The Perodua Kenari is a stylish mini MPV which combines a spacious interior with a fuel efficient, lively engine. It is a practical, economical vehicle which is made eye catching by its unconventional exterior. The Kenari can be purchased throughout the UK from any of Perodua's network of dealerships and is consistently in high demand.

Kenari is a car for individuals who need extra space at no extra cost; the Kenari has 20 per cent more interior space than a conventional hatchback. The Kenari GX manual starts at £5,799 OTR* and its environmentally friendly 1.0 engine provides an economy figure of 56.5 mpg¹ over the extra urban cycle.

Model line-up

The Kenari line-up includes two models based upon a single 5-door compact body shell. The Kenari GX provides an impressive level of equipment, including driver & passenger airbags, side impact protection, central locking with child safety locks and a heated rear window. The Kenari now has several added features to bring it right up to date. These include a rear tailgate spoiler, protective side mouldings, two-tone bumpers, a rear tailgate black trim and a stylish new interior.   

The Kenari is also available as an EZ automatic version for £6,599 OTR**. This model shares the same trim and equipment levels as the GX but also boasts a three speed, fully automatic transmission with gear selection illuminated in the instrument binnacle. 

Safety and Security

Safety was a major consideration in the design of the Kenari and the body shell has a front frame which is designed to absorb impact by bending into a ‘v’ shape. The engine mount then deflects the engine and transmission downward and minimises the damage to the cabin, driver and passengers.  Side impact bars and floor reinforcements protect against side-on collisions.

Additional safety is provided by driver & passenger airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners which reduce whiplash and child safety locks. Kenari also offers outstanding all-round visibility and conveniently large door mirrors, along with protective side mouldings. An advanced engine immobiliser is fitted as standard and the front control panel from the standard CD/radio/cassette player is removable.

Practicality

The Kenari has an overall length of 3460mm and width of 1490mm giving it a turning circle of just 4.6 metres which makes it perfect for driving and parking in town. The tall doors provide plenty of space when entering and exiting the car, while the rear door is side hinged to reveal a sizeable compartment accessed via a low load sill.

Inside, Kenari has a spacious interior with a light and airy feel. Kenari has been developed as the ideal city car with ease of driving a major consideration. Power-assisted steering, light controls and thoughtful equipment levels, including powered windows and a high quality in-car entertainment system, all add together to make urban driving easier. The Kenari also features a glove box for secure storage.

Rear passengers have plenty of space and headroom along with two individual rear backrests that can be reclined or folded forward together with the seat bases to reveal a large rectangular load compartment, capable of transporting significant amounts of luggage.

Engine 

Kenari has a latest generation 989cc, 3-cylinder transverse mounted petrol engine with variable valve timing and twin overhead camshafts. This unit produces 88.3 Nm torque at 3,600 rpm to provide lively performance in a vehicle weighing just 865 kg. Fuel is fed by electronic sequential injection and burnt at a rate of 50.4 mpg¹ over the combined cycle. The 40 litre (8.7 gallon) fuel tank gives a realistic range of over 400 miles between fills.

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 impressive performance. This results in a CO2 rating of just 136 g/km on the GX manual version.

Chassis and handling

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. Perodua engineers have fine-tuned the chassis to ensure Kenari displays excellent road manners in all driving situations.

Conclusion

Kenari combines contemporary small car styling with the space and versatility of a mini MPV. With a group 3 insurance rating, outstanding fuel economy and low purchase price the Kenari provides long term value as well as enjoyable motoring. Kenari also comes with a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty, 6 year anti-perforation guarantee and 2 years free roadside assistance. 

*Includes £1,000 Perodua swappage allowance, £60.50 road fund licence (6 months) and first registration fee (£55)

**Includes £1,000 Perodua swappage allowance, £85.25 road fund licence (6 months) and first registration fee (£55)