Perodua Kelisa / Sepang International Circuit

A couple of friends and I got together to buy and build a Perodua Kelisa race car, to compete in this year’s 2023 K Car Global 24H Endurance Race, held at Sepang International Circuit from the 17th till 19th of November!

Based on the fifth-generation L700 Daihatsu Mira, this Kelisa started out life as a regular road car. It was originally powered by an 850cc inline-3 engine that produced approximately 50hp with around 75Nm of torque, and weighed in at slightly under 800kg. It has of course since been beautifully rebuilt by our partner over at CK93 Auto Garage in Johor Malaysia. While I can’t divulge much information on its current weight and performance figures at this moment, what I can say is that it is still propelled by an 850cc inline-3 engine, but strengthened for durability. It has also been lightened with all unnecessary components stripped out.

I had the chance to test the car for five laps, running on the lower performance setting controlled by the ECU, and am excited to say that it runs really well. Balanced to be forgiving in the corners, lightweight enough to brake at psychologically uncomfortable braking markers, the team at CK93 Auto Garage did a fantastic job with set up.

It was also my first time on track with the Max Drifting Z1 tyres from Sumaxx, as well as my first time using the made-in-Malaysia HWL Coilovers, all of which seemed to pair up decently with the Kelisa. The visceral sensation of this cute hatchback in something else.

There are still a few adjustments and modifications to be made, but it goes without saying that the one thing that will definitely need more improvement, is the driver (me)!