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.

   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 urethane 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 with stylish wheel trims, though light alloy wheels are an option. Kenari is available in a choice of four metallic shades at no extra cost.

   Inside, Kenari makes an even 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 rectangular load compartment, 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 is employed. 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 all-round visibility 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. A keyless entry system is available as a dealer fit option.