Six Things We Learned About The New 2023 Perodua Axia

Introduced in late Feb this year, the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia promises to pick things up higher from where its predecessor left off. Codenamed D74A, the second-gen iteration of Perodua’s supermini features plenty of improvements, with some of them directly addressing its predecessor’s weaknesses.

Fortunately, we were granted a full week to sample the new Axia in its range-topping AV variant form recently. Halfway through our test, we have indeed learnt plenty about this new Axia. With that, here are six things you ought to know about one of Perodua’s most beloved nameplates.

1. It drives way better than its predecessor

Unsurprisingly, Perodua’s call to underpin the new Axia on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform proved to be the best thing about this new supermini. This platform grants greater stability and agility apart from providing it with a bigger footprint.

Though it employs the same 1.0-litre 3-cyl mill as before, the switch from 4AT to D-CVT is a sound move indeed. Knowing that some of these new Axias will eventually make its way to driving schools across the country, we can’t help but to feel jealous of folks who get to take their Da-Class driving license in one of these.

2. In AV form, it’s fully-loaded!

Perodua superminis are notoriously known for their lack of amenities and features, especially across both comfort and safety fronts. However, the latest Axia 1.0 AV flagship featured here is an exception to which.

In fact, this range-topper is primed with amenities and equipment on an unprecedented scale never seen prior, especially at this price bracket. Included is a full-swing advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite, dubbed as the Perodua ASA 3.0. This adds things like a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Lane-Keep Assist (LKW), and Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well forward collision warning (FCW) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Apart from that, the AV variant also comes with a well-equipped cabin that includes kit commonly seen in pricier offerings from a segment up. Highlights include semi-leather seat covers, interactive digital driver’s display, keyless entry and ignition, and many more. Aptly, it’s not wrong for anyone to call this supermini ‘fully-loaded’.

3. The new Coral Blue hue looks fantastic

Aside from the usual standard palette of colours, Perodua’s has also introduced a striking new Coral Blue for the new Axia AV flagship, and it’s a bold move. 

Bold-coloured cars can be an acquired taste for some, as displayed by our editorial team’s split opinion on this matter. But public opinion says otherwise, as most folks we’ve encountered during our test have expressed great admiration for this new blue hue.

Will this also boost Perodua’s sales numbers for the Axia? Only time will tell…

4. It looks ‘fresh’

A new modernised generation usually promises a whole new look, and Perodua delivered just that in the Axia. Up front, the AV stands out thanks to its pairing of all-LED headlights and DRLs, the former lifted from its DNGA siblings like Ativa and Alza. Combined with the new front bumper design, chrome grille strip and gloss black front lip, it all sees the Axia exude a premium, upscale look and feel.

However, the Axia’s derriere may be an acquired taste for many. It does feature a clean look, and the AV gets a sporty touch through a rear spoiler added. However, the cost-cutting efforts are hard to ignore here, most notable here being the adoption of halogen taillights instead of LEDs, for instance. Unfortunately, there’s more…

5. Cost-cutting measures are prevalent

Speaking of cost-cutting, there’s no denying that Perodua somehow has to take this measure in ensuring the new Axia remains relatively affordable to the masses. Among notable cost-cutting measures prevalent here is the absence of rear windscreen defogger/demister – those stripey things you’ll find on the rear windscreen of most cars today.

Perodua also recycled the 14-inch alloy wheels from the previous-gen supermini’s 2019 facelift version, which apparently also being used in the Axia’s booted Bezza twin. And despite the Axia AV’s tech-laden cabin, we reckon many of you will cry foul over the absence of at least Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for its infotainment unit. Evidently, these absent kit has also fuelled our next point to a certain degree...

6. It is slightly overpriced

This is especially true with the AV flagship featured. For perspective, the RM49,500 figure the Axia AV commands sees it sitting just shy of the RM50,000 mark, and it’s also costlier than a baseline Perodua Myvi 1.3G! In fact, it is also costlier than the basic ADAS-equipped Myvi 1.3G variant, which commands RM48,500.

Said figure may not be an issue for those who can comfortably afford it,  but in the eyes of many gleaming first-time car buyers, this flagship variant’s price is quite steep indeed. We’re certain plenty of you will agree that this range-topper isn’t as accessible as its lower-grade SE, X, and G variants of the Axia.

We’ll have more on the new Perodua Axia AV through an in-depth review very soon, so look out for which. In the meantime, what are your thoughts of Perodua’s latest supermini in its fully-loaded AV form? Hit the comments below with your thoughts then…