Malaysia Best Car Myvi

MYVI

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (PERODUA) held a media preview of its latest model, the Perodua Myvi The name ‘MYVI’ is an abbreviation for My Vehicle, My Vision or Malaysian Vision.

The project started in 2002, when a team of 80 engineers was sent to Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd, Perodua’s technology partner, in Japan, to work together, utilizing the Advance Simultaneous Engineering (ASE) programme to conceptualise and produce the new generation car. Perodua’s vendors were also involved from the inception stage, providing collaboration to design and develop component parts, the result of which is the Myvi having 80 percent of local content at the time of launch.

As Perodua readies for the launch of its new flagship, the Myvi, many details have already been made available to the media and unlike some other paranoid companies, journalists did not have to sign an sort of document which warned them of legal action should they break the embargo. This trusting and friendly approach makes it so much easier to agree to a simple request: withhold showing pictures of the actual car till the night of May 25th 2005 when the car will be launched.

So we are allowed to write about the car as much as we want but we’ll save the full story for next week when pictures can be shown as well. For now, here are some of the quick facts, many of which are already known but this is official confirmation.

ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
There are two DOHC EFI engines available, both of which are already in other Perodua models. The smaller one is the EJ-VE 989 cc which powers the Kelisa/Kenari and the larger one is the 1298 cc K3-VE used for the Kembara. In case you have forgotten the power outputs, the EJ-VE puts out 58.5 ps/42 kW and the K3-VE, which has Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT), produces 87 ps/64 kW. 5-speen manual and 4-speed electronic automatic transmissions are available.

HOW MANY VERSIONS?
Five, with only one (Myvi 1.0SR) having the 1.0-litre engine. The others have the 1.3-litre engines and two high-grade versions come with airbags, ABS and some extra accessories. Almost 80% (976 parts) of the car comes from Malaysian or Asean suppliers. All versions used 14-inch wheels except the Myvi 1.0SR which has steel wheels.

HOW GOOD IS THE QUALITY?
In order to assemble the Avanza for Toyota, Perodua’s factory had to be able to meet the quality standards of Japan’s No. 1 automaker and it has achieved a defect rate of 0.2 per car – that’s 2 defects per 10 cars. This rate has been achieved with the first production units and Perodua is confident that it can be maintained. It is certainly a big improvement from 10 years ago when the rate was between 2.0 and 2.5 PER CAR.
WHAT ARE THE COLOURS?
Ebony Black, Klasik Gold, Glittering Silver, Mocca Silver, Ozzy Orange, Mistik Red and Olive Green. Only the first three colours are available for the Myvi 1.0SR.


MYVI SE (Special Edition)

Perodua’s new Perodua Myvi SE was launched last Friday, and has been available in showrooms for the past week now. A short recap on the specifications: new front and rear bumper, sideskirts, rear spoiler, new sports rims, blue outlined Optitron meter panel, chromed muffler tip, leather seats, and silver trim for center console.

The Perodua Myvi SE’s new bodykit is reminiscent of the Toyota TRD bodykit for the Passo and Boon, however Perodua has made some modifications to the rear bumper, making it more complex with a diffuser-like design instead of the TRD’s smooth design. I’m thinking that area would look good painted black or dark gray. Waiting list won’t be too long as Perodua has stocked up 1,000 of the new special edition Myvi SE cars prior to the launch. Perodua targets 1,200 units a month for the Perodua Myvi SE.

Three sporty colours are available – Ebony Black, Mistik Red and Ivory White.