Perodua D66B teaser revealed, a new B-segment SUV based on the Yaris Cross is coming soon

【PCauto】Perodua officially launched its first all-electric vehicle, the QV-E, in early December and, shortly thereafter, released a new teaser video on social media. The footage only shows the silhouette of an SUV and ends with the words "Coming Soon."

This series of actions sends a clear message: Perodua isn't slowing down as 2025 approaches and is preparing to launch another key model before the year ends. The public widely interprets the teaser as the new SUV codenamed D66B, long rumored to be the Perodua Nexis or Traz.

The Perodua D66B is based on the Toyota Yaris Cross

Judging from the silhouette and partial features shown in the teaser, this SUV is closely related to the ASEAN-market Toyota Yaris Cross.

Whether in its rear-end contours, roofline, or bumper details, the vehicle shows significant similarities to the Yaris Cross. However, certain details appear redesigned, such as the L-shaped grille trim, the absence of roof rails, and a mesh-style lower grille that aligns more closely with Perodua's family design language.

This design differentiation approach closely mirrors the relationship between the Alza and the Toyota Veloz, and between the Ativa and the Toyota Raize/Rocky. This strongly suggests that the D66B will be a restyled or rebadged version of the Yaris Cross.

What kind of powertrain will the Perodua D66B use?

In terms of platform, the D66B will adopt the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA-B) chassis, shared with models like the Myvi, Alza, and Ativa.

The shared platform means that engineering and production costs are easier to control, and also makes the powertrain configuration highly predictable.

Currently, the Indonesian-market Toyota Yaris Cross uses a 1.5L 2NR-VE naturally aspirated engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. This powertrain is also the main configuration of Perodua's existing models, and is therefore considered the most likely option to continue.

In the Thai market, the Yaris Cross is sold in a Hybrid version, which combines a 1.5L 2NR-VEX engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 111 PS.

Whether Perodua will introduce a hybrid version remains unknown, but the possibility cannot be ruled out. Perodua's product strategy has always prioritized price sensitivity and low maintenance costs, so the traditional 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is likely to remain the main configuration.

Positioning of the Perodua D66B will be between Ativa and Aruz

Although the model's positioning has not been officially announced, the D66B is widely expected to become Perodua's core B-segment product, with a size between the Ativa and Aruz, placing it in direct competition with the Proton X50.

Compared to the A-segment size limitations of the Ativa, the D66B will offer a more complete SUV space ratio, thereby filling the gap in Perodua's lineup created by its lack of a five-seater B-segment SUV.

With consumer trends favoring higher seating positions, better ride comfort, and larger trunk space, a Yaris Cross-based product would undoubtedly enhance the brand's competitiveness.

The emergence of this SUV also indicates that Perodua is gradually moving its product portfolio in a more upscale direction.

We can see the new car within this year

Perodua has not yet announced a launch date, but the typical teaser campaign timeline suggests the production model will be revealed within weeks.

As the new car's outline, powertrain direction, and market positioning become clearer, the D66B is expected to be one of Perodua's most attention-grabbing models in recent years.

Whether it will be launched as the Nexis, Traz, or under another name, and what powertrain it will ultimately feature, remains to be officially announced. What is certain is that this SUV will be one of the most noteworthy new cars in the market by the end of 2025.