Remember laughing at Japanese cars?

Some British TV Show called "Top Gear" is getting frowns from Malaysia's government for bashing a relatively new import to the island: the Perodua Kelisa. Literally bashing, with a sledgehammer. This "Top Gear" guy called the Kelisa "unimaginative junk, with no soul, no flair and no passion".

Passion? We're talking about a vehicle here, not a prince charming. . . .

And if BoI remembers correctly, little Asian cars haven't been half bad for us western consumers, even if we did laugh at first.

Hey, remember when we all drove iron behomeths that made about 13 mpg?

Hey, you know, this thing costs L4499 and gets 55mpg.

Perodua is a joint venture; the largest partner is UMW Holdings with 38%; second is Daihatsu with 25%.