RAWANG: The long-awaited Perodua D55L SUV - said to be Perodua's most advanced model yet - is open for booking now at RM300.
Available in variants of X, H and AV, Peninsular Malaysia prices are estimated from RM62,500 to RM73,400 on-the-road without insurance and sales tax.
Although the appearance and full specifications of the yet-to-be named compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) have not been officially disclosed, the D55L is said to share key underpinnings with the Daihatsu Rocky. However, the Internet is rife with rumours that the small SUV would be called the Ativa.
Among the SUV's key features, available in all variants, is the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) that assists the driver by warning him or even automatically apply full braking to avoid possible collision.
The latest ASA features higher operating speeds than the current version and is capable of detecting two-wheeled vehicles.
Also available on all variants are Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, while the top AV exclusively gets Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.
All these features make the Perodua D55L the first Perodua model to satisfy Level 2 Autonomous Driving standards.
LED headlamps are standard across the range, while H and AV variants get Adaptive Driving Beam, a 7-inch TFT multi-info display and a 9-inch touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition.
The D55L is also Perodua’s first turbocharged vehicle, in line with the global downsized forced-induction trend, and the first Perodua to use a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), contributing to a class-leading rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km per litre of fuel.
Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the D55L is the first model under the Perodua Smart Build blueprint, spearheading breakthroughs for Perodua in style, safety, technology, equipment levels and value.
“True to our aim to continually bring more and more advanced technology to the masses, the Perodua D55L AV is Malaysia’s most affordable Level 2 Autonomous vehicle, bringing state-of-the-art safety and convenience to a wider audience.
“SUVs remain very much in demand, and the Perodua D55L is our trendiest offering in this regard. Its compactness, contemporary style and modern features make it the perfect companion for day-to-day urban lifestyles,” he added.
Zainal said customers should not wait to book the features-packed D55L as the government’s sales tax exemption is set to expire in end-June.
Datuk Zainal.
"Our authorised sales advisors are eager to serve you and tell you more about the Perodua D55L at all our sales outlets nationwide, where strict Covid-19 guidelines are in place for your health and safety,” he said.
X and H variants are available in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey and Cobalt Blue (new), with the H variant also available in Pearl Diamond White (new) and Pearl Delima Red (new).
The top variant AV can be ordered in Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Pearl Diamond White (with black roof) and Pearl Delima Red (with black roof).
Warranty is five-year/150,000km.
READ MORE: 10 new cars coming in 2021
