Less than a week after launching its first EV in Malaysia, Perodua is now already teasing its next model. A short video on its social media channels hints at a new addition to the lineup, which we believe could be a new B-segment crossover rumoured to be called the Perodua Traz, codenamed D66B.
In the teaser video, the car is shown only in silhouette, with most of its body concealed in shadow. Looking closely, however, faint outlines reveal parts of the rear quarter — enough for us to draw comparisons with its Toyota cousin.
The upcoming model is rumoured to be closely based on the ASEAN-market Toyota Yaris Cross. When compared side by side at a similar angle, the shape of the rear quarter appears to match relatively well. However, the bumper design seems to differ slightly, hinting that the Perodua version could look slightly different – similar to how the Alza has a different look compared to the Veloz, and the Ativa too gets its own looks compared to the Raize/Rocky.
The Perodua model also appears to omit the roof rails and shark-fin antenna found on the Toyota Yaris Cross. The front end appears to be the most similar, especially with how the bonnet joins with the front grille.
Perodua has also shown a close-up shot of the grille in the teaser video. The front Perodua badge is positioned within the grille, lightly touching the upper panel. The grille itself features a mesh pattern reminiscent of the Alza, although on that model the logo sits above the mesh and on the plastic trim — unlike what we see in the teaser.
Despite its Toyota badge, the Yaris Cross is actually built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, courtesy of the Toyota-Daihatsu joint venture called the Emerging-market Compact Car Company. It uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 106 hp and 138 Nm, paired with either a five-speed manual or a CVT — the latter being the most likely option for Malaysia.
In Thailand, the Yaris Cross is offered exclusively as a hybrid. Its 1.5-litre NA four-cylinder engine generates 91 hp and 121 Nm, working together with an electric motor that produces 80 hp and 141 Nm for a combined output of 111 hp.
More details will be unveiled nearer to date, although it’s confirmed that the upcoming Perodua ‘Traz’ – if it’s truly called that – will be larger than the Ativa. Although it won’t match the size of the Perodua Aruz or Alza, it will sit squarely in the B-segment — putting it in direct competition with another popular Malaysian-built crossover, the Proton X50.
