2020 Perodua Bezza Open For Booking – Specs Confirmed, Prices Leaked

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Following our publication of leaked publicity shots of the 2020 Perodua Bezza last night, we received early this morning news from Perodua that the order books are now open on the new model.

Included in the press release regarding the commencement of bookings was a helpful graphic to list down all the new features of the Perodua Bezza, helping to confirm some of the specifications we speculated about in our earlier post.

It confirms that the Bezza will follow the same route as the recently-facelifted Axia, offering only three trim levels: G 1.0, X 1.3, and AV 1.3. Only the entry-level G variant will be offered with a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, with the rest of the range getting only the automatic transmission.

Additionally, only the G models will go on sale without safety features lke vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRC). ABS and electronic brake distribution (EBD) are, mercifully, standard. So too are electric side mirrors, with G & X models now getting integrated turn signals, and AV models getting electric folding units instead.

The bigger news pertains to the X and AV models, with both featuring VSC and TRC as standard, but the AV now gets advanced safety assist (ASA 2.0) for the first time, just like the facelifted Axia. This is in line with Perodua’s goal of moving the industry forwards by offering innovative features at unbeatable pricepoints to set the bar higher for its competitors.

The press release also confirms what we already know – there are new bumpers on either end, standard LED headlights across the range, a smaller upper grille (with different finishes for 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre models) and larger under-breather, and new alloy wheels (14-inch units for the 1.0-litre, and 15-inch ones for the 1.3-litre models). The facelift Bezza also touts a redesigned instrument cluster (now featuring white backlighting) and keyless entry & go (1.3-models only).

What we’ve also managed to get our hands on are price-lists for the new 2020 Perodua Bezza, though so far we cannot confirm the veracity of these documents. It states that the prices for the new Bezza will be as follows:

  • Perodua Bezza G M/T – RM34,580
  • Perodua Bezza G A/T – RM36,580
  • Perodua Bezza X A/T – RM43,980
  • Perodua Bezza AV A/T – RM49,980

*all prices are on-the-road, without insurance

What’s worth noting is the RM7,400 price gulf between the G and X variants, a gap that’s large enough to lose some customers in between. Normally carmakers will try and price their products close enough that potential customers can be ‘upsold’ to the plusher model, but it seems that Perodua is taking a slightly different tact here.

Additionally, the Perodua Bezza AV is now nearly RM10,000 more expensive than the new PROTON Saga Premium, which is also offered with a 1.3-litre engine and a 4-speed automatic. This is again in keeping with Perodua’s shift to becoming a value-driven brand rather than a maker of economy cars, as they have no doubt that buyers keen on getting the best features in the category (like ASA 2.0, LED headlights, and keyless entry/go) will not be swayed by the more affordable PROTON.

Two body colours new to the Bezza – Garnet Red (exclusive for 1.3-litre models) and Granite Grey – join the existing four colours on offer (Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Ocean Blue, Sugar Brown) to make a total of 6 available colour choices.

What do you think of the new 2020 Perodua Bezza? Do you think it has what it takes to take on the PROTON Saga, currently Malaysia’s top-selling A-segment saloon? Let us know in the comments below.

SPYSHOTS: 2020 Perodua Bezza Publicity Shots Leak Ahead Of Launch

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Our friends at Perodua are known for running an amazingly tight ship, with information only spread within relevant departments to reduce the risk of information leaking out ahead of official announcements. We know this for a fact because even when we lightly tortured staffers there, they refused to give up any information regarding new models or proposed timelines.

But despite their best efforts, photos have managed to leak out anyway. Posted in a Facebook group called Live Car Breathe Car by group administrator Chin Swee Hoe, these photos show the new 2020 Bezza in all its glory, revealing its new updates almost in their entirety.

The new Bezza seen here is strutting its stuff in a new colour, which appears to be a halfway-point between the Rosewood Maroon & Ruby Red offered by its main competitor, the PROTON Saga. It’s clear to see that up front, the new bumpers frame brand-new headlights which appear to be packing LED lighting for the first time in the A-segment, which is most certainly a good sign. The front bumper itself is far more aggressive in this iteration with large pseudo air-intakes around the fog-lights and a more aggressive lower breather, and it gives it a face that isn’t too far off what we’re seeing with the current-generation Toyota Vios.

Down the back there’s just a new bumper with similar pseudo air-intakes to be seen, as well as a prominent rear diffuser. We’re certain that Perodua will reason these upgrades as ways to make the car appear broader and more stable, though overall we’re fully aware that this more aggressive design is in response to market demand.

There are also new alloy wheel designs – the ones seen here are the 15-inch units, which we believe are reserved for the 1.3-litre models, while 1.0-litre models will get the 14-inch ‘turbine’ alloys from the Perodua Myvi 1.3.

Inside there are more changes than we anticipated, with a new dashboard design put forward, with silver accents (though these are likely to be reserved for the top-most ‘AV’ trim). The overall design of the dash appears to incorporate traits from the Aruz flagship SUV (notice how the silver accents tick upwards around the centre stack), as well as existing bits from the Bezza (like the rectangular air vents on either side). If you squint, you can almost make out a new, more sporty meter cluster (said to use white backlighting this time round) as well as a new infotainment unit.

On that infotainment unit, it’s clear that the new Bezza will receive the same touchscreen head unit as seen in the recently-facelifted Perodua Axia, offering bluetooth, smartphone mirroring and the like, as per the Axia AV. And given that the Axia AV also introduced advanced safety assist (ASA) with the latest refresh, we can expect to see that incorporated here too.

There also appears to be a new boot net in the… uh, boot. Which is nice.

There shouldn’t be any changes to the powertrain, with the Bezza soldiering on with either a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine or a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. We expect to only see the manual available for base 1.0-litre models only though, just like what happened to the Axia with its facelift.

There aren’t any major price revisions expected with the 2020 Perodua Bezza, which is rumoured to be launching within the next couple of weeks. We should see either a slightly shuffled lineup with the new Bezza, or maybe no changes at all given the popularity of the compact saloon in our market.

We’re made to understand that the booking forms will be opening on the new Perodua Bezza soon, with a launch date within the next 14 days. Either way, we’re glad to see that the Bezza has been revised to keep it fighting fresh for the new decade (ha!) and we can’t wait to put this up against our own grey PROTON Saga.

UPDATE: 2020 Perodua Bezza Specifications Confirmed, Bookings Opened, PRICES LEAKED

Ferrari Introduces New Roma – 3.9l V8, 612bhp

/0 Comments/in , , /by

“La nuova dolce vita,” or ‘the sweet new life’ is the tagline that legendary Italian marque Ferrari have gone with to usher in the arrival of the Ferrari Roma, a new front-engined V8 coupe that sits above the Portofino cabriolet and below the mid-engined F8 Tributo. Sporting a new design language for Ferrari’s mainstream models, the Roma’s design is inspired by the 50s and 60s grand tourers that personified the era, and is described by Ferrari as a new-generation GT car.

Technically a 2+2 (with the two rear seats reserved for the friends you wish hadn’t asked you for a lift), the Roma sports the award-winning 3.9-litre V8 engine, producing 612bhp and 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch auto, capable of rocketing the thing from 0-100km/h in just 3.4-seconds (which to us, means one second faster than a Volvo S60 T8).

The new Roma is also the first Ferrari to feature the new 8.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen that works in tandem with the digital instrument cluster to create a visual & technical experience never before enjoyed in Maranello’s products. You also get a “totally new” exhaust system for drivers who can’t be bothered with the infotainment nonsense – we’ve no doubt that valuable information will be displayed via the enormous 16-inch instrument cluster screen too.

No word from Ferrari Malaysia – Naza Italia regarding availability (to be fair it was only just unveiled) but we’ll sure be asking tomorrow morning…

PERODUA Axia Style Rocks Sri Lanka At Colombo Motor Show

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

On the opening day of the Seylan Colombo Motor Show, Malaysian automotive heavyweight Perodua has debuted the favourite of the refreshed Axia range, the Axia Style, to the delight of fans in Perodua’s largest overseas market. The Motor Show, being held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall between today and the 10th of November, came forward as the best possible location for Perodua’s stylish new A-segment hatch to make its entrance into the Sri Lankan market. 

Sri Lankan Perodua distributor Unimo Enterprises has opened the books for the Perodua Axia Style today too, with deliveries expected to begin within Q1 2020. The crossover-like Axia Style will be priced at Rs3.895-million (or RM89,000 at the time of writing) in Sri Lanka when it arrives.  

“As Sri Lanka is the Perodua brand’s biggest overseas market and one that has always been accepting of the Axia, with some 3,000 units sold since 2015, it is fitting as the new Perodua Axia Style’s first export destination. Sporting rugged-looking bumpers with skid-plate elements, all-round body cladding, a rear spoiler and striking 15-inch five-spoke alloys, the Axia Style reflects owners’ lifestyles while retaining the hallmark Axia qualities of practicality, fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and ease of driving.” – Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO, Perodua 

The 2019 Perodua Axia Style in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Since its launch in September, over 2,000 Perodua Axia Styles have found new homes with bold, daring owners. Overall, over 10,400 of the new 2019 Perodua Axias have been delivered, from the over-20,000 bookings received for the refreshed model. 

“SUVs & crossovers are enjoying a big rise globally, and we forsee the same trend in Sri Lanka. The new Perodua Axia Style offers the active & trendy looks of a crossover in a compact, fuel-efficient, dependable, and value-for-money package that we believe will strike a chord with Sri Lankans.” – Mr. Mahesh Gunathilake, CEO & Executive Director, Unimo Enterprises 

Since establishing the first Perodua dealership in Sri Lanka back in 1997, Unimo Enterprises has sold nearly 16,000 Perodua vehicles. The lineup there consists of just the Axia and Bezza, with the Bezza taking the crown as Sri Lanka’s best-selling new sub-1.0-litre saloon. 

For 2019, Perodua aims to export 3,270 cars, marking a 50% increase over last years’ figure of 2,184 units exported. Since Perodua began its export activities, over 80,000 Perodua vehicles have left our shores and found homes abroad. 

BUDGET 2020 for Motorists – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

/0 Comments/in , /by

At the time of writing, Finance Minister YB Lim Guan Eng has just wrapped up his presentation on the 2020 Budget, which sees lots of benefits and lots of drawbacks for motorists. We’re going to leave the analysis of the larger portions of the budget (including the near RM70-billion allocated to the Education Ministry) to the news pundits, and we’re going to focus on what matters to our audience.

The 2020 Budget has confirmed, cemented, and put to rest some of the rumours and initiatives that have been floating around of late, such as the reintroduction of GST. It’s also revealed that the Government is making good on its promise to reduce certain motoring costs in stages, due to the current financial strain that the administration is subject to.

We’ll start with the good bits:

  1. The Government will take over the KESAS, SPRINT, and LDP highways, as well as the SMART Tunnel. Upon doing so, the Government will abolish all toll charges on the aforementioned motorways, and replace them with congestion charges during peak and normal hours. These peak & normal rates will see a reduction of 30% over current toll charges, while off-peak hours will see zero congestion charge. This ensures that the takeover of the aforementioned motorways will come at no financial burden to the government, as the takeover will be paid for by the congestion charge.
  2. The Government has negotiated with PLUS Berhad to reduce toll charges on all PLUS motorways by 18%. This naturally includes the North-South Highway, the New Klang Valley Expressway, the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway, the North-South Expressway Central Link, the Malaysia-Singapore 2nd Link, and the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway. This will save motorists RM43-billion by the expiration of the PLUS concession in 2038.
  3. The Government will match the toll rates of the 2nd Penang Bridge to that of the Penang Bridge, reducing current toll charges of RM8 to RM7.
  4. The Government will no longer grant concession extensions to any motorway operator in the country.

These are of course majorly welcomed boons for Malaysian motorists, who will likely find that their daily commute & occasional trips are about to get cheaper come 2020.

There are however a number of cons to the 2020 Budget, which include:

  1. The gradual removal of the fuel price cap system in the Peninsula, which has thus far been responsible for ensuring the stability of fuel prices (and by correlation, the cost of goods and services).
  2. The price cap removal will be replaced with two targeted subsidy systems. The first, for recipients of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) will see the direct creditation of RM30/month for car owners and RM12/month for motorcycle owners. Those eligible must own a car below 1,600cc (or 1,600cc> if above 10-years of age), or a motorcycle <150cc (or 150cc> if in excess of 10-years of age), and the Government will credit the subsidy directly into eligible BSH accounts.
  3. All motorists that do not receive BSH will be entitled to receive KAD95, which will permit a subsidy of 30-sen/litre for the first 100L/month for car owners, and 40L/month for motorcycle owners. This will, in theory, ensure the continued stability of prices and managed inflation in the face of the return to the open-market float system.

We at MalaysianMotoring feel particularly strongly about the removal of the fuel price cap, as we believe that by removing the price cap, the Malaysian economy is about to be subject to yet another unilateral price increase of goods & services. The Malaysian government has failed to outline how the floated fuel price system will ensure stability for logistical networks, transportation networks and the like, all of which we depend on entirely to get the goods & services we need to survive.

Without wanting to sound like a fearmonger, let’s all take note that on this day, the 11th of October 2019, the price of a Snack Plate at KFC is RM14.95.

Let’s see where it goes after this.

PERODUA DELIVERS 55 ARUZ SUVS TO KPDNHEP

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has purchased 55 units of the Perodua Aruz AV, marking the seven-seater SUV’s entry into the government sector and the model’s first fleet deal.

A delivery ceremony was held today at the ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya, where KPDNHEP Secretary-General Datuk Muez Abdul Aziz symbolically handed a mock key over to KPDNHEP Director of Enforcement Dato’ Haji Iskandar Halim Haji Sulaiman.

“We thank KPDNHEP very much for choosing the Perodua Aruz and in doing so, supporting the Malaysian automotive supply eco-system, as over 90% of the Aruz’s components are locally sourced. The same is true of all our current models,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

The Perodua Aruz is not merely the SUV of choice for KPDNHEP, but also of the Malaysian public. With over 23,000 units already sold out over the 33,000 bookings received since the car was launched in January, the Perodua Aruz is not only the best-value SUV Malaysia has to offer, but is also the country’s best-selling SUV.

Perodua continues to move from strength to strength with its new products, with the latest fleet deal with KPDNHEP a resounding signal of confidence in Malaysia’s largest carmaker. With the company raking in accolades both at home and abroad, Perodua is set to continue to excite and inspire the Malaysian market, with one new model at a time.