Perodua opens up a new chapter in the company's short yet highly productive life, at this year's British International Motor Show, with the announcement of Kenari, a spacious new Mini MPV with the design sophistication and equipment levels to rival the best in the world.

Kenari introduces a new dimension in space utilisation with the versatility of tall and accommodating body styling, married to a full five-door hatchback capability.

Leading levels of interior space - 20 per cent more than a conventional hatchback - are matched to an equally high standard specification that includes driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection and a highly rigid cabin designed with energy absorbing crumple zones.

Powered by a 1 litre, three cylinder, 12-valve, DOHC engine developing 55PS and returning a Combined fuel consumption figure of 50.4mpg, Kenari is efficient and clean with a CO2 figure of just 136g/km.

High Specification

Kenari's equipment levels are truly comprehensive and include important features such as driver and passenger front airbags, side-impact protection in all doors, seat belt pre-tensioners, power-assisted steering, central locking with child safety locks, powered front windows, a standard radio/CD/cassette player with removable front panel, locking petrol flap, engine immobiliser and a rear wash/wipe. The accommodation is equally versatile with rear seats that recline as well as fold.

Engine & Drive train

Kenari gets the all-new 989cc version of Perodua's unique 3-cylinder transverse-mounted petrol engine with variable valve timing and twin overhead camshafts. This eager unit churns out 55PS at 5,200 rpm matched to 88.3Nm torque at 3,600rpm, to provide sprightly performance in a vehicle weighing just 845kg. Fuel is fed by electronic sequential injection and burnt at the rate of 50.4mpg over the Combined cycle. The 40 litre (8.7 gallon) fuel tank gives a realistic range of over 400 miles between fills. For the record, acceleration from rest to 60 mph takes 15 seconds and Kenari has a top speed of 87 mph. However, the lively nature of the engine allied to the low kerb weight gives Kenari cheeky performance in urban driving. Power is fed through a five-speed manual gearbox with a three-speed automatic transmission available as an option.

Exterior Packaging

Externally, Kenari's angular proportions mirror the objective of maximising interior space. The high roofline relates to correspondingly taller doors which provide more space for entry and exit. The rear hatchback door is side hinged to reveal a load compartment accessed via a low load sill. Front and rear bumpers are moulded in impact absorbing composite material and along with the twin light front grille panel, are colour coded for a more uniform appearance. Steel road wheels fitted with 155/65R13 radial tyres and stylish trims are standard, with light alloy wheels an option. Kenari is available in a choice of four metallic shades at no extra cost.

Deceptive Interior

Inside, Kenari makes an ever stronger case for itself. Perodua engineers have created a deceptively spacious interior with a light and airy feel. Kenari has been developed as the ideal city car with ease of driving a major consideration. Well weighted power assisted steering, light and easy controls and thoughtful equipment levels - including powered windows and a quality in car entertainment package - all add to the ease of urban driving. Rear passengers are not forgotten either with masses of headroom and two individual rear backrests that can be reclined as well as folded forward together with the seat bases, to reveal a massive load compartment of rectangular shape, capable of swallowing loads normally reserved for a small van.

Sophisticated Chassis

Key to the appeal of Kenari is in the way it drives and not just from an engine and transmission point of view, but in the way Perodua engineers have fine-tuned the chassis to ensure the car displays excellent road manners in all driving situations. The front suspension comprises independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, a semi-trailing arm arrangement with 3-link beam axle location exists. Ventilated front disc brakes work in tandem with rear drums and benefit from servo assistance. Steering is accomplished via a rack and pinion system equipped with power assistance to take the effort out of parking.

Safety and Security

Kenari has been designed and tested at Perodua's comprehensive research and development facilities in Malaysia to meet all current European safety legislation. As well as offering outstanding visibility all-round and conveniently large door mirrors, the compact design of Kenari makes it very easy to manoeuvre and park. For those drivers requiring more guidance, reversing sensors are available as a dealer fit option. Kenari comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags and side impact protection in all four doors. Front seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners. Child safety locks are included in the rear doors and protective side mouldings are available as an option. Significant security features have been built in to Kenari from the factory, these include central locking, a standard fitment engine immobiliser, and a removable front control panel for the standard fitment radio/CD/cassette player and the inclusion of a locking fuel filler flap. A keyless entry system is available as a dealer fit option.

Comprehensive Warranty

Kenari comes with a full two year 24,000 mile warranty, including six-year anti-perforation guarantee and one year's roadside recovery service membership.

Price and availability

Kenari is available in a single specification, but with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, the latter at additional cost. Kenari costs £5,800, plus £125 road fund licence and first registration fee, making ownership just £5,925 on the road. Kenari is on sale in Perodua dealerships from November.