Proposals for future Bezza in Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge

The Bezza, Perodua’s only sedan, has been among the Malaysian carmaker’s bestselling models and this year, it will be right at the top of the list. The model was launched in 2016 and although Perodua has adapted many Daihatsu models to sell under its own brand, there is no Daihatsu equivalent of the Bezza.

Time to think of the second generation
With its production life having reached 7½ years, the company is now looking at the second generation., Since the first generation of the Myvi in 2005, it has been capable of handling upper body design in-house with minimal involvement from its Japanese partner. This is what made possible the design of the Bezza which is a sedan – a bodystyle which Daihatsu stopped offering decades ago.

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With its ‘Building Cars, People First’ approach, the company makes sure that whatever product it offers, the model will satisfy the needs and tastes of its primary customers – Malaysians.

Thus, besides conducting extensive market studies, it decided to also have a contest to invite the public to submit their ideas for a future compact sedan – which would, of course, be the next Bezza.

The contest, called the Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge 2023 (ACSDC 2023), was announced in July this year and involved the Majlis Rekabentuk Malaysia (MRM) or Malaysia Design Council.

The contest had two categories – one for professionals who are engaged in design ventures, and the other for students who are studying design at universities or other institutions. Prizes and incentives totalling over RM100,000 were offered by Perodua to the winners.

Entries from 8 Asian countries
For this inaugural event, 93 entries (40 from students, 53 from professionals) were received from eight Asian countries – Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Iran, Japan, India and Malaysia.

“The number of entries and their countries of origins are encouraging as Perodua’s and MRM’s presence outside Malaysia is limited,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua’s President & CEO.

More than just drawings
Besides designing the future cars, the participants were also required to explain various aspects and the sources of inspiration. In particular, besides an overall balance of beauty, comfort, safety and practicality, the judges considered the following:

• Innovation, Creativity, and Originality of Design (30%)
• Symbolic Elements, Emotions, Aesthetics, and Appearance content (20%)
• Functional and Practical Orientation (20%)
• Strength of Quality and Marketability (20%)
• Ergonomics (10%)

Student Category
The winner in the Student Category was Bryan Teh Yea Quan from the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Kuala Lumpur. Teh’s unique interpretation of a sporty sedan was inspired by Alfa Romeo models like the Giulia. For his winning design, he received an RM18,000 cash award.

Runners-up in the category were Alfred Han Wen Hao from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Malaysia as the first runner-up, and Muhammad Amin Othman from Universiti Teknologi MARA as the second runner- up. They received RM13,000 and RM8,000, respectively.

While Han’s proposal suggested a sporty fastback design rather than the traditional 3-box form, Muhammad Amin’s proposal was for an urban sedan with an electric powertrain.

Professional Category
In the Professional category, the submission by Kenny Chan from Malaysia was picked as the winning entry. Chan said that his proposal, called the ‘Payung’ concept was intended to show a blend of the various aspects of Asian life. For his efforts, Chan received RM20,000 as his prize.

According to the chief of judging panel, Muhamad Zamuren Musa, Chan’s ‘Payung’ concept car had dynamic design proportions with a fastback silhouette, strong and stable body character which makes the car well-balanced.

“The significant of details and other creative elements of style make the car among the best of all participants,” he added.

The two runners-up in the Professional category were Philip Samuel Tandio from Indonesia and Muhammad Izhar Che Shukarno from Malaysia. They received prizes of RM15,000 and RM10,000, respectively.

Among the finalists, the judges also found two proposals which were notable and worth of consolation prizes of RM4,500 each. These were from Dhia Revialdi and Ichsan Hanif Nugruho, both from Indonesia and in the Professional category.

Understanding consumer definitions
“For Perodua, this competition gives us insights on what a sedan is as definition and perception of this type of vehicle differ from one country to the next. Malaysians see it as a practical vehicle while other countries may see it more of a status symbol. By having this competition, we can see where we can merge the two ideas into one,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

The proposals will certainly provide extra ideas to Perodua’s designers and while they might not reproduce one of the models entirely, they might incorporate the interesting design features. After all, if you recall the original Bezza concept shown in 2010, you will see that the production model was nothing like it. However, in 2013, another Perodua concept model which was based on a sedan was the basis for the final design.

The Perodua Bezza is 7 years old today

Find pre-owned Bezza models at Motor Trader Malaysia