Berkshire Perodua Dealership - Thames Valley's leading Perodua Dealership

Perodua KELISA

The Perodua Kelisa is Britain 's least expensive new car to own and run and one of the most sophisticated super minis to enter the market. On sale in the UK through Perodua's 60-strong dealer network Kelisa picks up where the Perodua Nippa left off in providing unparalleled, affordable, entry level motoring.

Whereas Nippa was conceived for the 1990's Kelisa is built for today and boasts the latest technology and safety equipment. This includes driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection, seat belt pre-tensioners and an equally high overall specification that includes power assisted steering as standard.

Kelisa is a fun-inspired new 5-door super mini costing from £4,999 delivered*. Economy figures of 64.2mpg over the Extra Urban cycle and service intervals set at 10,000 miles ensure Kelisa remains cheap to run, while the environmentally friendly 1.0 litre engine also takes advantage of a low level of VED.

Safety considerations

Occupant safety was a major consideration in the design of Kelisa and the body shell features a rigid passenger cell with deformable sections at the front and rear. In the event of a frontal collision the engine and transmission are designed to deflect downwards away from the passenger cell. Additional safety is provided by standard driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection beams built in to the doors and seat-belt pre-tensioners to reduce whiplash.

Outstandingly clean and efficient new multi-valve engine

A latest generation 989cc double overhead camshaft engine with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing powers Kelisa through a standard five-speed gearbox or the three-speed automatic equipped EZi. Like previous Perodua power units the latest EJ-VE 3-cylinder unit achieves high combustion efficiency which in this case is thanks to a pent-roof head, centre spark plug and vertical, straight intake ports. The result is a remarkably clean engine with a CO2 rating of just 121g/km and outstanding fuel consumption of 64.2mpg for the manual version over the Extra Urban cycle. Rated at 55bhp in a vehicle tipping the scales at just 760kg, (115kg less than the Ford Ka) engine performance is lively (0-60mph in 14.8 seconds) and especially so when accelerating from lower speeds. At the other extreme, Kelisa happily cruises at the maximum motorway speed with power to spare. The top speed of 88mph is achieved in fourth gear with fifth providing improved economy and lower revs for cruising on the motorway.

Model line-up

The Kelisa line-up includes three models based upon a single, compact five-door body shell. The Kelisa EX provides a high level of sophistication and equipment in an entry level model and includes all the safety features of the more expensive GXi and automatic EZi models. This includes driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection, seat belt pre-tensioners and rear door child locks in a vehicle which costs just £4,999 delivered*. An engine immobiliser is fitted across the range along with power assisted steering and a rear wash/wipe.

Moving up the range, Kelisa GXi versions (£5,699 delivered*) include electrically operated windows, central door locking, metallic paintwork, cup holders and a host of other changes including two tone seat fabric with netting over the base and backrest, to help dissipate heat in warm weather. Automatic EZi models (£6,600 delivered**) share the same trim and equipment levels as the GXi but drive is transferred through a three speed, fully automatic transmission with gear selection illuminated in the instrument binnacle. Externally both models feature colour-matched bumpers and trim, plus a choice of metallic paint finishes at no extra cost.

From August 2003, there have been two new additions to the Kelisa model line-up. Firstly, the Kelisa EX entry level model is now available in the stunning colour of Hibiscus red. Secondly, the Kelisa EZi automatic is available in limited numbers as a special edition. This has an exciting paint finish of Mystic red or Sunburst yellow with an Ebony black roof. These striking new colours complement the Kelisa's cute exterior and retro styling, making the EZi automatic special edition the car to be seen in. Practicality

With an overall length and width of 3480mm x 1490mm respectively the Kelisa is more compact and narrower than a Ford Ka making it even more manoeuvrable for city driving. It also boasts two extra doors to improve rear passenger access, yet the turning circle is just 4.6 metres and Kelisa slots in to tight parking spaces with ease. The Kelisa's high roofline provides outstanding headroom and visibility, while efficient space utilisation throughout the interior means Kelisa is capable of swallowing a deceptively large cargo. Load volumes range from 155 litres VDA with the rear seats in place to 426 litres VDA with the bench folded.

On the outside, the clean contemporary styling is followed through with flush fitting door handles, teardrop headlights and a contoured retro-style chromium grille. The relatively long wheelbase for the size of car provides more interior space while the short front/rear overhang aids parking.