Will Perodua Nexis (D66B) Compete with Proton X50?

As the momentum of vehicle electrification escalates, Proton has already unveiled its first electric vehicle, the eMAS 7, while Perodua appears to lag in this transformative wave.

Whispers in the automotive industry suggest that the Perodua Nexis, codenamed D66B, is poised to be the brand’s first hybrid SUV, with its hybrid system transplanted from the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV.

Compared to the Proton eMAS 7, the hybrid version of Perodua Nexis emerges as a more pragmatic choice for consumers, especially as fully electric vehicles (BEVs) remain a distant reality, and a significant portion of the market show no interest towards them.

The Perodua Nexis is a new B-segment SUV fabricated on Daihatsu’s New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform. The innovative platform has been successfully applied in models such as the Perodua Ativa and Perodua Alza, providing remarkable modularity and flexibility that not only improves manufacturing efficiency but also underscores quality and performance.

The hybrid powertrain of the Nexis is anticipated to pair a 1.5-liter normally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor, delivering an impressive output of 171 horsepower. Departing from the conventional gearbox, the hybrid version of Nexis promises a smooth and vigorous driving experience similar to that of a pure electric vehicle.

Furthermore, Perodua will persist in launching a gasoline version of Nexis. The fuel-powered variant is expected to be equipped with a 1.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 106 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. And the engine will be paired with a D-CVT transmission for consistent power delivery and commendable fuel economy.

The prototype model of Nexis, the Yaris Cross, has witnessed steadily increasing sales in Thailand, with monthly figures exceeding 3,000 units. If priced reasonably, the Nexis is well-positioned to become Perodua’s next big seller.

Let’s speculate on the pricing. The Perodua Nexis is positioned slightly above the Ativa, which currently ranges between RM 62,500 and RM 73,400.

Considering the hybrid system, the starting price of the Nexis is expected to be around RM 85,000, while the gasoline version will be priced lower, potentially around RM 73,000. Overall, Nexis is anticipated to present a more competitive option compared to Proton X50, which starts at RM 86,300. It is also plausible that the Nexis will be the first Perodua model to breach the RM 80,000 threshold.