The Car and the Kayak - Part 1

Part 1 - The Car

I took possession of a Perodua Kembara 4x4 SUV in the middle of 2015 to further extend my reach into fishing areas that are difficult to get to as well as relieve my Proton Saga BLM from further abuse as it isn't meant for off-road use. Getting a used car was logical for me as I didn't want a brand new unit, the model I selected was a 2004 Perodua Kembara (Daihatsu Terios) with a 1.3L DVVT engine in 4 speed, auto transmission. An old car in most driver's eyes, being 11 years old but the engine and chassis still is in pretty good condition. This will be my car for play (fishing) and work (traveling to offices in urban areas).

Performance

It doesn't go fast, being an AWD or full time 4WD vehicle, this compact SUV is able to cruise up to 100km/h on open roads and a little over 120km/h when trying to overtake, otherwise, I spend most times driving around 80 to 90km/h. Most sedans and more powerful cars will tend to overtake me but it's ok, this is an SUV and not meant for speeding. 

Now, once I get to my destination, most often times, construction sites or fishing areas, where there is no roads, this is where the Kembara will turn into a beast! Forget about fumbling with the mechanics of changing to 4WD and what not and so forth. The car is running on AWD and so you can immediately enjoy the benefits of solid grip on dirt trails be it sand, mud or mix. Being a compact 4x4 car, I can get to most places fast & hassle free. 

Hey, I even drive all the way up to river banks and ponds in peat swamps and palm-oil plantations where larger, 4x4 pick-ups and SUV have trouble getting to or squeeze through, except for motorbikes and bicycles. If you do get stuck or happen to encounter a challenging ground obstacle, just stop the car, press the "lock differential" button and you instantly increase road grip to get you out of a messy situation. You really don't have to worry  much about this car, be it off or on road. Just drive.

In fact, even at urban environments, the compactness of the Perodua Kembara really makes navigating in tight spaces a breeze. Parking is easy to find as you could park at small spaces usually doable only for Kancil or any of those small compact cars. Heck! When I really can't find parking space, I just drive up the curb to park the car there. It's a 4x4 after all, it loves to climb steps!

Maintenance

Fuel consumption too is light, refueling up to 35L of RON95 gives me an average mileage of between 380 to 420km, sometimes if I travel on highways or straight roads more, I could stretch it up to 450km, that is quite good FC for an AWD vehicle. Maintenance is a breeze, very economical. The cost is comparable to most small compact cars within the range of Proton Iswara, Proton Saga BLM and MyVi. After all, this is a budget SUV. Being an 11, now 12 year old car, there are some minor squeaky noises here and there but is acceptable. After all, I bought this car to go off-road, not for comfort or looks.

Utility

Right after I got this baby from the car dealer, I went to install a roof rack. A fishing buddy of mine was kind to give his old rack to me that was originally meant for a Mitsubishi Pajero. With a little modification, I managed to rig it up to my Kembara's roof. This is for carrying my kayak and any other large objects onto the roof. I've since made several trips carrying my kayak into rough terrains without any issues, provided you have to do a proper job of securing the yak tight with good straps. Remember, JPJ (Road Transport Authority) regulations states that any object carried on roof must not be longer or wider than you car.

The good thing about the Kembara is that the rear seats can be fold down to increase the storage area. I have since transported a 4.5ft long aquarium, two office chairs and stuffed the rear to the brim for a 2D1N fishing trip. You can't do this with a sedan car for sure. Just make sure to put a canvass, rag or some old newspaper at the rear to protect the seats when transporting things.

The usefulness of the Perodua Kembara, or Daihatsu Terios as some 4x4 enthusiast choose to refer to is a very useful and functional compact SUV. How useful it is is entirely up to your imagination. So in summary, if you are looking for a cheap, easy going, reliable car for some light off-road on fishing or outdoor trips, I highly recommend this car.

Next part, the Kayak.

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