Perodua Kelisa Review
Published: 8th December 2003
Perodua Kelisa
How It Drove - Performance
The Kelisa is powered by the latest Daihatsu 1.0 engine which boasts
55bhp and is particularly nippy around town, accelerating well
at lower speeds. The gearbox is smooth and precise and makes light
work of town driving even in heavy traffic.
However, when venturing onto 'A' and 'B' roads you do notice that
road noise does become slightly intrusive and the power tends to
drop off after about 50mph. Having said that if you work the gear
box the Kelisa will keep up with the flow of traffic and with such
a sweet gear change it isn't that much of a hardship.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
At town speeds the Kelisa's ride is surprisingly good and speed humps and pot holes are absorbed well. The standard power steering is well weighted and very direct.
On the open road the Kelisa is fun to drive due to its light action clutch, throttle and gear change. You find yourself smiling as you change gear for the umpteenth time but it doesn't seem to matter. The Kelisa is eager to please and I haven't had this much fun driving a small car since owning my first Mini.
