Perodua Aruz Production Axed For Yaris Cross-based D66B?

A credible insider source indicates production of the Aruz has ended, and that it's line is being upgraded to produce the upcoming new D66B model.

Thanks to an unnamed insider source, production of the Perodua Aruz 7-seat crossover at the national brand’s plant in Rawang has supposedly ended. Our source adds that the existing line for the Aruz will now undergo upgrades to produce the upcoming new D66B model.

First launched in 2019, the Aruz was positioned as an affordable 7-seat family crossover. Moderate success prompted a refresh in 2021, but by then this offering based on the third-gen Daihatsu Terios/Toyota Rush slowly lost favour due to the ‘maturing’ consumer trend.

Whilst the Aruz’s demise may be bad news for some, the next set of details we were clued in to by our source should offset things...

Toyota Yaris Cross-based render of the upcoming new Perodua D66B 'Nexis' by @Theottle.

Regarding said new D66B model, our source indicated that it will both underpin the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform and feature a hybrid powertrain. The latter will make the D66B stand as the first hybrid vehicle (HEV) to be produced locally by Perodua too.

Given the details, we’re certain that the D66B will in fact be a rebadged version of the new Toyota Yaris Cross HEV. Said DNGA-based compact crossover SUV recently debuted in neighbouring Indonesia and Thailand earlier this year, with the latter solely in electrified HEV form too.

Made in Japan by Daihatsu, the special Ativa Hybrid was the first - and only - hybrid (HEV) model offered by Perodua to date, albeit on a limited scale - just 300 units.

Certainly, this is an exciting development by the national automaker, which also aligns with what its President, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, stated prior about Perodua’s gradual shift towards adopting hybrid (HEV) powertrains.

To date, Perodua has only offered its groundbreaking best-seller the Ativa in hybrid from, albeit on a limited scale through a special ‘subscription’ program that doubled up as a long-term consumer study. Just 300 units of which were made by Daihatsu and imported from Japan specifically for this.

The move to axe and upgrade the Aruz’s line seems logical, especially considering the high demands other Perodua-badged DNGA-based models – Ativa, Alza, and Axia – continue to garner. And given how the model is specced in the Kingdom north of our Peninsular’s borders, things look promising.

New DNGA-based Toyota Yaris Cross HEV launched in Thailand earlier this year.

As a refresher, the DNGA-based compact crossover SUV entered the Thai market powered by the combination of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol mill paired with a hybrid electric motor system, altogether delivering 91 PS and 121 NM.

Typical of DNGA-based models, said outputs are sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT transmission too. Headlining fuel economy figures here include a claimed average 26.3 KM/litre – 3.8 litres/100 KM – that easily sees the Yaris Cross stand as one of the most frugal in class.

Highly efficient HEV powertrain sees the Yaris Cross HEV promise frugal fuel economy as low as 3.8 litres/100 KM (26.3 KM/litre).

Typically like any other DNGA-based product, the Yaris Cross boasts a tech-rich list of standard features plus a full swing of ADAS functions too.

Based on Perodua’s efforts rebadging other DNGA models, we can expect plenty current features and tech offered. Highlights include full-LED lighting, fully digital dash display, touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay at least, electronic parking brake (EPB), and automatic climate control.

Moreover, we can also expect a barrage of active driving assistance (ADAS) features as seen in the AV-trimmed Ativa crossover, Alza MPV, and more recently the second-gen Axia supermini. Expect to see adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop-go function, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and more.

At this stage, Perodua remains naturally tight-lipped regarding the D66B, especially regarding its market introduction timeline. Given its knack at delivering highly desirable mobility solutions are highly affordable and accessible price points, this certainly is one offering worth waiting on for many.