window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22557728108/my_article_breadcrumb_above_pc', [ 728, 90 ], 'div-gpt-ad-1685524554756-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); });
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685524554756-0'); });

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton?

Sanjay · Feb 24, 2021 03:00 PM

window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22557728108/my_article_fourthp_under_pc', [ 728, 90 ], 'div-gpt-ad-1685525140735-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); });
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685525140735-0'); });

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. 

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 01

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?

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 02

The Mira e:S

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.

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 03

The DNGA platform

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.

Also read: What is a car platform? It’s not necessarily what you think it is

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 04

TNGA seen, but this is what modular platforms achieve

Many of you have heard about the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is seeing use in more and more Toyotas sold in Malaysia - such as the Toyota Corolla Altis, Toyota RAV4, and even in upcoming new models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and all-new Toyota Harrier

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 05

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. 

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 06

Fast figures from the Daihatsu Rocky, ours shouldn't differ too far from this

In the best case scenario, this means that costs saved can be transferred to adding more features to the car - possibly a reason as to how Perodua could cram things like adaptive LED headlights and adaptive cruise control in a sub-RM 75k car.

Will it drive better than a Proton?

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 07

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.

Perodua D55L's DNGA platform - is it better and more comfortable than Proton? 08

The Rocky has a turning radius of 5m

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.

Check it out here: Review: Daihatsu Rocky aka Perodua D55L, what does the Japanese media think of it?


 

Sanjay

Senior Writer

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.

window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22557728108/my_article_relatedmodel_above_pc', [ 728, 90 ], 'div-gpt-ad-1685525247138-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); });
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685525247138-0'); });
window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-a-2x2-stream', container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' });

Trending Discussion

Hassle-free purchasing, get your next car fast!

2021 Perodua Ativa 1.0L Turbo X

Upgrade

Add your car

Not trading-in?   Sell your car