2010 Perodua Kenari Review
Price
from: RM41,827
to: RM44,624
Installment
from: RM401/mth
to: RM428/mth
2010 Perodua Kenari at a glance
An affordable city car, the 2010 Perodua Kenari is easy to drive in the city while remaining economical to run. But against rivals, the 2010 Perodua Kenari is lacking in every aspect—refinement, comfort, quality and performance.
2010 Perodua Kenari quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Perodua Kenari ratings (overall rating : 2.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The boxy, upright design of the 2010 Perodua Kenari cannot be seen on any other cars on the roads. And that is not a good thing. Modern cars are designed with curves and rounded ends in mind, not purely straight lines and right-angles found on the 2010 Perodua Kenari. The tall design will do well for interior room, but scores little points on looks.
Handling
The combination of the small dimensions and light power steering means the 2010 Perodua Kenari is most at home on city roads. Grip levels are surprisingly good, but the tall body gives rise to substantial body lean, and the steering proves too unresponsive. The tall, flat sides result in poorer cruising stability compared to normally-shaped cars, as strong crosswinds can veer the 2010 Perodua Kenari off-course—not ideal when you are going fast on the highways.
Comfort
The 2010 Perodua Kenari remains composed over most road surfaces, and only larger urban potholes manage to unsettle the ride. Engine and wind noise is intrusive at higher speeds. The lack of noise insulation and poor cruising stability mean the 2010 Perodua Kenari should stay away from the highways. Another reason to avoid long trips: the fixed steering column and limited seating adjustments will make getting comfortable hard for some. Parking is easy, however, thanks to unhindered all-around visibility and the boxy shape.
Quality + Reliability
The 2010 Perodua Kenari is, unsurprisingly, not high on build or material quality. There are some flimsy areas and poor finishes. The predominantly hard plastics are cheap to feel and look at. The dash design is outdated, too. But crucially, the underlying mechanics such as the engine and transmission should remain reliable for the time of your ownership.
Performance
An in-line three-cylinder DOHC 1.0-litre engine is available either with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox. With 54 bhp at 5200 rpm and 88 Nm at 3600 rpm, the engine feels eager enough for city driving, especially when paired with the manual gearbox. The performance feels lethargic with the automatic gearbox, though. On the highways, the engine feels overwhelmed as the 2010 Perodua Kenari struggles to keep pace with other cars.
Roominess
The tall, boxy body gives front and rear occupants ample headroom. Front legroom is decent, but rear legroom is lacking compared to modern rivals'. The 2010 Perodua Kenari's narrow width also means two are fine at the back, but three will be a real squeeze. Boot capacity is small, but can be increased using the 50:50 split-fold rear seats, which can recline individually, too. The side-hinged tailgate is less practical than a conventional tailgate, especially in tight spaces.
Running Costs
Fuel economy for the manual variant stands at an impressive 17.8 km/litre. The automatic gearbox will take a significant toll on fuel economy. Repairs and maintenance should be highly affordable. Depreciation represents the biggest concern for Kenari owners. While the Perodua brand perception has improved by leaps and bounds (thanks to the Perodua Myvi), the Kenari remains a first-generation, outdated Perodua. That, and the sheer number of Kenari units on the market will not help resale values at all.
Value for Money
The Kenari is a first-generation Perodua, one that has been surpassed by too many rivals, including fellow Perodua models. Other than its tall, boxy shape, which gives ample headroom, there is nothing MPV-like about the 2010 Perodua Kenari. In every single aspect we look out for, the 2010 Perodua Kenari has been outclassed and outperformed by rivals. Yes, it is cheap and affordable to run, but the same can be said for more accomplished Perodua and Proton rivals.
Equipment
The 2010 Perodua Kenari comes with standard equipment including 14-inch alloy wheels, front power windows, high-grade fabric seat/door trim, reverse sensor, FM/CD audio player, door visor, body skirt and rear speaker with ioniser.
Environment
Just as fuel-bills conscious folks should opt for the manual gearbox, “green” folks, people concerned about the environment, should choose likewise. With a better fuel economy at 17.8 km/litre and lesser carbon dioxide emissions at 136 grams/km, the manual gearbox is the “greener” option.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Easy to drive in the city
Composed ride over most road surfaces
Good fuel economy
Outdated, poor-quality cabin
Engine needs more power
More accomplished rivals around
