Perodua viva

Perodua has announced a new rearranged line-up for the its popular ViVA compact hatch. They have already introduced the entry level 660BX on Monday to take the place of the retired Kancil at the lower end of Perodua's model spectrum. Now comes the new 1.0-litre 'Elite' premium versions to top the ViVA range.

There are two trim levels for the Elite - the Elite and the Elite EZi. The former is available in both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission, whereas the latter has automatic transmission only.

Differentiating the ViVA Elite from the standard ViVAs are a newly designed front fascia, seat fabrics, 12-spoke 14" alloy rims, an MP3/WMA digital audio unit, and UV protection glass. Compared to the MyVI SE the cosmetic enhancements on the ViVA Elite is far more tastefully done, though the hood protusion and rear diffuser give it a touch of amusement rather than an image of sportiness.

The ViVA Elite EZi gets even more features in the form of side mirror integrated signal lamps, rear spoiler, power folding side mirror, twin airbags, and Antilock Brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist.

Speaking at the launch at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Perodua MD Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said, "The ViVA Elite promises the best of both worlds; you can now have a car that is fuel efficient, affordable to maintain and yet delivers all the comforts that are a must in today's urban lifestyle."

Sitting between the basic 660BX and the Elite are the 660EX, the 850 and the 1.0. All the 660 and 850 versions are available only with manual transmission, whereas the non-Elite 1.0 is an auto-only model.

In a show of refreshing frankness and honesty, Perodua revealed that they were stung into action by a drop in sales of the 1.0-litre and by the 660 variant not performing as planned. The presentation made to the media also pointed at an Exora-inspired surge that saw Proton overtook Perodua's sales figures in June 2009.

Their response now sees Perodua offering to the Malaysian public the cheapest car and the cheapest automatic car on sale in the form of the ViVA 660BX and the ViVA 1.0 A/T respectively.

At the press conference after the launch Datuk Syed Hafiz revealed that Perodua is aiming to sell 2,600 units of the new ViVA Elite. As of launch date, 1,500 cars have already been delivered. Having already sold 77,000 cars for the first half of 2009, Perodua is confident of hitting its target of 150,000 sales for this year