Perodua at the Motorshow
Although the Kenari was Perodua’s new model for 2000, visitors to the Perodua stand were drawn to another model which is expected to be launched next year. Presently going under the internal codename of ‘X690′, this model was displayed on a rotating platform.
Those who have seen the ‘spy photos’ circulating on the Net not so long ago may believe this to be the model. However, apart from the difference in the codename – the prototype in the spy photo was ‘XA02′ – the styling of the X690 is also slightly different. Perodua says the X690 will be an additional model in its line-up so it is possible the XA02 will be the Kancil replacement, rumoured to be out by 2002.
Anyway, the X690 will come out during the first quarter of 2001 and at this time, Perodua has revealed that it will have a 1000 cc DOHC 12-valve EFI engine,most likely the same one as that in the Kenari.
Malaysians are being invited to give this new Perodua a name as well as an advertising tagline (like the Kancil’s ‘Smart Like You’). The winner gets a unit of the X690 after it is launched. The contest will run till Monday, December 4th 2000 and all entries must reach Perodua by 10 pm that day. Entry forms are available at Perodua’s stand at the KL International Motorshow in Putra World Trade Centre, KL, and entries can also be submitted via Perodua’s website (www.perodua.com.my).
Besides the X690, Perodua also displayed a Kenari with a body kit and some minor internal enhancements, notably the trim on the dashboard centre console. The body kit gives the Kenari a visually lower look and is quite eye-catching.
Also at the stand was a rugged-looking Kembara in a jungle setting. With its full-time 4WD, the Kembara can certainly venture into the jungle (but get the right tyres!) and AW’s Jaime and friends proved that on the Perodua Kembara Expedition. In fact, Jaime recognises the unit on display as the one her team used…
For those who wanted a ‘feel’ of what it’s like rallying, Perodua set up a simulator of sorts with a flat screen mounted on the bonnet of one of their rally Kancils. Visitors had an opportunity to try their hand at driving a tricky rally course from inside the Kancil – better than Sega Rally!
