Perodua’s new concept car: GMS Buddyz
Malaysia's second largest national automaker, Perodua unveiled what it calls its glocal car at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show and it is pretty impressive to say the least.
With the threat of a drop in foreign car prices looming ever closer, Perodua have had to step up their game in order to remain competitive and relevant to Malaysians and the car market in general. The company has done just that by revealing its next generation car called the GMS (Global Model Sedan) Buddyz at the 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.
According to Perodua, it is meant to appeal to those of the digital age, most notably generation Y and Z. The Buddyz concept car boasts Perodua's next generation design language. It features a low roofline and sharp curves giving the car a more aggressive presence. Despite being touted as a next generation design, the front fascia to some extent still resembles the Myvi.
That being said, extensive changes have been made including more prominent contours on the bonnet and front bumper as well as the addition of stacked fins on each side of the front bumper. The rear features a one-piece LED taillight design and at first glance, the entire rear looks like it was made to resemble a cross between the Proton Tuah and Saga BLM.
For the interior, the Buddyz features a futuristic layout with its tan and dark brown colour scheme. The meter cluster is all-digital with the speedometer resembling a countdown timer. No clear information is given regarding what everything does so we will just have to assume the dashboard mounted LCD panel is probably meant for the infotainment system. The “i-Drive” style controls placed on the centre console looks like it’s used to control the infotainment system as well as the air-conditioning system.
During the unveiling at KLIMS13, Perodua also revealed an all-new aluminium engine concept, which it calls 1KR. It is said to be Perodua’s most advanced engine yet and it will be produced here in Malaysia. This 998cc Euro IV compliant engine is based on a long stroke ratio and is able to run quieter, burn cleaner and is more powerful than other similar engines to come from the automaker.
Also new is the EAT or Electronic Controlled Automatic Transmission, which will have technologically advanced but locally manufactured parts such as the transmission case, oil pan, oil pump and other various components.
Specific details regarding the GMS Buddyz and other new tech is still a little sketchy but if the new Myvi is anything to go by, Perodua is trying its best to offer Malaysians the best bang for their buck. The company has enjoyed Daihatsu/Toyota expertise and technical know how for years, which is why its cars have been incredibly reliable and easy to live with. If this continues, though it may not be the exact car, we might see something close to this minus the futuristic meter cluster in the not so distant future.
