The Perodua Rusa once mobilised Malaysian businesses and families, should it return?

Though the Perodua Rusa isn’t as common as other Perodua models (with the exception of the poor-selling Nautica), it is still one that is fondly remembered by owners during its 11 years of production.

The Rusa was Perodua’s second-ever model after the Kancil and it was developed to mobilize the growing middle class. The Rusa provided Malaysians an opportunity to start businesses and as an early example of an MPV, though Perodua called the Rusa an MUV instead, or Multi Utility Vehicle.

Also read: The legendary vans that Malaysians balik kampung in – Vanette, Liteace, Spectron

Despite the popularity of the Rusa and its multi-purpose usage, Perodua never made a successor for the Rusa. Though there had been speculations and renders made by the local media, Perodua has never quite revealed any plans on a second-gen Rusa 14 years after it was discontinued (and counting).

Before we try to find the answers on the successor of Malaysia’s first locally-made van, let’s rewind time to 25 years ago.

Like a spaceship, but it’s a van!

During the Perodua Rusa’s official unveiling on 8-March 1996, the then fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that he had a hand in the van’s design. In an article published by the Associated Press, Tun M said he had reshaped the front of the Rusa to make it “more visually appealing”.

Whether Tun M was really in a brainstorming session with designers while taking a break from shaping Malaysia’s future or not, the Rusa was really based on the Daihatsu Zebra Espass. The Zebra Espass was an aerodynamic successor to the Zebra and both models were exclusive to the Indonesian market.

The first-generation Zebra was based on the seventh-gen S80 series Hijet but was larger and more powerful with its 1.3-litre engine. It along with the Toyota Kijang introduced 7-seaters to Indonesians, a trait that is still popular in the archipelago.

When the Zebra Espass was introduced in 1995 in Indonesia, it gained quite a following with its sleek, round aerodynamic shape. The main selling point of the Espass in its advertisements though was that it provided the comforts of a sedan while keeping the practicalities of a van.

In Malaysia though, the Rusa was aimed at customers who wanted a very affordable business and people mover. Though some might wonder why Perodua would launch a van as its second-ever model, it was fitting at the time.

Perodua – Always about mobility for the masses

In the nineties, the Malaysian economy was growing and with that saw a number of people wanting to start a business. As such, having an affordable van in the market sounded like a perfect solution for a growing Malaysian middle class.

Also read: Once unbeatable, Proton lost its No.1 rank not because of Perodua, but the PC. How?

Affordability was the Rusa’s strongest suit with prices starting from RM 30,500 (~RM 53k today) for the base CX variant. At first, the Rusa was only available with a 1.3-litre SOHC 4-cylinder engine (73 PS/92 Nm) across 3 variants – CX (2-seater panel van for commercial use), EX (5-seater), and GX (7-seater).

This engine was paired to a 5-speed manual transmission which drove the rear wheels. Automatic variants were never offered which affected some sales especially with those living in the city. The engine was located below the passenger seat, much like a conventional cabover van.

Later, the Rusa came with a more powerful 1.6-litre engine which was introduced on 14-May 1997. This engine would only be offered on the top-of-the-line GX variant but it was a sleeper compared to what it was called in Indonesia.

The 1.6-litre Zebra Espass was called the Espass Supervan and it came standard with "racing wheels". The SOHC engine on both the Espass Supervan and the Rusa GX produced 82 PS and 115 Nm.

A modern van for a modern Malaysia

To call the Rusa a runaway success in Malaysia might be a bit of an understatement. Within days after the van’s launch, thousands of Malaysians thronged Perodua’s showrooms nationwide to have a glimpse at this futuristic MUV.

Many were amazed at the aerodynamic design that was modern and appealing unlike the boxy rivals like the Suzuki Carry and the Daihatsu Hijet. Its sedan-like comfort and dashboard also won over buyers.

The Rusa would prove its MUV tag with the van being used by families for recreational getaways, small businesses for running errands and deliveries, as well as by government bodies including the fire department and police department.

The Rusa would get some updates during its 11-year run with the most major being introduced in 2003. The van would sport a Perodua ‘grille’ between the headlamps to match with the rest of the line-up as well as a two-tone body paint and new alloy wheel designs for the GX variant.

Sadly, by this time, the Rusa’s appeal was slipping. MPVs had become more affordable and even though businesses would still be interested in the Rusa, its time was nearing its end. In 2007, Perodua said goodbye to the MUV that mobilised Malaysians for the good part of the nineties and early 2000s.

Also read: MPVs aren't selling here, but how is the Proton Exora still growing in sales 11 years on?

Daihatsu’s only model in Malaysia = A potential Perodua rebadge?

But the Rusa’s time isn’t quite up yet. Its successor is the Daihatsu Gran Max and it offers Malaysian businesses a pretty nifty and affordable van. Compared to the expensive Nissan NV200 and the numerous knock-off Chinese Suzuki Carrys, the Gran Max is a viable option especially for small businesses.

It has a version in Indonesia that is more suitable for private owners called the Daihatsu Luxio. Like the Gran Max, it is powered by the same 1.5-litre engine that makes 97 PS and 134 Nm. The engine is paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic that drives the rear wheels.

The facelift makes it look like a mini-Alphard but the interior is pretty much basic. It does seat up to 8 people so you could have about the same seating capacity as the luxury MPV but for way less. Customisation options are surely abundant but the safety features are lacklustre with airbags not even offered let alone ABS.

Also read: These 5 Chinese copycats look like the Toyota Alphard but cost as much as an Innova

On the other hand, the Malaysian-spec Gran Max offers dual airbags for the driver and passenger as well as ABS.

Imagine if Perodua were to bring in this as the Rusa’s long-awaited successor, do you think it would give rise to the return of the original MUV or would it not work with Perodua’s current line-up?