Perodua compact SUV (Perodua D38L) to launch in 2019 - Report

Will be Perodua's sole SUV offering.

Perodua is developing a new compact SUV (codenamed Perodua D38L), which is reported to launch in Malaysia in 2019. The last two SUVs, the Perodua Nautica (rebadged Toyota Rush) and Kembara, were scrapped before 2010, leaving the lineup with two hatchbacks, an MPV and a sedan. Despite having just four cars, Perodua leads the Malaysian market with almost 40 percent share.

Reports state the Perodua compact SUV will be based on the Daihatsu FX Concept showcased at the GIIAS 2015 in Indonesia. The FX Concept measured 3,800 mm long, 1,690 mm wide and 1,580 mm high, with a 2,455 mm wheelbase. It's likely that the platform and styling of the compact SUV will be shared between Perodua, Toyota and Daihatsu, similar to the Perodua Axia - Toyota Agya - Daihatsu Ayla relationship.

The concept featured a slim grille with a bold chrome bar running across, sleek LED headlights, hexagonal radiator grille, LED DRL strips in the lower fascia, and a faux silver bumper garnish. At the back, it sports a similar chrome bar running across the tailgate, LED taillamps, and a silver bumper garnish between vertically-stacked quad exhaust tips (certain to not make it into production). The suicide doors for the rear cabin will also not make it to the production car as it is expensive and impractical.

Mechanical details of the compact SUV have not been reported. A few probable engine options include an 88 PS 1.2-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine, 97 hp 1.3 Dual VVT 4-cyl petrol engine or even a 105 hp 1.5L Dual VVT-i 4-cyl engine.

[Source: Funtasticko]