WITH a new look, improved fuel economy and enhanced intelligent safety features over its predecessor, the new Myvi is now even greater value for money while giving owners a taste of the latest automotive technologies.
The highlight is the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system that encompasses the advanced safety assist, driving assist, parking assist and headlamp assist.
This qualifies it as an Autonomous Level 2 technology car - of which the full suite of these features can be found in the Myvi's Advance Variant (AV).
"This is the first time that a company is offering a car with Autonomous Level 2 technology priced under RM60,000 in Malaysia," said Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
All variants also feature the Dual Mode Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) that replaces the four-speed transmission.
"The Dual Mode CVT will further enhance transmission efficiency. It is lightweight and compact in size, providing a powerful and smooth acceleration at low speeds and will make the vehicle quieter while increasing fuel efficiency - a five per cent improvement or an additional 1km for every litre of fuel - as well as a 20 per cent improved acceleration.
"An increased fuel efficiency is our commitment towards lessening our impact on the environment and working towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral organisation," he added.
For those holding out for one, note that there will be no manual transmission variant of the latest Myvi.
Zainal Abidin said the decision was made based on sales results of the previous-generation Myvi.
Of the 277,329 units of third-generation Myvi sold, manual transmission variants only accounted for one per cent of the total.
"We had considered having a manual variant but with only one per cent take up, it made more sense to drop it for now," he said.
He added that the Covid-19 pandemic situation had prompted the company to make more informed decisions and only the Axia would continue to have a manual transmission variant.
"Even for the Axia, the decision is less about sales and more for infrastructure and services related, such as for driving school use."
BIG FAVOURITE
The new Myvi's launch coincides with the same week of the third generation Myvi's launch on Nov 16, 2017.
Since the Myvi was introduced in May 2005, Perodua has sold some 1.3 million units to date, with 277,329 being of the third-generation model.
The new Myvi had received up to 4,303 bookings within nine days of its launch, with deliveries made the very next day.
Zainal Abidin said the company believed it could sell 6,000 units of the new Myvi monthly.
"It has struck all the right chords with Malaysians and it offers our customers the best value possible."
The new Myvi is said to cost RM50 million to develop.
It comes in five variants: RM47,700 for the 1.3G (RM45,700 without the PSDA system), RM49,900 for the 1.5 X, RM53,900 for the 1.5 H and RM58,800 for the 1.5 AV.
All prices are applicable for Peninsular Malaysia and without insurance and excluding Sales Tax.
The new Cranberry Red colour option is only available for the AV variant. Other colour choices are Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Lava Red (not available to the AV), Granite Grey, and Electric Blue.
PERODUA EZ MOBi
Coinciding with the new Myvi launch is Perodua's EZ MOBi subscription service, which will assist companies in managing their vehicle fleet starting from procurement to servicing and fleet replacement.
"In essence, EZ MOBi represents Perodua's value contribution towards its customers' growing mobility needs. The overall package includes vehicle registration, insurance renewal, servicing cost, part replacement cost, courtesy car, vehicle disposal and replacement under one subscription plan.
"It provides end-to-end convenience to our customers as various packages are available to fit each client's mobility needs. The subscription plan factors in all costs of owning and operating vehicles except fuel usage."
This new service is currently only available in the Klang Valley and for business entities and government agencies.
GEARUP
For those looking to further spice up their ride, Perodua has unveiled the GearUp accessories for the new Myvi.
Ace seat covers cost RM745 and for lighting, there's LED scuff plates (RM260) and floor lighting (RM240). An Illumination Package priced at RM450 includes both lighting features but does require an accessories extension wire harness (RM60).
A range of add-ons include door visors (RM150), chrome side mirror garnish (RM120), chrome window garnish (RM150), side door moulding with chrome line (RM250), magnetic sun shades (RM140), chrome scuff plates (RM120), door comfort (RM445), hood insulator (RM72), luggage tray (RM100), coil mats (RM150) and new coil mats with mesh top (RM180).
The Utility Package, at RM360, comes with door visors, luggage tray and coil mats.
For added safety features, there's the wheel lock nut (RM200), digital video recorder (RM500), GearUp Smart tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS, RM430), and four-in-one anti-theft bracket (RM145).
All prices are for Peninsular Malaysia.
TOUGH 2021
Perodua has revised its total sales estimate for this year to around 210,000 vehicles from 240,000 previously.
While the official figures would only be announced next year, Zainal Abidin said 2021 had so far been exceptionally challenging and the company was more focused on maintaining the staff's wellbeing.
He said the company was hopeful that sales would improve in the final two months of the year, although it was "highly unlikely that the figures would shoot up in such a short time".
"There has been a lot of disruption, from chip shortages to supply issues. So, we will be lucky to even hit 200,000 units by year end."
On the government's zero tax on electric vehicles (EV) as announced in the 2022 Budget, he said Perodua was glad the government was tackling the carbon emission issue seriously.
However, he said a full transition to the EV platform would be difficult and hybrid would be the more favourable option for the local market.
"When we look at going green, it is not only about going EV. The production process and source of energy have to all be in line with reducing carbon emissions."
He said it was much easier for a fresh company to work on EVs rather than overhauling an existing company's production platform.
"Going the EV route is easier when you start the platform, battery, parts, and such from scratch."
In the meantime, referring to Japanese carmakers' recently-announced pact to continually work on the internal combustion engine (ICE), Zainal Abidin suggested that local automotive and energy companies should come together and form a "Malaysia Pact" and discuss what would fit the Malaysian market.