The year of the MPVs

Wookie, our local car industry is getting pretty busy now!!! As you may know, our largest local car manufacturer Proton has just launched the new Proton MPV, the Exora just a week ago. And now, our 2nd local car manufacturer, which is Perodua will also be reveiling its own MPV in a couple of months time which is going to be very interesting.

I still remembered what Jeremy Clarkson from TopGear UK commented about our local car industry.

"We don't know what Malaysian motorists did to upset the gods, but it must have been pretty serious".

A very nice way to put it and I gotta say, I totally agree with him on that as most Malaysians can only afford a Proton which are probably cars made by cavemen. Another example would be the imported Toyota Vios which if I'm not mistaken, is solely used as a cab in Indonesia, but here, we Malaysian's adore it very much. What's more, at Rm70k, you'll only get an ill equipped J Spec Vios!!! People outside are just laughing at us!!!

ahhh... the thumbs up that we have come to familiarize ourselves with during the launch of every new model

So now, it seems our car industry is finally heading into the right direction again as both local manufacturers try to compete in the market which is a very healthy sign for things to come. Well, at least that's what they say, competition drives improvements. With that, we have already seen Proton's improvements with the launching of the MPV. If you haven't seen the Exora yet, I have uploaded a video of the official launch held last week for your viewing pleasure. (noticed how Proton director Dato Syed Zainal gave an excellent speech)



Note of caution here: You might want to skip the part where the guy sings, I find it very irritating...

Now that you have watched the Exora, I also have some nice information about the new Perodua MPV codenamed D64T. Just like what Perodua always does with their models, this MPV will be base on Toyota's Passo Sette and the Daihatsu's Boon Luminas. (Passo is also equivalent to Myvi, so could this be called Myvi Besar?) Words is that it will be smaller than the Exora and will be powered by a 1.5 liter engine while pricing will be around Rm56k and RM65k. This all means it will be competing in the smaller category of MPVs and not in the Exora or big boys range.

This video below shows a disguised Perodua MPV doing some road test on Malaysian roads and you will get to see how big the car is in comparison to a Wira and Viva.

A look at the front of the Perodua MPV

Interior with two tone design

Personally, I think the Perodua MPV looks okay but still, I ain't a fan of Perodua's and I ain't gonna get a MPV as well so all the best to them in selling this car. Finally, all my interest now is in the Satria Neo CPS and a second hand Satria GTI, whichever one fits the budget of course.