The Perodua Bezza (codenamed D63D) is an A-segment sedan produced by Malaysian automobile manufacturer Perodua. It was launched on 21 July 2016 as Perodua's first sedan car, and a complement to the Axia hatchback.
The Bezza is based on the Axia's platform, and is powered by the latter's 1.0-litre engine, in addition to a new 1.3-litre plant. The Bezza is Perodua's first major in-house design. Perodua leads the styling and development of the Bezza's upper body structure, with technical support from Daihatsu. The Bezza is the second model to debut from Perodua's all-new factory in Serendah, Selangor.
The Perodua Bezza was developed with an emphasis on fuel efficiency, and is the company's first model to feature stop-start idling and regenerative braking. The Bezza is also the first Perodua to feature Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The range-topping Bezza Advance scored a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, making it Perodua's safest offering to date.
The name "Bezza" is derived from the Malay word beza, which means "different". Additionally, the letters "zz" in "Bezza" represents the number 22, as it was launched in Perodua's 22nd year in business.
The production of Perodua's first sedan was first hinted during the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS), when Perodua debuted their concept model called Bezza. Three years later, another concept model was presented by Perodua during the 2013 KLIMS; this time, it was called Buddyz. Both concept models were designed in-house by Perodua's own design and styling division led by Muhamad Zamuren Musa, without referring to any existing Daihatsu or Toyota car models, referring instead to current Chevrolet Aveo. The production of Perodua's first sedan was approved in 2015 by its Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aminar Rashid. The production model would draw inspiration from the Buddyz concept model and was codenamed D63D.
The Bezza is the first Perodua model that isn't directly based on any pre-existing Toyota or Daihatsu model. Perodua lead the styling and development of the Bezza's upper body structure, with technical support from Daihatsu. Perodua claims that the Bezza has up to 95% local content, and was developed at a cost of RM 300 million. However, Perodua did not develop the Bezza from scratch, as it is powered by Toyota-engineered engines and is based on the Daihatsu-engineered Axia platform. Unlike their rival Proton, Perodua was able to develop their first sedan model secretly without public knowledge. The Perodua Bezza competes with the Proton Saga in its home market.
The Perodua Bezza was launched on 21 July 2016. Three variants were available at launch: Standard G, Premium X and Advance.
In the beginning of April 2017, the Perodua Bezza was updated with the rear bumper given a deeper skirt for all the variants. The Premium X and Advance variant got chrome platinum trim on the air-conditioning controls and the Advance variant also gains new leather upholstery that does without the previous quilting.
In April 2018, the Standard G was replaced by a GXtra variant. The GXtra comes with an enhanced kit list, where side skirts and chrome door handles have been added to the exterior. There’s also a new Ocean Blue exterior colour available – an option that was previously reserved for 1.3L variants of the Bezza. Piano black trim has been applied on the dashboard and panel surrounding the multimedia system, which itself has been improved with Bluetooth connectivity. In other areas, the air-con vent surrounds, steering wheel spokes and gear lever base now gain a satin finish. Rounding things off are chrome door handles to mimic those on the outside.
On 11 April 2019, a Limited Edition Bezza limited to 50 units was launched. The variant was based on the Premium X and solely with an automatic transmission. Changes compared to the Premium X variant included every GearUp accessory as well as different finishes to various components.
The Standard G variant is equipped with 14-inch eight-spoke alloy rims, fabric seats, polyurethane steering wheel, an audio system with USB, handphone or smartphone slot at the rear console, fixed rear seat headrests, 60:40 split folding rear seats, remote boot release, manual side mirrors without turn signals, body-mounted signal indicators, and power windows.
The GXtra variants gains side skirts, chrome door handles (interior and exterior), piano black plastic trim pieces for the interior, Bluetooth connectivity for the headunit and satin finish for the air-con vent surrounds, steering wheel spokes and gear lever base.
The Premium X variant adds on 5V/2A USB charging port (at the rear console), adjustable rear seat headrests, powered side mirrors with turn signals, keyless entry with push start/stop ignition, side mirror indicators and front fog lamps. Unlike the GXtra variant, the Premium X does not feature side skirts.
The Advance variant is fitted with 14-inch five-spoke alloy rims, powered and retractable side mirrors with turn signals, side skirting, Eco Idle stop-start system, reverse camera, touchscreen multimedia audio system with navigation and Android Smart Link. The Advance variant also receives additional minor details, replacing the fabric seats and polyurethane steering wheel with leather. Its steering wheel has been provided with multimedia system controls.
Perodua has achieved promising sales for the Bezza, with a total of 5,000 bookings received for the new model on the first day after its launch. During Perodua's first half of 2016 review, it announced that it had received 10,115 bookings as of the morning of July 26, which averages out to about 1,000 cars per day since the Bezza was first opened for booking on July 16. On August 30, 2016 Perodua reported it had delivered 10,000 Bezzas, with the bookings at 25,000. In November 2018, it was reported that 138,800 Bezza have been produced.
On 1 May 2017, Perodua announced the launch of four Bezza variants into Mauritius market to capitalize on Mauritius' status as a popular international tourist destination.
Perodua Bezza also sold in Singapore via Perocom Auto Pte. Ltd.
On 7 June 2017, the Bezza 1.0L (automatic transmission) made its debut in Sri Lanka at a launch organised by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd's (Perodua) official distributor, Unimo Enterprises Ltd.
In mid-2017, GHK Motors Sdn Bhd sells the Bezza will be offered in only 1.3L Premium X variant. The Bezza with the choices of: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, optional bodykits and black painted wheels, exterior colours including Sugar Brown Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic, Lava Red Metallic, Ebony Black Metallic, Glittering Silver Metallic, Ivory White Solid and its warranty comes with 2-year or 50,000 KM.
Complete article available at this page.