As Perodua has sold its vehicles in the United Kingdom since 1997, the Kelisa was introduced into the country in 2002 as a replacement to the Nippa, a rebadged Kancil.

A limited edition Kelisa, based on the original variant, prominently sports two toned colored paintwork and minor interior modifications.

differed from the pre-facelift model with a new front honeycomb grille, a new lower front bumper with amber front turn signal lights, a new lower rear bumper with reflector, a newside protector moulding, a new rear wiper, a center position roof antenna, new meter panel, new design sports rims for the EX model and new design wheel caps for the GX model.

The changes compared to the other Kelisa variants included a silver painted center cluster (including astray), leather seats with "imago" embroidery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, clear side and front turn signals, sporty spoiler, chrome door handles & door lock and a modern Metallic Pearl Jade finish — a light double metallic color.

In the second series of Top Gear, James May drove the Kelisa and was generally impressed with the car, even likening it to the original Mini.

[19][20] In April 2007, Clarkson described it as the worst in the world, stating in an article "Its name was like a disease" and suggesting it was built in jungles by people who wear leaves for shoes.

[19] His comments drew criticism from the Malaysian Government, a representative of which countered by stating that no complaints had been received from any customers in the United Kingdom.