Perodua Kelisa Hatchback

ON THE ROAD

Performance
There’s only one choice of engine – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 54bhp. On paper, performance is modest, but the Kelisa is nippy enough to keep up with traffic around town. The high fifth gear can leave it floundering on steep motorway gradients, however, while the three-speed auto is slower still.

Ride & handling
The Kelisa’s suspension has been softened for the UK. In spite of its small wheels and short wheelbase, it rides reasonably well, but show the car a series of ruts or bumps, and it soon runs out of composure. Nonetheless, it grips surprisingly well for a city car, although body roll is ever present.

Refinement
Considerable wind and road noise intrudes at speed. Engine noise in the manual remains well contained, though, thanks to the high fifth gear, which keeps engine revs low even on the motorway. The three-speed auto revs far higher at cruising speeds, however.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
This is motoring on a budget. The list price is rock bottom, and running costs should match. Group 3 insurance will mean a low premium, while 55.4mpg on the combined cycle will keep fuel bills low. Depreciation isn’t too steep and in three years the Kelisa will be worth around under half the new price.

Quality & reliability
The Kelisa is derived from the Daihatsu Cuore, a small car with a big reputation for toughness and reliability. That isn’t reflected in the quality of the cabin, however. Dashboard design and the standard of the plastics and trim are dismal. All models have a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty.

Safety & security
Twin airbags are standard throughout the range. Side impact protection beams and seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard, but it’s disappointing that anti-lock brakes don’t even feature on the options list. The Kelisa hasn’t faced attack from our security testers, but its on-paper security levels are modest

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
This is motoring on a budget. The list price is rock bottom, and running costs should match. Group 3 insurance will mean a low premium, while 55.4mpg on the combined cycle will keep fuel bills low. Depreciation isn’t too steep and in three years the Kelisa will be worth around under half the new price.

Quality & reliability
The Kelisa is derived from the Daihatsu Cuore, a small car with a big reputation for toughness and reliability. That isn’t reflected in the quality of the cabin, however. Dashboard design and the standard of the plastics and trim are dismal. All models have a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty.

Safety & security
Twin airbags are standard throughout the range. Side impact protection beams and seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard, but it’s disappointing that anti-lock brakes don’t even feature on the options list. The Kelisa hasn’t faced attack from our security testers, but its on-paper security levels are modest

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