2019 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia – 6 variants; new SUV-like ‘Style’ model; VSC, ASA; RM24k-RM43k

The 2019 Perodua Axia has been officially launched. The revamped bestseller was unveiled at Perodua Sentral this morning after the original stage – the MYPerodua Nation carnival that was supposed to be happen this weekend in Setia Alam – got called off due to the haze.

Perodua opened order books for the 2019 Axia last month, and revealed full specifications and estimated prices along with it, although no official images were released. We can now confirm that the prices are final – Malaysia’s most affordable car is priced from RM24,090 for the “driving school spec” Standard E to RM43,190 for the range topping Advance with all the bells and whistles. More on the new goodies later.

The Viva-replacing Axia has been with us since September 2014, and it received a midlife facelift in January 2017. For all its life, the Axia has had two unique faces – a normal one and a sportier one for the SE and Advance. This split is no more – now, all Axia variants share the same face, with trim differences.

Clockwise from top: Standard E, GXtra, Advance and SE

The outgoing Axia range had four trim levels (E, G, SE, Advance) and two of those (G and SE) had manual or auto options (base E was MT only, top Advance was AT only). In the 2019 Axia range, Perodua has added two new variants, and deleted the manual option for the SE, which means that other than the kosong E, all Axias come with a four-speed automatic. The new range reads E, G, GXtra (new), Style (new) SE and Advance.

Like before, the 5MT and 4AT are paired with a 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine. The 1KR-VE VVT-i engine makes 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Claimed FC is unchanged – 22.5 km/l for the MT and 21.6 km/l for the AT. The new SUV-inspired Style variant is rated lower at 20.8 km/l, likely due to a combination of extra weight, bigger tyres and less smooth airflow (more on this later). The Axia is an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV).

We move on to equipment. Like before, all variants above the E come with ABS and EBD, but Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) makes its debut in the 2019 Axia. The active safety system, and P2’s anti-theft bag hook are available from the GXtra up. That’s very welcome, but the big news here is the introduction of the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 safety pack on the range topping Axia Advance.

2019 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia – 6 variants; new SUV-like ‘Style’ model; VSC, ASA; RM24k-RM43k

First seen on the Myvi and then the Aruz (in 2.0 form), P2’s ASA safety suite includes Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC), all working with the assistance of a stereo camera located at the top of the windscreen. The model’s airbag count remains at two, and the Axia’s four-star ASEAN NCAP rating is maintained, but the addition of VSC and ASA 2.0 is a big deal in this segment.

Away from safety kit, the G spec gets two speakers, electric side mirrors, and 14-inch alloys. For many, the GXtra is where it really starts – besides the above-mentioned VSC and anti-snatch bag hook, it adds on rear parking sensors, driver’s seat height adjustment, and two rear speakers (for four in total).

As mentioned, going for the SE will no longer get you a unique face, but it’s still the “sporty” variant in the range thanks to skirting on the front bumper and sides with red pinstripe accents on the grille, front bumper and rear bumper. There’s a matching red trim on the dashboard’s centre stack.

2019 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia – 6 variants; new SUV-like ‘Style’ model; VSC, ASA; RM24k-RM43k

Other SE-onwards equipment include safety and solar window tint, front parking sensors, electric folding door mirrors, “semi bucket” seats (with a thick centre stripe) and keyless entry with push-button start. Like before, the top Advance is based on the SE, but it adds on ASA 2.0 and a touchscreen head unit with reverse camera.

VSC and ASA aside, the big surprise is the new Axia Style variant, which gets SUV-inspired looks – think Volkswagen CrossPolo, Hyundai i20 Active and Honda WR-V. Merely dressed up in SUV fashion, the Axia Style has no extra off-road ability than the standard car, and P2 has steered clear of any SUV connotations with the variant name.

Like those global B-segment examples, the Style wears SUV-style black plastic cladding around the lower body, with silver painted sections at the lower front and rear bumpers that mimic skid plates. Adding to the desired effect are black roof rails, although they’re merely decorative and can’t be used to mount a roof box.

The Style’s front end is slightly different from the rest of the range, thanks to black carbon-textured stickers around the “mouth”, giving it a face that reminds us of the previous-gen blue-coloured Myvi SE. There’s also a unique dotted grille insert and an exclusive Style colour – Sunrise Orange. Clear tail lamps are exclusive to the Style in the 2019 Axia range.

The Style also stands taller than other Axias, by 15 mm to be exact. This added height is not because of raised suspension, but is only from the 15-inch two-tone alloys (an inch up from other variants) and thicker tyres combo, plus the roof rails. The result of this is slightly compromised fuel economy: 20.8 km/l vs the standard automatic car’s 21.6 km/l.

Inside, the Axia Style is unchanged save for unique black “denim” fabric for the seats, which have a “fish scale” pattern and contrast stitching. The Style is actually not the range topper, and aside from its unique “SUV bits” equipment count is largely similar to the GXtra, but with the addition of keyless entry and push start. A white illuminated meter panel is standard from the Style onwards.

Perodua is expecting 20% to 25% of total Axia sales – which are skewed towards women (in contrast, most Bezza buyers are men) – to come from the Style. Like what you see?

As for colours, the E is only available in Ivory White, while the rest of the range can be had in Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Midnight Blue and Lava Red. The latter red is not available for the G (only three options) and Style, but for the latter it’s replaced by the variant exclusive Sunrise Orange (four options).

As usual, the warranty is for five years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first. Lastly, pricing and the spec breakdown in point form. On-the-road (without insurance, Pen Malaysia; add RM2k for East Malaysia) prices for the 2019 Axia are:

  • Axia Standard E – RM24,090
  • Axia Standard G – RM33,490
  • Axia GXtra – RM34,990
  • Axia Style – RM38,890
  • Axia SE – RM38,890
  • Axia Advance – RM43,190

2019 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia – 6 variants; new SUV-like ‘Style’ model; VSC, ASA; RM24k-RM43k
2019 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia – 6 variants; new SUV-like ‘Style’ model; VSC, ASA; RM24k-RM43k

2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 Standard E – RM24,090


Gets as standard:

Mechanicals

  • 1.0 litre VVT-i DOHC engine
  • 998 cc naturally-aspirated three-cylinder
  • 67 hp at 6,000 rpm
  • 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm
  • Five-speed manual transmission
  • Ventilated brake discs (front), drums (rear)

Exterior

  • 14-inch steel wheels
  • Halogen projector headlamps
  • LED tail lamps, red lens

Interior

  • Four-way manual front seat adjustment
  • Standard type fabric
  • Power windows
  • Two cupholders

Safety

  • Dual airbags
  • Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
  • Four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating

2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 Standard G – RM33,490


Adds on:

Mechanicals

  • Four-speed automatic transmission

Exterior

  • 14-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear wiper
  • Body colour side mirrors

Interior

  • Power-adjustable door mirrors
  • Seat back pockets
  • 2-DIN head unit with USB
  • Rev counter and trip computer (average FC, range)
  • Two speakers
  • Remote key with alarm, panic button, central locking
  • Centre console with third cupholder
  • Multi-purpose container

Safety

  • ABS with EBD

2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 GXtra – RM34,990


Adds on:

Exterior

  • Chrome grille trim
  • Powered and retractable door mirrors
  • Rear defogger

Interior

  • Mid type fabric
  • Painted centre cluster (silver)
  • Painted steering wheel spokes (silver)
  • Driver’s seat height adjustment
  • Grip handles
  • Anti-snatch hook
  • Two rear speakers (total four)

Safety

  • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control
  • Rear parking sensors

2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 Style – RM38,890


Adds on:

Exterior

  • Unique front and rear bumpers (for Style only)
  • Unique grille insert with carbon-style surround (for Style only)
  • Black body cladding (for Style only)
  • Decorative roof rails (for Style only)
  • 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels (for Style only)
  • Rear reflectors (for Style only)
  • Clear lens tail lamps (for Style only)
  • Sunrise Orange colour option (for Style only)
  • B-pillar black-out stickers
  • New design projector headlamps
  • Front fog lamps
  • Rear spoiler with third brake light
  • Smart Key keyless entry
  • Chrome door handles

Interior

  • Push-button engine start/stop
  • White illuminated meter panel
  • Semi bucket type seats
  • Detachable rear headrests
  • Chrome trim on centre cluster
  • Chrome inside door handles
  • Painted door armrests (silver)
  • Black denim-style fabric upholstery (for Style only)

2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 SE – RM38,890


Adds on:

Exterior

  • Front and rear skirting with red trim
  • Red trim on grille
  • Two-tone side skirts
  • Wing mirror turn signals

Interior

  • Red trim on centre cluster and side AC vents
  • Solar and security window tint
  • SE-type fabric upholstery
  • Fabric trim on door panels
  • Bluetooth function on head unit

Safety

  • Front parking sensors

2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 Advance – RM43,190


Adds on:

Exterior

  • Front and rear skirting with gloss black trim
  • 14-inch two-tone alloy wheels

Interior

  • Chrome trim on centre cluster and side AC vents
  • Steering audio controls
  • Leather wrapped steering
  • Touchscreen head unit with navigation, Smart Link, HDMI

Safety

  • Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0
  • Pre-Collision Warning and Braking with pedestrian detection
  • Front Departure Alert
  • Pedal Misoperation Control
  • Reverse camera

For full specs and to compare the 2019 Perodua Axia against price rivals such as the just-refreshed Proton Saga, head to CarBase.my.



GALLERY: 2019 Perodua Axia Style


GALLERY: 2019 Perodua Axia Advance

GALLERY: 2019 Perodua Axia GXtra

GALLERY: 2019 Perodua Axia official images