After launching its first electric vehicle (EV) just a few days ago, Perodua has now teased its next model in a short video posted on its social media pages recently. We aren’t getting much in the way of details for now, but we can make an educated guess that this is the brand’s much-awaited B-segment crossover codenamed D66B.
The D66B will share a lot in common with the DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross, which received a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating in August this year. The report card for the Yaris Cross stated ‘Production Malaysia for Malaysia market’ and we know that the B-SUV will be introduced here both as a Toyota and Perodua, with the latter rumoured to be called Nexis or Traz when referring to trademark filings from over three years ago.
As with the Alza and Veloz, the D66B Nexis/Traz will look slightly different from its Toyota sister. Perodua is only willing to show us a clear view of the front grille of its upcoming offering in the teaser, which has an insert featuring L-shaped motifs compared to the U-shaped ones on the Yaris Cross.
The teaser video also includes a heavily darkened wide shot of the D66B, which, after some tweaking, we can make out cues seen on the Yaris Cross like the slender headlamps and sweptback chrome trim near the C-pillars. Rendering whiz Theophilus Chin’s digital imagining of the D66B is an approximation of what we might get.
We don’t yet know what powertrains will be offered for the Nexis/Traz, but in Indonesia, the Yaris Cross is offered with a 2NR-VE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm, with drive going to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or a CVT. In Thailand, this model is hybrid-only with a 2NR-VEX 1.5 litre NA four-cylinder engine making 91 PS and 121 Nm. This works with an 80 PS/141 Nm electric motor for a combined output of 111 PS.
The introduction of the D66B was originally scheduled to take place in April 2024, as per Kenanga Research’s report from last February. However, a focus on getting the Q-VE has likely delayed the D66B’s launch, but at least we now know it’s coming soon.
Whatever it is called, the D66B will sit above the Ativa in the line-up, with the latter currently starting at RM62,500 (OTR without insurance) and peaking at RM73,100 (RM73,400 if you count the two-tone AV option). Care to guess how much the D66B will be?
Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.