The second-generation Perodua Axia has been launched in Malaysia to replace the first-generation model, which has been around since 2014 and received two facelifts during its lifetime, with the latest revealed in 2019. If you’re curious to know the specifications and pricing of the all-new D74A, head on over to our comprehensive launch report.
In this post, we’re comparing the two generations of the Axia and pointing out exactly what’s changed. We’ll be diving into various aspects, including the exterior and interior design, platform, powertrain, safety and price.
Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)
The new Axia is built on a completely new platform called the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which is also used by the Ativa, Alza as well as the fourth-generation Toyota Vios that made its debut in Thailand.
The modular architecture is akin to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and succeeds the old Axia’s Daihatsu Global A-Segment Platform, promising improved driving dynamics and comfort, while also resulting in the new Axia’s larger body.
Bringing dimensions into the discussion, the D74A measures 3,760 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and 1,505 mm tall. By comparison, the old Axia is between 100 to 115 mm shorter in terms of overall length (depending on variant), while also losing in terms of width (-65 mm), but advantageous in height (+15 mm).
An important figure is the wheelbase, and the newer model’s spans 2,525 mm, making it 70 mm longer than the old Axia. In fact, the D74A’s wheelbase is 25 mm longer than the current Myvi that measures 2,500 mm.
Interior space and practicality
The more generous dimensions result in a few noticeable improvements on the inside. Firstly, the new Axia offers a better seating position than before, with the steering wheel and column placed at a more optimum angle, as are the pedals that no longer sees the driver’s legs being overly upright.
Rear passengers, particularly those of large sizes, will also enjoy the 40 mm wider couple distance so there’s less chance to bump shoulders. What’s unchanged is the distance between the front and rear passengers at 910 mm, which was already pretty good for kneeroom on the previous model.
The improved wheelbase also makes its easier for passengers to enter and exit the cabin, with the added benefit of boot space. Perodua says the distance between the rear seats and the tailgate is now 47 mm longer at 610 mm, which is enough to accommodate four suitcases, a stroller or even a bicycle.
Exterior design
The new Axia is clearly identified from the front by its more upright grille, which has a hexagonal-like shape and is flanked by more compact and angular headlamps. This is a radical departure from the large light clusters on the original, which trace their way further up the bodywork.
The D74A also has more prominent creases on its new and flatter clamshell bonnet, while the front bumper sports sharper lines that gives it a more aggressive “X-like” look than before. The older car, in facelifted form, had a larger lower intake and an “A-wing” like profile to its bumper.
In profile, the new Axia carries over its predecessor’s character line that cuts through the door handles, although it doesn’t rise as steeply and extends further to meet the tip of the taillights. This is accompanied by a flatter beltline that makes way for taller windows, improving the visibility out from the rear cabin space.
You’ll also notice the upswept crease on the newer car, which is a departure from the horizontal crease of the original, as well as the more rakish D-pillars that are accompanied by black garnishes to visually blend into the rear window.
Even from the back, the new Axia is instantly recognisable thanks to the new taillights that are more angular in shape to highlight the vehicle’s width. The largely featureless look of the previous car’s tailgate has also been addressed with two strong creases, with the upper one cutting across the Perodua logo and large hand insert for the boot opener.
Further down, the rear bumper has been slightly simplified as it no longer comes with decorative trim pieces at the corners. However, the number plate recess now has an upturned surround that is the opposite of the downturned look previously.
Interior design
The overhaul inside is equally as comprehensive as the exterior, with the V-shaped dashboard of old replaced with a more horizontal design and sharp lines. The new dash is also rather driver-focused given the infotainment head unit and centre air vents are slightly angled towards the driver.
Another area of improvement is the air-conditioning controls, which now take up less space compared to the large circular dials on the old Axia. The link between the centre stack and console is also more cohesive, allowing for a larger storage cubby just ahead of two cupholders and a more ergonomic gear lever that is now raised closer to the driver.
The handbrake sit further behind the raised centre console, surrounded by storage areas, including a square-shaped one that is brought higher to serve rear passengers. One thing that remains the same is the lack of split-folding rear seats, with the entire bench tipping down if you need more boot space.
Practicality and ergonomics aside, the new Axia does get more tech than its predecessor. Ascending up the variant tree, available features include a digital air-conditioning control panel with two memory settings, a PWR (Power) button on the steering wheel, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a nine-inch touchscreen head unit.
Powertrain
Under the bonnet, the new Axia carries over the same 1KR-VE 1.0 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol, which continues to produce 67 hp and 91 Nm of torque. However, the engine is no longer paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox and is instead fitted with the same Dual Mode CVT (D-CVT) found in the Ativa, Myvi and Alza – read all about how it works here.
We’ve already tried out this new combo, and the results are impressive following our first drive of the new Axia which you should definitely read. With the D-CVT, fuel consumption is now 25.3 km/l, or up to 27.4 km/l with the Eco Idle auto start-stop system. Perodua says these figures are following the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC), which supposedly follows local road conditions and driving patterns.
Safety
The new Axia has already been awarded a four-star safety rating New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP), but keep in mind that the variant tested at the time was the SE that only had two airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control and all-seat seatbelt reminder.
The higher-spec AV comes with six airbags as well as automatic high beam, lane departure warning/prevention, a 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.
The previous Axia was also offered with AEB on its range-topping variant, but that was the older ASA 2.0 that didn’t include two-wheeled vehicle detection and a lesser operating range. Additionally, features like a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning/prevention and rear cross traffic alert were not available.
More importantly, lesser variants of the old Axia before the GXtra did not even come with VSC and traction control, so having it as standard for the new model across the board is a definite improvement.
Price
The Axia now starts at RM38,600 for the entry-level G, rising to RM40,000 for the X, to RM44,000 for the SE and at the very top of the range is the AV at RM49,500. The starting price is higher, but the features you get for the base option of the newer model is more fairly compared to the 2019 Axia facelift in GXtra guise that comes with VSC.
That GXtra variant was priced at RM34,990, while the AV of the previous generation went for RM43,190. Considering all the changes you’ve read through so far, is the upward pricing justified or do you feel otherwise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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If they want to charge this kind of money, they shouldn’t have call it an Axia.
Never mind about what you give and spec and all, Axia serves a big bulk of the market that wants a low price mobility. That’s what Axia represents.
The marketing and positioning could do better to avoid all these conversation that’s taking the shine off the new model.
Kancil, Saga is the one that is cheapest.
Not AXN Axia.
calls it Bezza Hatchback?
More like a Myvi Lite
Myvi 1.0
Maybe u should get a better job with better pay, and this Axia shouldn’t be a problem to own Perodua is just like other company, where generating money and collecting revenue is their number one priority. If keep on offering low prices, they will surely go bankrupt in less than 5 years. It’s easy business principle bruh
Perodua cannot be like any other company because they don’t compete on equal footing in Malaysia.
This is why u remain Sohai.
Maybe should be more expensive. This low price mobility is the source of heavy traffic today. Look left right up down all Axia. This car serve nothing, only to make money.
Yup. Should increase the tax on Axia, make it start at RM60k.
For the price they are asking it better comes with spec equal to that of the Agya in Indonesia. Price so expensive but still using the old 1 liter engine while the Agya gets a new 1.2 liter engine. Must had the same idea from Toyota when the Camry came with the old engine but everywhere else get the Dynamic Force engine.
Rebadging takes effort, apparently, /s.
Without P1 and P2, rakyat could enjoy a fairer price among all car manufacturers without favoritism and cronyism! They rebadge but take away specs and water down the quality of the vehicle, and rakyat continues to buy these because that’s what most can afford. This is by our own doing.
Price is on a hike, but understandable. All car makers are pushing their car price up. Camry also increase their price by an Axia in 2-3 years time. So just accept and move on. I think Perodua makes a good car and serve the country good. All the best to Axia for sales.
People complaining about the price. But comparing the price for the new AV vs the last gen AV… RM6000 price difference is reasonable. Last-gen AV was quite kosong with those safety features and specs. New Axia is bigger. Don’t forget about inflation as well.
Itulah, minta itu ini tp nak kereta harga RAHMAH. Abes company ke RAHMAHTULLAH…
New Axia still reasonable price. Study and work hard to all the B40s, don’t expect all the tongkat to be given to you.
Or just get the used car if ‘x mampu’. Simple.
“Considering all the changes you’ve read through so far, is the upward pricing justified or do you feel otherwise?”
NO. Because base G-spec to not have anything significant to warrant a RM4k increase. Don’t give me that bigger car nonsense. When the Viva was replaced by the bigger Axia, there was no price increase. In fact the base Axia G auto was 2k cheaper than the cheapest Viva auto price. So technically there was a price reduction.
Did you know that the price of everything on the rise now, on Sep 2019 the hot rolled steel price was 556 USD/Tonne, today Feb 2023 it is 876 USD/Tonne, it is about 36% increase. Did you know, the minimum wages in 2019 is RM1100 and today 2023 is RM1500, thats about 27% increase. Did you know that Aluminum price was 1741 USD/Tonne in Sep 2019 and now is it 2425 USD/Tonne, it is about 28% increases. Not to mention plastic, chips, oil, gas, electricity, water, transportation, taxes, etc. Even eggs and chicken are on the rise now. RM4000 only about 9%, it is relatively smaller then the percentage increase of the raw materials to fabricate the car, if include the increase of operational cost, 9% is understandable compare to 36%, or 27% or 28%. World are changing and everything become expensive, as someone who work in steel manufacturing industry, there is very small profit margin now just to maintain price range for consumers against the raw materials cost and operational cost. To expect P2 to maintain the price is also the same as to expect to maintain minimum wages of RM1100 and not RM1500. For only 9% increase, along with new DCVT, VSC, bigger body, it is totally a reasonable price. Their workers are also work to earn living. Like it or not, today are more expensive than 3 years ago.
In response to your last sentence. The workers (any company) who asked for pay-raise, is the same people here that complaint of goods price increase. They think when they asked for increased minimum wage, the money appear from thin air.
Do u think we produce everthing from the ground up? Where do you think our chips come from? Such a stupid statement since even the price of our staples goes up.
Overpriced. But as we know, P2 will sell like hot goreng pisang maaaa.
People buy out of necessity. More expensive but relatively speaking still cheapest among other OEMs means P2 is still unchallenged when it comes to cheaper cars. What we need is a level playing field for other manufacturers to compete, but alas our excise duty structure is an abomination from 90’s.
Ya. Is like saying rice will still sell like hot cakes if the price increase 20%. Nothing to do with the appeal of the product.
People have very little choice other than try their luck on second hand market with queationable reliability.
One more thing.. when I look at this new Axia, It reminds me of Proton Tiara.
For me, it has the Proton “Sawi” vibe.
Compared to Tiara, now a Premium Compact.
bigger, heavier, higher price but yet 1.0l
New axia rear roof height even lower, too clamp for normal height male adult passenger. I flattered dnga, but for the price paid, im buying a saga or bezza, a proper car rather than a low power mini car with bunch of seldom use features.
Why the back bumper design looks “kemek” due to accident?
I wonder if the Axia on display is some internal development mule cause the rear seat back is raising questions for me. I thought that type of headrest (protruding out type) was abolished with the 2017 facelift range
*if the generation 1 Axia on display
Priced vs Myvi so why compare with old Axia? P2 scalper prices are following Nvidia’s outrageous Graphics Card prices in the computer world, now they are demanding x70 class money for you to get an x60 class GPU. This is broad daylight robbery and this is what’s happening with P2.
Time to show P2 and Nvidia, that customer is King not them!
Nampak yg lama lagi cantik la
Setuju, & lebih lengkap walaupun lebih kecik.
Perbandingan yang lebih tepat adalah Axia 2023 vs Myvi 2005/2011, sebab lingkungan harga sama.
Wow.. different period of time comparison… mind blown.
Can compare to 1949 Rolls Royce also.
Bang, nak tanya tepung pelita time Ramadhan 2005-2011 brp ya kalo compare dgn tepung pelita 2023 nih nnti?
Bijak sungguh banding dgn 2005-2011. Knp x lajak smpi zaman sblm nabi adam terus je bang.
Sapu magic tissue kat dahi tu bang, kasi kebas sikit otak tu.
Can accommodate 4 suitcases? What size? James Bond bag?
Bukan Axia yang mahal, gaji you yang kecik
Better compare both Axias for top spec AV variant.
Definitely not worth it, i would go ahead with Proton 1.3 which is much cheaper