Perodua previews potential sedan model with GMS Buddyz concept in KLIMS13

Perodua previews potential sedan model with GMS Buddyz concept in KLIMS13

by -

The story of Perodua’s much-anticipated new sedan continues to gain traction with the company having just revealed its new GMS Buddyz concept vehicle at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS13). An evolution of the Bezza concept showcased at KLIMS10, the concept’s name is short for ‘Global Model Sedan – Buddy for Generations Y and Z’.

Most of the concept’s sharp design cues are unlikely to make it to production, but we suspect the basic silhouette is a closer representative to the actual model that will be reintroduced compared to the Bezza’s. The overall proportions appear very similar to most sedans developed from hatchback underpinnings as evidenced by its short rear overhang, but nevertheless tall posterior.

The interior of the Buddyz sports a clean and modern look, with a two-layered digital instrument panel vaguely reminiscent of the Honda Civic. An iDrive-like control knob with short cut buttons is the only feature on an otherwise bare shiny surface centre console. Amusingly, the foot well has three pedals although a manual transmission lever is no where in sight.

Another display previewing a future model is the GMA Space concept, which although not stated as such, is likely a preview of the next generation Viva’s interior. The GMA nomenclature stands for Global Model A segment, lending further weight to the Viva connection. Unlike the Buddys cabin, however, the GMA’s interior sports many production-ready details such as seat adjustment mechanisms, teh tarik hooks, centre stack controls, and defined seat contours.

On the technology front, Perodua is also displaying its upcoming all-aluminium 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that will be launched with the company’s next all-new model, likely the Viva, in 2014. Compared to the current EJ-VE, the new 1KR engine has a stroke that is 3mm longer, but its bore squeezed 1mm narrower to yield the same 998cc displacement. The engine is operated by an electronic throttle body, but does without a variable valve timing system. Able to comply to Euro IV emissions, the 1KR has a compression ratio of 11.0 and requires a minimum fuel octane of RON95.

On the same display platform as the 1KR engine, Perodua is also showcasing the next generation enhanced smart assist safety systems that include not only vehicle stability control (VSC), but also autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which as we noted in earlier coverage is a pre-requisite by Euro NCAP for a five-star rating.

Perodua’s booth in KLIMS13 is situated in Hall 3. In their vicinity is Autoworld’s own corner at Booth 3E10, don’t forget to pay us a visit!

1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply