Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton?
Sanjay · Feb 24, 2021 03:00 PM
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When it comes to the 2021 Perodua Ativa (D55L), there's much to discuss. It's Perodua's first foray with a turbocharged engine/CVT gearbox combo, and it's also the company's first car that's built upon the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) modular platform, which we're discussing in this article.
Like the powertrain combo, the D55L shares its platform with several models, three of them 'kei' (mini) cars: the Daihatsu Tanto and its Subaru Chiffon twin, as well as the Daihatsu Taft.
Other than that, there are the obvious Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky too, which serves as the base car for the upcoming D55L.
What about the platform?
Actually, the whole 'DNGA' thing started as a business structure with the introduction of 2018's Daihatsu Mira e:S. The idea was a 'user-oriented approach to car production', creating small, affordable cars that prioritises fuel economy and safety.
Based on these ideals, the company went on to spawn the DNGA car platform, which marked its debut with the 2019 Daihatsu Tanto. In other words - Malaysians are getting what is essentially a brand-new platform.
Well just like TNGA, DNGA shares the same modular concept, albeit developed for budget compact cars. Modular platforms like these are important because they allow for parts sharing, shortening development time of new models, and thereby also reducing the cost incurred in developing and launching said new models.
Daihatsu claims that the DNGA's modularity allows for parts sharing betwen models to go beyond 75%, reducing development costs by 30% and at the same time, snips 50% of the time required to develop new models.
It very well could be. It's got an all-new suspension system, along with revised suspension geometry.
Everything - from the locations where suspension is attached, bushing characteristics to spring constants, and shock absorber characteristics - were optimised to put stability and comfort at the forefront.
Japanese media have said that the difference is tangible. The Rocky, boasts easy manoeuvrability, a fantastic seating position, and a deceivingly large interior.
There's lots to look out for (including driving impressions), so keep your eyes peeled for more as we have it.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.