Production July 2016–present Class City car (A) | Also called Perodua D63D Designer Muhamad Zamuren Musa | |
Assembly Malaysia: Serendah (PGM) | ||
The Perodua Bezza, codenamed D63D is an A-segment sedan produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Perodua. It was launched on 21 July 2016 as Perodua's first sedan car, and a complement to the Axia hatchback.
Contents
The Bezza is based on the Axia's platform, and is powered by the latter's 1.0-litre engine, in addition to a new 1.3-litre plant. The Bezza is Perodua's first major in-house design. Perodua lead the styling and development of the Bezza's upper body structure, with technical support from Daihatsu. The Bezza is the second model to debut from Perodua's all-new factory in Serendah, Selangor.
The Perodua Bezza was developed with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, and is the company's first model to feature stop-start idling and regenerative braking. The Bezza is also the first Perodua to feature Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The range-topping Bezza Advance scored a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, making it Perodua's safest offering to date.
The name "Bezza" is derived from the Malay word beza, which means "different". Additionally, the letters "zz" in "Bezza" represents the number 22, as it was launched in Perodua's 22nd year in business.
Pre-launch
The production of Perodua's first sedan was first hinted during the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS), when Perodua debuted their concept model called Bezza. Three years later, another concept model was presented by Perodua during the 2013 KLIMS; this time, it was called Buddyz. Both concept models were designed in-house by Perodua's own design and styling division led by Muhamad Zamuren Musa, without referring to any existing Daihatsu or Toyota car models. The production of Perodua's first sedan was approved in 2015 by its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aminar Rashid. The production model would draw inspiration from the Buddyz concept model and was codenamed D63D.
The Bezza is the first Perodua model that isn't directly based on any pre-existing Toyota or Daihatsu model. Perodua lead the styling and development of the Bezza's upper body structure, with technical support from Daihatsu. Perodua claims that the Bezza has up to 95% local content, and was developed at a cost of RM 300 million. However, Perodua did not develop the Bezza from scratch, as it is powered by Toyota-engineered engines and is based on the Daihatsu-engineered Axia platform. Unlike their rival Proton, Perodua was able to develop their first sedan model secretly without public knowledge. The Perodua Bezza competes with the Proton Saga in its home market.
Launch
The Perodua Bezza was launched on 21 July 2016. Three variants are currently on sale, namely the Standard G, Premium X and Advance.
The Standard G variant is equipped with 14-inch eight-spoke alloy rims, fabric seats, polyurethane steering wheel, an audio system with USB, handphone or smartphone slot at the rear console, fixed rear seat headrests, 60:40 split folding rear seats, remote boot release, manual side mirrors without turn signals, body-mounted signal indicators, and power windows.
The Premium X variant adds on an upgraded audio system with Bluetooth, 5V/2A USB charging port (at the rear console), adjustable rear seat headrests, manual side mirrors with turn signals, keyless entry with push start/stop ignition, chrome-plated door handles, side mirror indicators and front fog lamps.
The Advance variant is fitted with 14-inch five-spoke alloy rims, powered and retractable side mirrors with turn signals, side skirting, Eco Idle stop-start system, reverse camera, touchscreen multimedia audio system with navigation and Android Smart Link. The Advance variant also receives additional minor details, replacing the fabric seats and polyurethane steering wheel with leather. Its steering wheel has been provided with multimedia system controls.
Sales
Perodua has achieved promising sales for the Bezza, with a total of 5,000 bookings received for the new model on the first day after its launch. During Perodua's first half of 2016 review, it announced that it had received 10,115 bookings as of the morning of July 26, which averages out to about 1,000 cars per day since the Bezza was first opened for booking on July 16. On August 30, Perodua reported it had delivered 10,000 Bezzas, with the bookings at 25,000.
Safety
The Perodua Bezza features a number of active and passive safety features, and is Perodua's first model to offer Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). ASEAN NCAP has awarded a 5-star safety rating for the Advance variant, and a 4-star rating for the rest of the range.
All Bezza variants are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), twin SRS airbags (for the driver and front passenger respectively), and twin rear reverse sensors as standard.
The range-topping Advance is the only variant with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRC), brake assist (BA), hill-start assist (HSA), and seat belt reminders for the driver and front passenger. The Advance variant is also equipped with a multimedia touchscreen head unit paired to a reverse camera.
The Premium X and Advance variants feature twin front parking sensors below the headlamps, solar & security window film, and anti-trap protection for the driver's side power window.
Powertrains
The Perodua Bezza is produced with two different engine options, paired to a manual or electronic automatic transmission. Both engines are manufactured by Perodua under license from Toyota Group member, Daihatsu.
The Standard G variant is powered by Perodua's new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 1KR-VE engine, which is a modified and refined version of the 1KR-DE engine from the Perodua Axia. The new 1KR-VE engine produces 67 hp at 6,000 rpm and 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm, offering a mild 1 hp and 1 Nm increase over the Axia's 1KR-DE plant. Perodua claims ECE fuel consumption figures of 22.8 km/l for the manual variant and 21.3 km/l with the automatic, both exhibiting a 1.2 km/l improvement over the old 1KR-DE.
The new 1KR-VE engine now features variable-valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on the intake valves. Several minor changes and refinements were also introduced for increased fuel efficiency and more linear power delivery. Notable changes include a higher 11.5:1 compression ratio, a high-tumble intake port, a longer intake manifold, micro fuel spray injection and low-friction valve lifters.
The Premium X and Advance variants are powered by Perodua's all-new 1.3-litre, four-cylinder 1NR-VE engine, which is capable of 94 hp at 6,000 rpm and 121 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The 1NR-VE is an evolution of the K3-VE engine from the Perodua Myvi. Perodua claims ECE fuel consumption figures of 21.7 km/l for the manual variant and 21.0 km/l with the automatic, while the auto-only Advance variant is capable of 22.0 km/l, courtesy of the new Eco Idle stop-start system and regenerative braking.
The all-new 1NR-VE engine features dual variable-valve timing with intelligence (DVVT-i) on both intake and exhaust valves. Additionally, the 1NR-VE features longer ports in its intake system for improved low- and mid-range torque, and a low-friction roller rocker arm-based valvetrain for improved fuel efficiency.
Both 1KR-VE and 1NR-VE engines are paired to a 5-speed manual (5MT) or 4-speed electronic automatic transmission (4E-AT). The Standard G and Premium X variants are sold with both manual and automatic options, while the Advance variant is limited to the automatic. Both 1KR-VE and 1NR-VE engines are also Euro IV compliant.