Essential Motoring 101

Perodua brought in the Nautica as the replacement model for the Kembara that had since been the most affordable locally-manufactured 4WD compact SUV in Malaysia. After several face-lifts on the Kembara and an engine replacement, the manufacturer suggests that a completely new model may entice the many young drivers who simply want something different rather than a boring sedan.

Since the launch of the Viva in 2007, the second national carmaker has good vibes that the next new model would be introduced in 2009, looking at a 2-year pattern. So, between now (May) till year 2009, the Nautica would best to fill the gap of the wait, rather timely for the 10-year-old Kembara to ‘retire’ and be replaced.

Here are some pics of the Nautica, based on the initial test drive. Yes, this story and pics may be stale to some of you but at least this post can be your future point of motoring reference!

Deja-vu for most of you? The Nautica is not.

On the overall, with one glance, its a stunningly handsome looking SUV. And we are all quite digested that it is a Toyota Rush. But, look deeply and once your eyes reaches where the emblems are, you would be either disappointed or amazed. Yes, it’s a Perodua Nautica and its either you like it or hate it. You might be putting on your analytical cap and figure out how the Nautica is gonna compete with the ubiquitus Rush in terms of public acceptance.

Dont you just love where the spare tyre sits? Here’s a head turner!

We all are very comfortable with the ‘T’ brand for their quality vehicles in the market. We also find it cosy to accept Perodua with its Myvis and Vivas because it has literally flooded the market (and roads, especially) You might wonder how the duel between the P and the T brands might end up too.

Dont look like a rough vehicle, but it can behave like one.

One thing I would like to stress here is the Nautica is made from Japan. For the first time ever Perodua made a bold move to bring in a completely built-up car and style it to the looks of a typical Perodua car - the bumpers, emblems (of course), steering wheel and centre console of its dashboard are locally manufactured. Up till today, I still scratch my head about the percentage of local content in the Nautica that justifies it to as a CBU from Japan.

For the first time ever, too, the car manufacturer’s sales targets were unbelievably low - 100 to 200 units monthly. With a price tag of RM89,900 on-the-road with insurance, I think the sales volume could be lower than the target itself. But then again, I might be wrong. Although the Rush came much earlier, the Nautica will have its share of fans too. One determining factor that could set the Nautica above the Rush would be the 4-wheel drive function in it.

Rather basic outlook. Cant wait to see how the modified version looks like.

A 5-seater SUV capable of roughing up the mud and rivers and works as good (perhaps) as the more dearer SUVs in the market (like the Ford Everest, Nissan X-Trail, Land Rovers, etc) and it is priced at half the value of its competitors, is something no one should grumble on.

The Nautica is a compact SUV suited for the masses especially in tropical countries like Malaysia. The high ground clearance makes navigating through flood waters or potholes easy. At that height, too, the driver gets further visibility for looming traffic jams ahead. Getting into the vehicle does not require heavy biceps working as all one needs to do is lift up the thigh and swing the torso onto the seat and you’re good to go.

The switch to switch between worlds.

The centre differential lock switch is located on the dash, at the right side of the steering. This feature locks all four wheels (although it is a full-time 4WD) but gives out better engine output especially if the car is stuck in deep mud.

Passenger legroom is satisfactory for a six-footer me too. Rear cargo space is quite cavernous too as it is a 5-seater, and it can fit up to 4 golf bags in it.

On the automatic gear knob is located an Overdrive button. This is very rare for all Perodua models but the Nautica has it, and it is very nifty especially for over-taking cars.

Could look better if it’s coloured in white, no?

Engine was surprisingly quiet even on steep hill climbing. It may be slow but it gets the job of ascending the slopes done. Even more surprising was the absence of sound dampening material that is usually located under the engine hood! The wonders of a DVVT engine courtesy of Toyota, besides being fuel efficient (figures unknown as this point)

The Nautica is only available in 1.5-litre engine and it runs on petrol. Only two colours to choose from - Majestic Black and Medallion Grey. In this package, you get the ABS with EBD too.
If you are bored of getting a sedan, and you find that you travel through a network of potholes and watery terrain, the Nautica has come to your rescue.

Can be naughty if you want it to be. Dont play play.

I am interested to bring both the Rush and Nautica to a showdown and come out with a verdict on which SUV performs better. But then again, none is perfect in this sense. One man’s poison can be another man’s honey, no?