Perodua: Brand new cars with Toyota engines at prices close to reconditioned imports

When PHP Motors brought Malaysian brand Perodua to Bangladesh in May 2024, the pitch was straightforward: brand-new sedans and SUVs, built with Toyota's Dual VVT-i engines, at prices close to reconditioned imports.

The offer drew instant attention in a market where new cars are often out of reach because of high taxes and expensive sourcing. But it also sparked disbelief. After a recent social media video by PHP Family Vice Chairman Mohammad Mohsin, many users questioned how a Malaysian brand could carry Toyota engines and still be sold at competitive prices.

To understand what was behind the claims, The Business Standard visited PHP Motors' Bahaddarhat showroom in Chattogram, where Mohsin walked through the technology and showed the cars firsthand. He said Perodua is a long-standing joint venture between Malaysian manufacturers and Toyota, which owns a 20 percent stake in Perodua Automobile.

The partnership allows Perodua to use Toyota's Dual VVT-i engines and selected components across its models, while sourcing the remaining parts from Malaysia to keep costs low.

The engines are indeed Japanese Toyota units, Mohsin insisted, pointing directly to the engine bay where the Toyota name is visibly inscribed.

"Anyone with doubt can come and see it themselves," he said. According to him, the Malaysian factory imports engines from Japan and pairs them with locally manufactured parts, reducing labour and production costs. "That's how the price remains competitive without compromising on quality or technology," he explained.

He argued that the cars fill a gap in the local market. Bangladesh's long-running preference for Toyota stems from low maintenance costs, long-lasting engines and an easy supply of spare parts. But with the country's only local assembler of brand-new Toyota cars no longer operating, options for buyers have narrowed. New imports remain heavily taxed, and the market leans almost entirely on reconditioned units.

"We're offering vehicles with Toyota's core engine technology at a price similar to reconditioned cars, but brand new," Mohsin said.

Buyers also get a three-year service warranty, a five-year fitness-free period and the benefit of an unused engine, which Mohsin claims gives better fuel economy over time. EMI facilities add another incentive for first-time buyers.

Below is a breakdown of the four Perodua models PHP Motors is currently offering in Bangladesh:

1. Perodua Aruz

The Perodua Aruz positions itself as a value-driven seven-seater SUV built on Toyota-backed reliability. Its 1496cc petrol engine with a 4-speed E-AT transmission delivers a simple, predictable drive suitable for both cities and highways.

Inside, the Aruz feels more refined than its segment often allows. The touch-panel display, dual air-conditioning, footrest and supportive seating make long family trips easier. The aerodynamic shape and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels add a sense of maturity to the SUV's stance.

Safety is one of the Aruz's strongest cards. Six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, traction control and hill-hold assist come standard. A 360-degree sensor suite helps with tight corners and parking on narrow streets. The flexible luggage setup — 213 litres with all seats up or 514 litres with the third row down — gives families or ride-sharing drivers room to work with. Buyers get a 2024 brand-new model, a three-year/100,000 km warranty and color options such as Granite Grey, Electric Blue and Ivory White.

2. Perodua Myvi

Perodua's Myvi stands out as a smart, compact hatchback that delivers efficiency and refinement without slipping into budget-car compromises. Its 1500cc Dual VVT-i engine, paired with an automatic transmission and ECO Idle system, keeps fuel use in check during congested city drives.

A clean aerodynamic profile, 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, DRL lights and a balanced cabin layout give the Myvi a youthful feel. Inside, buyers get a touch screen, push start, clever storage spaces and easy visibility.

The model's safety suite is another strong point. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill-hold assist and a 360-degree sensory system enhance confidence on the road. Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) adds extra visibility during hard braking. Like the Aruz, the 2024 Myvi includes a three-year/100,000 km warranty and five years' fitness-free use. Popular colors include Electric Blue, Cranberry Red, Granite Grey and Ivory White.

3. Perodua Bezza

The Perodua Bezza appeals to cost-conscious drivers who still want a modern, comfortable sedan. Its 1329cc Dual VVT-i engine is capable of delivering around 20 km per litre, giving it one of the best fuel-consumption profiles in its segment. The lightweight build and automatic transmission make it particularly suited to daily commuting.

The aerodynamic design and 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels maintain a clean, understated look, while the cabin focuses on functionality over flash.

Practicality is one of Bezza's biggest strengths. A 508-litre trunk offers enough space for family travel, small businesses or ride-hailing drivers.

Safety features include ABS with EBD, traction control, hill-hold assist, fog lights and a 360-degree sensory system. The interior carries two airbags and intuitive controls. The 2024 Bezza comes with the standard Perodua after-sales package and color choices ranging from Ocean Blue and Garnet Red to Sugar Brown and Silver tones.

4. Perodua Axia

The Axia brings Toyota-engine dependability to an entry-level hatchback designed for maximum fuel economy. Its 1000cc VVT-i engine is one of the most efficient in its class, delivering around 27 km per litre in ideal conditions.

Despite being compact, the Axia includes features that are often absent at this price point: push-start ignition, DRL lights, HID headlamps, a simple touch-enabled interface and 14-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Its aerodynamic form keeps the drive stable and reduces drag.

On the safety front, the Axia includes traction control, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, dual airbags and a 360-degree sensor system. The 2025 brand-new model comes with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and pre-delivery inspection. Color options include Lava Red, Coral Blue, Glittering Silver, Granite Grey and Ivory White.