3rd Generation Perodua Axia Launched; Priced From RM38,600

The all-new 2023 Perodua Axia is officially launched, about a week after a media preview. Codenamed D74A, this is the 3rd generation of the mini hatchback that serves to fulfill the needs of first-time car owners, as well as those buying a supplemental car for the household. As such, its buyer demographics are spread over age different groups and income levels, though it mainly serves the younger and single set. Likewise the Axia is kitted differently according to price levels and consumer preferences.

This full model change project began in October 2019 and was unfortunately affected by global lockdowns. This was a challenge for Perodua’s development teams in both Malaysia and Japan and also affected the production timeline. Over 300,000 man-hours were spent on development, including assistance from Daihatsu Motor Co (DMC), and about RM546 million was spent on this model. Perodua had sent 47 of its staff to DMC to work on this model as an affordable option yet with improved driving experience and safety.

As such, there is more localised input to the Axia to fit our conditions e.g. flash floods, heat, speed bumps, road conditions, balik kampung requirements, etc. Even the shape of the headrest takes into account ladies (and men) with ponytails / buns / tudung.

The Perodua Axia remains one of the company’s bestsellers, easily moving over 5,000 cars a month. Built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform and produced under the Perodua Smart Build (PSB) concept, the new Axia is designed to optimise cost yet give value for money to buyers in terms of style, comfort, safety, efficiency and affordability. The company is expecting the new model to perform similarly to the old, setting a target of 5,700 units a month.

The Axia’s physical dimensions have grown i.e. 3,760 mm (+115 mm) in length, 1,665 mm (+45 mm) in width, on a 2,525 mm (+60 mm) wheelbase. It is however, lower by 15 mm, at 1,495 mm, than the preceding model, and has lower ground clearance of 150 mm (-20mm). If you’re curious, the Myvi is 135 mm longer, 70 mm wider, and 20 mm taller, but it also has a shorter wheelbase (2,500 mm) than the Axia. As such, the designers and engineers have been able to improve on occupant comfort for the Axia.

The faces of the Axia AV, X and G variants (left to right), with its predecessor on the far right

To power the car, the 1KR-VE 1.0L 3-cylinder engine with dual variable valve timing (DVVT) has been retained, but is now paired with a Dual Mode CVT (continuously variable transmission) to further improve fuel economy. The Axia SE and AV variants are fitted with the Eco Idle system and have an official fuel efficiency of 27.4 km/l. Meanwhile, the G and X variants don’t have idle stop and thus have a rated efficiency of 25.3 km/l (based on Malaysian Driving Cycle which factors in local driving conditions).

For the launch, there are 4 variants to pick (listed from lowest to highest spec, with incremental features and equipment):

Axia G (RM38,600)

• Halogen headlamps
• Speed activated door locking
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Adjustable seat height
• Fabric seats
• Package tray
• Monotone instrument panel
• 4.2″ LCD multi-info display
• Hill Start Assist
• Reverse sensors
• 2 airbags

  

  

  

  

  

  

Axia X (RM40,000)

• LED headlamps with light sensor
• Headlamp leveling (manual)
• Follow me home light
• Tilt steering
• Interior with silver trim
• Front corner sensors
• Smart entry
• Push button start

  

  

  

  

  

  

Axia SE (RM44,000)

• LED daytime running lights
• Power mode (Sport mode)
• Digital air-con control
• Steering-mounted switch (Power mode)
• Semi-bucket front seats
• Front skirting
• Side skirting
• Chrome front grille

  

  

  

  

  

  

Axia AV (RM49,500)

• 9″ LCD touchscreen with HDMI port
• 7″ TFT multi-info display
• Steering-mounted switches (Power mode, multi-info display, audio controls)
• Leather wrapped steering
• Reverse camera
• Leather wrapped
• 6 airbags
• Auto high beam
• Lane Departure Warning & Prevention
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 3.0

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

All variants are equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA); Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); Keyless entry; and ISOFIX anchor points for child seats. Tyre size for all is the pocket-friendly 175/60 R14.

There are 5 exterior colours to choose from i.e. Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Ivory White, and an all-new colour i.e. Coral Blue.

As mentioned previously, the preceding Axia model will still be available as the barebones Axia E with manual transmission. And it will be the most affordable car in the market. Further details will be available later in the year.

* All prices quoted are for Peninsular Malaysia and without insurance.