You’ve seen it (well, most of it), and some of you have even booked one, and now it’s officially launched – say hello to the 2023 Perodua Axia. The second generation to use the Axia name is an all-new model model, with a new platform, a larger footprint, a new powertrain combo and a stylish interior. It feels like a different car altogether on the move too, as detailed in our first drive report.
The Axia is a very important product for Perodua, with a lineage that tracks directly back to the Kancil, P2’s first product. The Kancil was replaced the Viva, which was succeeded by the first Axia in September 2014. In the eight plus years since then, there have been two facelifts (January 2017 and September 2019) and P2 shifted a total of 582,728 units, making the Axia one of the carmaker’s most successful products.
The Axia name is household enough for P2 to continue using it, and so here we are at the second-generation Axia. The RM546 million D74A project started in October 2019 and development took up nearly 300,000 man-hours, including assistance from Daihatsu. P2 faced unique challenges developing this model during the pandemic.
You might have noticed that Astra in Indonesia unveiled the Toyota Agya twin sister to the Axia yesterday; the ‘world premiere’ beating the Axia’s unveiling by a day. However, today’s Axia launch is not just a press preview but a full market launch – as is always the case with Perodua, the day a car is launched is the day that deliveries start. The Malaysian company is actually the lead in this shared project, which is claimed to be “designed by Malaysians to meet Malaysian/ASEAN tastes”. Mass production started in Rawang last month.
DNGA base, larger footprint
The 2023 Axia is the third model to sit on the latest Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform after the Ativa SUV and Alza MPV. To build a good car, you need a good foundation, and there are a myriad of benefits that a modern base can bring – read more about DNGA here.
On top of that is a body with a new design and larger footprint. The new Axia looks considerably larger in the metal, and you won’t need the previous car beside it to confirm the growth. At 3,760 mm long and 1,665 mm wide, the D74A is 115 mm longer and 45 mm wider than its predecessor; more than half of the extra length goes into the wheelbase, which at 2,525 mm, is 70 mm longer. The growth is also obvious when you look at the rearmost pillars of both Axias.
The 2023 Axia also looks lower, and the spec sheet confirms that overall height (1,495 mm) is 15 mm lower and the ground clearance (150 mm) is 20 mm less.
The extra length doesn’t translate to more legroom though, as the Axia’s tandem distance of 910 mm was considered as good enough. Instead, boot length is up 47 mm. Almost all of the extra width is reflected in the cabin, and the 265L boot, is 5L bigger. Perodua also worked on the driving position and ergonomics – the steering angle is more upright (and less commercial vehicle) now, while the accelerator pedal position has been optimised. And finally, there’s steering tilt adjustment!
A bigger Axia makes the Myvi redundant? Not quite. Despite the Axia’s growth spurt, the ‘king’ is still 135 mm longer and 70 mm wider, even if the B-segment hatchback’s 2,500 mm wheelbase is now beaten by the Axia by 25 mm. The gap between P2’s A and B hatchbacks is now smaller, but there’s no overlap.
The problem with bigger cars and more features is weight, but thanks to the new platform – which is stronger but lighter – weight gain is minimal. AV vs AV, the new Axia’s kerb weight is 30 kg more at 890 kg. It’s still a very light car, which brings dividends at the pumps.
4AT retired, CVT takes over
Under the hood is a new powertrain combo. The carryover 1.0 litre naturally aspirated unit pushes out 67 hp/91 Nm, but the 1KR-VE three-cylinder is mated to a CVT this time around (Indonesia gets a new engine, 1.2L there because of LCGC regulations). Just like in the current Myvi, the stepless auto replaces the long-serving four-speed torque converter automatic transmission, bringing improvements in both fuel efficiency and performance with the same engine. That’s a win-win at both ends of the scale.
First introduced in the Ativa, D-CVT stands for Dual-Mode CVT, the world’s first split gear CVT system. Basically, the unit combines belt drive with a gear drive for improved FC, acceleration and quietness.
From rest to medium speeds, the D-CVT functions like any other CVT, with engine torque going through a torque converter (like Toyota and Honda CVTs; Proton’s Punch CVT uses a clutch pack) and into the input pulley, before being transferred to the output pulley via a belt and then to the wheels. At higher speeds, D-CVT shifts into its split mode, engaging the gear drive to provide more efficient power transmission (less energy loss), while the rotation to the belt drive is decreased significantly. More on the D-CVT here.
While the CVT greatly changes the driving character of the Axia, its true mission is to boost fuel economy. FC in the NEDC is up 8% from 21.6 km/l to 23.3 km/l. Perodua’s claimed figures are in the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC), which supposedly follows local road conditions and driving patterns. Here, it’s 25.3 km/l (G and X) or 27.4 km/l with the Eco Idle auto start-stop system (SE and AV).
P2 says that if you combine the max MDC FC with the current RON 95 price of RM2.05 per litre, you’ll only need less than RM28 of fuel to travel from KL to Penang, which is a 365 km journey. Typically, manufacturer FC claims are hard to achieve in the real world, but even if you shave off a few kilometres from 27.4 km/l, it’s still very frugal without needing assistance from a hybrid battery.
The new Axia might have a bluff face and square cut lines, but it’s somehow more aerodynamic than before (by 10%) thanks to design choices and the addition of subtle fins and spoilers. A more slippery shape enhances FC. Speaking of flow, P2 says that the new Axia comes with improved body sealing and a changed engine intake position/construction to allow for better minor flash flood wading performance.
More money, more car
The 2023 Axia comes in four variants – G, X, SE and AV. The G kicks off the range at RM38,600, the X is priced at RM40,000, the SE costs RM44,000, while the range-topping AV will set you back RM49,500. Prices are on-the-road before insurance. These final prices are identical to the estimates released on January 31.
Now, you would have noticed that the Axia’s RRP is higher than before. For reference, the launch prices of the 2019 Axia facelift were RM34,990 for the GXtra with VSC and RM43,190 for the AV. That’s a difference of around RM4k at the bottom end to RM6k for the AV, which is no small change in this segment. Also, there’s no kosong Axia E a.k.a. the driving school spec with a manual transmission.
Perodua says that they’re charging more for a bigger, safer and better car with more features, and the added value is worth RM5,800 for all variants. As for the Axia E, it’s not dead, nor is the manual gearbox. P2 has confirmed that it will continue to make the Axia E MT, which will continue to be Malaysia’s most affordable car. It won’t be a stripped out version of the D74A though, but the outgoing E, possibly with tweaked specs and a sub-RM25k price. Launching after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which falls in April.
Back to what’s available now. VSC is now standard across the board, so there’s no more GXtra. The base Axia G is the only variant to have halogen headlamps and body coloured B pillars. There’s no keyless entry and push start, so you’ll find keyholes on the driver’s door handle and steering column. It rolls on 14-inch alloys with surprisingly sporty 175/65 Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres – this tyre/rim combo is standard across the board, and there’s no upsize for even the AV.
Inside, the G gets fabric seats, a radio with USB/Bluetooth, air con knobs, auto door lock, electric wing mirror controls, and an analogue speedo with orange lighting and a 4.2-inch trip computer. Safety wise, it’s ABS/EBD/BA, VSC, Isofix child seat mounts, reverse sensors and two airbags. The new Axia received four stars in the latest ASEAN NCAP protocol.
Raising the floor
Moving up to the X nets you a good amount of extra kit for not a lot more cash. You gain automatic LED headlamps (with manual levelling), follow me home lights, tilt adjustable steering, front corner sensors and keyless entry with push start. The latter is of the electrostatic sensor type, as per the Ativa, and better than the Myvi’s black button. LED headlamps is new to the Axia, as is tilt adjustable steering. Some of these features, once you experience, there’s no turning back, so the X is a good place to start if your budget permits.
From the outside, you can tell the X apart from the G by the LED headlamps, which have LED positioning lamps underlining the beams. Matte black stickers on the B-pillars, too.
Next up is the SE, where style is elevated and more good stuff from costlier P2 models are present. How about LED daytime running lights, which aren’t even available on the Ativa AV and Alza AV (DRLs are bundled with GearUp bodykits). The SE also adds on a chrome strip on the grille (neatly connects the positioning lamps), a front lip and side skirts. We also spot a subtle tailgate spoiler. The wing mirrors have LED repeaters.
Inside, the SE gets “semi-bucket seats” with chunkier bolsters, separate rear headrests (that offer more neck support over the integrated ‘pillow’ items on the G/X), a digital AC control panel (with two memory positions, as per Ativa/Alza) and a PWR (Power) button on the steering. There’s also a rev counter for the analogue meter panel. Solar/security window film, too.
The AV hits the ball out of the A-segment park, offering Axia buyers most of the goodies that Ativa/Alza AV owners are enjoying. This top shelf parts bin includes the 7.0-inch digital instrument panel (which has a few preset designs), and a 9.0-inch touchscreen head unit (from the Ativa, no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) with steering controls, SmartLink and reverse camera. The upgraded seats get part-leather treatment here, and the steering is leather-wrapped.
The range-topper is the only Axia to get auto high beam for the LED headlamps. Safety wise, there are six airbags (front, side, curtain; previous Axia maxed out at two), lane departure warning/prevention, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert. These are on top of ASA 3.0, which includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and front departure warning, which alerts you when the front car has moved. All this, on an Axia.
New look, are you in?
The D74A looks nothing like its predecessor, and it’s not just because of the increased size. Yes, the larger footprint gives it a more substantial look that’s far removed from the model’s kei-car lineage, but the shape is also different. The nose is super flat next to the old car’s slope, but it’s reversed at the back, where the new car’s rear screen gets an angle.
P2’s A-segment models typically have flat and plain sides, which are common for budget cars. However, the new Axia has a strong crease through the door handles plus a sweeping curve up that rises from the front wheels. That’s a lot of surfacing. The rear is also very sculpted, and it’s not just limited to the bumper too. Like the new look?
Inside, the horizontal-style dashboard has a “floating” screen design and elevated gear area. It’s good that variants without the actual screen have a slim head unit, unlike the unsightly big radio on the Ativa X. The centre stack and screen are angled towards the driver, which is another nice touch. The dash gives a good impression of width and looks very contemporary, a bit sporty even. Full side-by-side, new vs old comparison post here.
The new Axia is available in five colours – Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Ivory White (solid) and Coral Blue. The latter is a new-to-P2 shade and also the hero colour for the D74A. If you’re wondering, there’s no GearUp bodykit for now; later perhaps. To recap, the Axia G is priced at RM38,600, the X is RM40,000, the SE is RM44,000 and the AV tops the range at RM49,500, all The standard Perodua warranty is for five years or 150,000 km. Monthly instalment estimates can be found here.
Here’s what we think of the new Axia’s design and drive, what’s your take? Check out the walk-around video and galleries below and tell us.
2023 Perodua Axia G – RM38,600
Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
- 1.0L VVT-i three-cylinder engine (1KR-VE)
- 67 hp at 6,000 rpm, 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm
- 25.3 km/l fuel consumption in Malaysian Driving Cycle (23.3 km/l NEDC)
- D-CVT automatic transmission
- 36-litre fuel tank
- Electric power steering (EPS)
- 4.5-metre turning radius
- Manual handbrake
- Ventilated brakes discs (front), drum brakes (rear)
- 3,760 mm long, 1,665 mm wide, 1,495 mm tall, 2,525 mm wheelbase
- 150 mm ground clearance
- Five-year/150,000 km warranty
Exterior
- Halogen reflector headlights
- Signal lights on front fenders
- Body-coloured B-pillars, A-pillar corner and rear number plate garnish
- Body-coloured power-adjustable door mirrors with manual fold
- Front grille in full black plastic
- 14-inch alloys with 175/65 Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres
Interior
- Speed sensitive auto door lock
- Fabric seats
- Folding rear seats with fixed ‘pillow’ headrests
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- Non-adjustable steering wheel column
- Twist-to-start keyfob
- Full black dashboard
- Power windows, auto up/down for driver only
- Manual air con
- Analogue meter panel with 4.2-inch LCD multi-info display
- Non-touchscreen head unit with USB/Bluetooth
- Two speakers
- Urethane steering wheel
Safety
- Two airbags
- ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, VSC, traction control
- Rear parking sensors
- Seat belt reminder, front and rear
- Isofix child seat anchors
- Four-star ASEAN NCAP rating
2023 Perodua Axia X – RM40,000
Adds on:
Exterior
- Keyless entry with electrostatic touch sensor
- Auto headlamps
- LED headlamps with manual levelling
- LED positioning lamps
- Follow me home lamps
- Blacked out B-pillars and A-pillar corners
Interior
- Tilt adjustable steering
- Keyless push start button
- Rear centre cupholder
- Four speakers
Safety
- Front corner parking sensors
2023 Perodua Axia SE – RM44,000
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- Eco Idle auto start-stop
- Power mode
- 27.4 km/l fuel consumption in Malaysian Driving Cycle
Exterior
- LED daytime running lights
- Chrome strip on front grille
- Front skirting
- Side skirts
- Rear spoiler
- Black rear number plate garnish
- Powered side mirrors with LED turn signals
- Solar and security window tint
- Additional bonnet insulation
Interior
- Power mode steering button
- Semi-bucket seats, fabric
- Separate rear headrests
- Chrome door handles
- Silver horizontal dash trim
- Silver gear knob trim
- Silver trim on steering
- Digital AC control panel with memory
- Rev counter
- Anti-snatch handbag hook
- Two teh tarik hooks on the front seat backs
2023 Perodua Axia AV – RM49,500
Adds on:
Exterior
- Auto high beam
Interior
- 7.0-inch digital instrument panel with steering controls
- 9.0-inch touchscreen head unit with steering controls
- Semi-leather seats
- Leather-wrapped steering
Safety
- Six airbags
- Lane departure warning and prevention
- Blind spot monitor
- Rear cross traffic alert
- ASA 3.0 including AEB
- Reverse camera
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia AV
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia SE
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia X with GearUp accessories
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia G
GALLERY: Perodua Axia New vs Old
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia brochure
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia colours, official images
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia AV official images
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia SE official images
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia X official images
GALLERY: 2023 Perodua Axia G official images
Goob job Perodua. Another sales record in the making!
DNGA truly means Dont Need Geely Anymore.
The true Game Changer has been launched, habislah Proton!
Tahniah Perodua easily 1 million units sales soon, clearly we Don’t Need Geely Anymore (DNGA) !!
Kesian Msians. Dulu cheapest P2 sold at 25k now its 50% more expensive but Msian gaji still macam dulu so even P2 now becoming unaffordable to rakyat B40. P2 no longer value for money to rakyats.
If P2 dont care about their loyal B40 customers anymore it is time to open the market and let other brands bring in their value for money cars, let China bring in their cheap EVs too. We should stop giving tongkats to P2 because their purpose is no longer to help the rakyat.
Ha ha ha. Dah kalah teruk teruk, masih nak buat hal dlm grp ni
Dulu makan nasi lemak pun 30 sen saja.
Buy 2nd hand la
Wow. How much P2 can saved without rear defogger installed?
They save alot from missing RPM meter too
Overpowered.
No more sampan car. This DNGA platform has better handling than the ageing Saga.
I immediately canceled my booking and changed to myvi 1.5X. cost me an extra 5k but more safety and accessories. however, it’s not DNGA, but the ASEAN NCAP has higher ratings on myvi. but still, tin milo, just drive within road limits
the myvi ANCAP test was based on the year it was tested, which is outdated. Getting a 5-star at that time, don’t mean it is better than a 4-star ANCAP today. Read the testing terms and you will understand. The Axia get only 4-star because ANCAP require motorcyclist safety features to get the 5-star full marks.
So you might want to rethink about the purchase for that outdated myvi.
itu ncap cert tahun bila meh?
GG well played P2.
I wish the SE and AV at least have rear spoiler and retain the old wheels. This new one is just look very generic from the side and rear
Abis lah you Myvi! This new better Axia will be the new king of the Malaysian road.
patiently waits for next year new axia sedan kek
Will wait for Style variant.
Mfw the new Axia doesn’t get the 1.2L engine because Perodua doesn’t want to cannibalize MYVI sales.
Overall attractive except the disliked rear bumper mounted plate recess…
All specs are done well, however two things to note: no USB charging port, the standard radio unit remains a pair of volume press button.
just hope to have volume knob, much better
While many thought it looks Polo at the rear, to me it looks very japanese and daihatsu at the rear. And i love it !
Finally Axia Rahmah for everyone!!!
Cant wait for new Bezza next year…
Lets see what they do
Good. Minimum salary increased but yet those with minimum salary still can not afford a car. Later, government forces employers to raise minimum salary again but car manufacturers raise the price to earn more money at the sane time. So, no end.
yalah. People every day ask for more money from their boss. they think money appear out of thin air. You get more money from salary, means your company (say its perodua) needs to increase price due to increased costs. and round and round we go.
Huh? not much USB port?
if don’t want spend much go for X
if afford & want to the max AV
Kereta tin can nipis gearbox forklif bumper no impact protection enjin 3 silinder sebelah firewall. Beli insuran nyawa sebelum pergi ke showroom.
No Dashcam given even for the AV specs, come on Perodua … when you include ASA 3.0 including AEB for AV specs, how difficult is to just put a dashcam together …. overall the car looks good but would have preferred the new 1.2 engine instead of the 1 litre, they should have again given a higher engine option for the AV specs with a high price that would match the above.
Why rear bumper looks kemek like after accident?
With each new model launch, Perodua continues to shed (or rather, SHRED) its ‘jaguh kampung rebadged milo tin’ image of old. Our 30-year old Perodua has grown up tall and strong, the student has become the master. Our abangs and kakaks at Perodua can now comfortably design their own BIWs (Myvi, Bezza) and work independently with saudara Astra (Axia, Alza) and senpai TMT (Vios). Oji-san Daihatsu and kaicho Toyota have raised their overseas kouhai and kodomo very well…
Okay, corny semantics aside, I would like to sincerely congratulate Perodua on their newest baby. The corona lockdown, chips shortage, banjir, inflation, etc., has battered the auto industry, and yet Perodua has stood firm through it all, and continues to surprise us year after year… less excuses, no bullshxt, just hard work, modesty, and kaizen. That’s Perodua’s work ethic in a nutshell. The results speak for themselves.
Most of Perodua’s models have now closed the gap in terms of quality, technology, design, and safety with Japanese cars developed for emerging markets. In fact, Perodua is probably ahead of Mitsubishi and Nissan in the budget car category for some time now. But I think the Koreans are still ahead of everyone. However, the real threat to Perodua’s future is not the Japanese or Koreans, but rather the Chinese. Which is why Perodua has been steadily moving upmarket (latest Myvi and Alza can easily compete in emerging markets, with or without tongkat). The other serious problem Perodua has is brand perception. That will take decades to change, but it will happen for sure.
As for the D74A Axia, yes it costs more now, but I’m still impressed with the specs vs. asking price. You really don’t need to be ashamed of buying the Axia because it’s the cheapest brand new ‘Japanese’ car you can afford. No, you can buy the Axia because it’s genuinely good enough now, even if you can comfortably afford a Myvi, Yaris or City Hatchback (non-hybrid). The D74A has raised the benchmark to levels never before seen for an RM40k-ish car. The only question mark is ride comfort and composure, something which Perodua models can’t seem to grasp. It’s the final nail they need to make Proton irrelevant in the A and B segments (btw, C and D segments are controlled by UMW Toyota, Perodua doesn’t need to make their own X70 competitor, Corolla Cross has that sorted).
On that note, my only gripe with the D74A marketing is the lack of tilt adjustment for the G spec, but maybe we can just pretend the G doesn’t exist. haha I also hope the D74A steering is much lighter than the old Axia, which felt stiff and heavy despite being electric. Crucially, every D74A has stability control, as it should be the norm this decade, even for cheap cars. Although the non-AV models have just 2 airbags, it is understandable in this segment; I suspect future facelifts will add side airbags for the X and SE. The camera-based safety net is also a great bonus, but not a must-have for me personally. 4-star ASEAN NCAP for a small car on the latest demanding protocol is genuinely impressive. You can comfortably bet on the little Axia AV being safer than most B- and C-segment sedans from 10 years ago. Yes, old SUVs might still be safer due to weight and height, but size isn’t everything.
Anyway, I have no doubts that the second-gen Axia will become the no.1 best-seller here for the next few years, until the fourth-gen Myvi launches. Basically, a repeat of history from 2015 to 2017. I’m guessing the fourth-gen Myvi might be a hybrid-only model, to further distinguish it from the Axia, and also simultaneously meet the govt CAFE targets. For now, Perodua will need to figure out how to reduce sales cannibalization from the existing Myvi… but it shouldn’t be too difficult, certainly easier than the Alza/Veloz and Aruz/Rush previously. The new 2024 Bezza might potentially kill the Vios in our market though, or the Vios could become hybrid-only, we’ll have to wait and see.
Congrats again to Perodua on the successful launch of the D74A Axia, despite the relentless obstacles over the past 3 years. Personally, I’m really looking forward to the second-gen Bezza, and how it will stack up against the SS11-based Persona / Prevé replacement. All the best!
Sadly SS11-based Persona / Prevé replacement will be a flop failure because current generation of well-informed car buyers already aware of Proton nonsensicals especially the infamous spare parts problems which means it is way smarter to buy Perodua or Toyota Honda therefore half million unit sales will be a new norm for Perodua hence the final nail to Proton Persona Lipas and Saga surely the new 2024 Bezza (with proper sedan looks, wider) gonna be a perfect killer machine against delusional Proton still stubborn to die close shop.
Expensive!!! Myvi is just a few thousand away. It’s better performance, it’s better build, and it’s King of Malaysian highway.
PLUS…
Potential buyers are mostly first-time car owners and they will choose something within their budget. For 40k to 50k price… There’s Bezza, Myvi, and Saga. The top of the line Perodua Axia AV sells for RM49,500, while the top of the line Proton Saga Premium S is only RM44,300.
Ref: https://paultan.org/2022/05/12/2022-proton-saga-mc2-facelift-spec-by-spec-comparo/
Sorry Perodua. This too shall pass.
The only thing PERODUA need more for improvement is the handling issue…!!!
Even the best PERODUA model also can’t beat the low end SAGA by PROTON.
all the specs are ok. But only don’t have rear defogger. Even AV spec. with this high price is not match
Overprince no longer a kereta rakyat Saga much more affordable Rm46k btter engine with 1.3 cc than this overpriced crap Rm51k sampan car as always only 800+ KG?
literally nobody wants to buy a proton, what are you talking about.
Wtf P2 talk so big say give plenty of latest tech but missing RPM meter even on X spec . Stingy AF
Another omission for X and G variant based on the gallery is the tab at the bottom of the rear view mirror for dimming
3AM realisation… this 2nd generation Axia is about the same size as the latest (Japanese domestic market) Daihatsu Boon… which has been on sale since 2016. Could the latest Axia/Ayla/Agya end up being sold in Japan as the Boon?
Not sure why P2 don’t fit 2 or 1cyl engine for axia. That’s more than enough for this car to safely send people to another realm.
old engine with bigger new body+dcvt+ makeup a bit.. hike up the price..malaysia dpt axia.. indonesia got agya.. tipah tertipu