Perodua Nautica 4WD With A Price That Is Hard To Ignore
The Perodua Nautica costs RM89,900, which is a much higher than the Kembara it replaces and also any Perodua model sold before, but it is fully imported from Japan and comes with a long list of features and a 4×4 system that is impressive. The use of 4WD systems in small compact SUV’s like the Nautica is a means to improve stability on slippery surfaces like in heavy monsoon rain and muddy conditions which is common in our cities as well as on our highways. It is not for serious off-road bush bashing. This allows the Nautica to come in useful on wet roads and also for casual off-road driving. Compared to the Kembara, the Nautica is a larger vehicle in all ways: 160 mm longer wheelbase, 240 mm more length, 140 mm more width and it even stands 25 mm taller. The larger platform has allowed the wheels to be pushed further apart, which is better for stability. The Nautica’s 4WD system comes with a Centre Differential Lock (CDL) which, when activated by pressing a button on the dashboard, locks the front and rear axles so they rotate at the same rate.
If unlocked -the normal mode -the wheels on the front and rear can rotate at different speeds to compensate for slip and surface conditions that vary grip. This is important to avoid excessive wear as a locking them can cause some wheels to be dragged along. Inside the Nautica you get a quality Japanese built cabin that seats 5 adults and cargo without an issues. As a lifestyle vehicle the Nautica tops the competitors with its fuel consumption, price, looks and build and this is why it takes this award.
