The new Perodua Myvi lineup has ditched the mid-spec
SE trim in favour of the 1.5 High and Advance models, and with that ends a
whole line of sportier-looking Myvi variants that has existed in some form or
another since 2007. We wondered if the Special Edition tag could perhaps be
reserved for a more powerful hot hatch, and enlisted the services of rendering
wizard Theophilus Chin to whip up such a car.
The additions include a honeycomb grille pattern, larger air intakes and
what appear to be LED daytime running lights. There are also larger two-tone
wheels, plus silver door mirrors not unlike what you’d see on an Audi S model.
At the rear, Chin gave the Myvi new tail lights that
are slimmer than the previous L-shaped items, giving the rump a more cohesive
look. A larger rear spoiler, a full-width third brake light and a small
diffuser under the rear number plate recess complete the look.
Although a more potent Myvi sounds mighty tempting,
it’s unlikely that Perodua will actually offer such a thing. The company hasn’t
built anything more powerful than the 1.5 models already on sale, and the
market for small hot hatches is tepid at best.
To recap, the new third-generation Myvi has been
designed completely in house featuring greater sophistication, equipment levels
and safety. Longer, wider but lower than before, it gets items such as
standard-fit LED headlights, keyless entry, push-button start and stability
control, as well as an integrated Touch ‘n Go reader, up to six airbags and
autonomous emergency braking.
Power comes from new 1.3 and 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i
engines from the Toyota NR family. The smaller 1NR-VE is the same engine found
on the Bezza, and it makes 94 hp at 6,000 rpm and 121 Nm of torque at 4,000
rpm. The larger 2NR-VE, on the other hand, has been lifted from the Toyota
Vios, and it produces 102 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm. A five-speed
manual gearbox and a four-speed auto is on offer.
Cr : Paultan