Perodua Viva just a poor copy of Mira

Learned about the launch of the new Perodua Viva on the 10th of this month, from Xcarz who left a comment on my blog.

This new model is a replacement for the Kelisa and is based on the Daihatsu Mira (also known as the Cuore, Domino or Charade outside Japan). In fact it is almost identical to the Mira externally. Internally however, it is a different matter all together. Malaysians have been handed down the old tired design. Take a look at Paul Tan's blog post here to see what I mean.

Prices range from RM 28,400 (for the Solid color 660cc EX Manual) to RM 44,200 (for the 1000cc Metallic paint Automatic Premium) - these are on the road prices.

FYI, Perodua is short for Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd.

UPDATE: Learned from Azwan that the 660cc and 850cc versions of Viva don't have power steering.

Malaysian auto sales down

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association's (MAA) annual report, auto sales in Malaysia were down 11% in 2006 from the previous year's position to 490,768 units. This is the first drop in three years.

The country's No. 1 spot has also been taken by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd and National carmaker Proton Bhd falls to the second spot.

The lower sales last year were attributed to low second-hand car prices, higher fuel costs and the tightening of loans for the purchase of cars by banks following high default rates.

However, the report had a positive note in that they expected sales to rise this year- predicting 1.9% growth in 2007.

Related Links:
- Perodua firmly in pole position
- Perodua Sales Up, Captures 42 Pct Share Of Passenger Car Market
- 2006 car sales plunge but ‘worst over’

Tags: MAA Perodua Proton