Following the launch of the third-generation Toyota Avanza/Veloz yesterday at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Daihatsu Indonesia has now followed up with their own version of the seven-seater MPV, called the Xenia.
While the two sister brands in Indonesia always had an arrangement to essentially share models but with different names and a slightly tweaked design (see Raize/Rocky, Terios/Rush), the all-new Daihatsu Xenia in particular could end up being a little more significant for us Malaysians, as the model is widely-tipped to be debuted here as the next-generation Perodua Alza!
The all-new Daihatsu Xenia’s design is more in line with the Toyota Avanza than the pricier/fancier Veloz, although there are still some significant changes being made here. The upper grille is significantly larger than its T-badged sibling, which completely houses the Daihatsu logo (the Toyota relies on a separate cutout), and both the grille elements use a mesh insert instead of the horizontal slats as seen on the Avanza.
Similar to the Indonesian-market Rocky, Daihatsu has also added a red strip across the upper grille to add on a sporty touch to the MPV, this time extending even further into the headlights. Other differences between the two models include the unique fog lamp housing up front, exclusive two-tone wheel design (for the range-topping variant), and a gloss black plastic trim connecting the tail lights at the rear.
On the inside, the all-new Daihatsu Xenia is also nearly identical to the Avanza in layout, instead of the plushier Veloz. Although, it has to be said that the materials in the D-badged MPV still looks a bit more economically-focused than the Toyota, due to the monotonous dark-toned interior.
Depending on variant, the Daihatsu Xenia’s interior can be equipped with either a seven- or nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, carbon fibre-looking trims, and manual seat height adjuster.
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However, the analogue Optitron instrument cluster display, manual lever-operated hand brake, digital (but manual) air-conditioning controls, roof-mounted rear b lowers, and flexible three-row seats design are standard across the board.
Just like the all-new Avanza, the Daihatsu Xenia is also built upon the new DNGA platform, and makes the switch from rear-wheel drive to now a front-wheel drive.
Two engine options are on offer – a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill with 98 hp and 121 Nm, as well as a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine offering 106 hp and 136 Nm of torque.
Both engines can be paired to either a manual gearbox, or Daihatsu’s own D-CVT gearbox depending on variant – the latter is a little different to Toyota’s CVT thanks to the use of split gears in addition to belts at higher speeds.
Safety wise, only the range-topping variant gets the advanced driver assistance suite, consisting of Pre Collision System (warning and automatic braking), Pedal Mis-operation Control, Leading Vehicle Departure Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention.
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The Perodua Xenia will be offered in five different variants (eight if you count the individual transmission options), with prices ranging from IDR190.9 million (approx. RM 56k) to IDR242.7 million (approx. RM 71k).
Would you be happy to have this as the next Perodua Alza here in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments below!
GALLERY
