Proton 1

Go count the points yourself.

Myvi Sets the Standard

Last year I won an sms contest organised by Cars, bikes and trucks’ section of the NST. Actually I didn't win anything, I just got my sms message printed. My name was not even put there. I had made some suggestions about how Proton cars could be improved. My suggestion was to make air bags and disc brakes standard in all cars. My friends working in Proton kept on making excuses like "it would increase costs", blah blah blah.

The Perodua Myvi comes as a breath of fresh air and has set a new stadard for all cars sold in Malaysia, both local as well as foreign brands.

Only the top range DOHC 1.3 litre automatic (priced RM51,300 on-the-road with insurance) comes with ABS and twin air bags but it is a start for a car of this range and price.

I found it interesting that local compnent vendors also contributed to the design and development of parts right from the inception stage working with Perodua. This is a strategic move in view of the fact that the car has 80% local content

Perodua's latest offering comes in direct competition with Proton's soon to be launched first compact car (Also known as the Tiara replacement model with a 1.2 liter engine). I am eagerly wating to see Proton's response to the Perodua's challenge.