What else could be mentioned concerning the Perodua Myvi? Malaysians name it “king” lately, and whereas that’s a semi-joke, with some 1.3 million items bought since 2005 over three generations, the Myvi is actually the “Love of the Nation”.
It has occupied the gross sales throne from yr one. Crosstown rival Proton has tried to problem the Myvi, and remains to be plugging away now. I don’t have the figures readily available, however I’m keen to guess that it could take the mixed gross sales of the Proton Savvy (2005-2013, smaller in measurement), Suprima S (2013-2019, larger phase) and Iriz (2014-present, direct rival) to come back near the monolith that’s the Myvi.
There was additionally the Satria Neo (2006-2015), which remains to be one of many prettiest three-door hatchbacks ever made, however sadly, there are solely so many younger automobile fans round.
What makes the Myvi so in style? There’s no single reply, not with over 1m items bought, however as a former proprietor, I’d hazard a guess. Sensible and spacious, economical and dependable. Automobile guys would possibly yawn, however in case you haven’t realised, that’s what regular individuals need from a each day trip.
No want to change a profitable recipe then, particularly when the third-generation Myvi – which is 4 years previous now – remains to be forward of the just-facelifted Iriz in options and security. Crucially, it’s nonetheless topping the gross sales charts. However standard knowledge by no means cautioned in opposition to enhancing the recipe.
Security first
Perodua is understood for a lot of issues, however security was by no means one in every of them. That modified with the G3 Myvi, which confounded expectations of an reasonably priced native automobile. LED headlamps and keyless entry have been good standard-fit objects, however P2 pushed out the boat by providing autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as a part of the Superior Security Help (ASA) pack within the AV. In 2017, AEB was unprecedented in a sub-RM100k automobile, by no means thoughts a RM55k Perodua.
Since then, Rawang has doubled down on the protection first technique and we’re now within the third iteration of ASA, with wider parameters. ASA can be now out there in all of Perodua’s fashions. The subsequent shock got here with the Ativa, launched earlier this yr with Degree 2 autonomous driving options and adaptive LED headlamps. Adaptive cuise management with lane maintain help on a RM70k automobile is unrivalled.
You’d suppose that by now, we’d be desensitised and already half anticipating a giant leap within the subsequent Perodua product. Nonetheless, P2 managed to drop jaws with the Myvi facelift. ASA 3.0, Lane Departure Warning/Prevention and Auto Excessive Beam is obtainable on all variants (non-obligatory on base 1.3 G), whereas the AV will get the Ativa’s ACC and LKC, together with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Site visitors Alert.
From no cruise management to adaptive cruise management with lane maintain – that’s the progress we’re seeing right here. Return 5 years and inform folks that in 2021, the Myvi will “drive itself” and also you’ll be pushed away as a mad man.
They actually didn’t must go thus far. The recently-facelifted 2022 Iriz/Persona nonetheless doesn’t have AEB, as Proton selected to “spend our cash on extra helpful issues for the shopper” comparable to an expanded “Hello Proton” system as a substitute of ADAS, which the Myvi has had since 2017. If P2 selected to offer the 2022 Myvi ASA 3.0 + LDW/LDP + AHB, it could have been applauded as elevating requirements with out stress from rivals – that is only a facelift in any case.
Reserving high tier equipment for the more expensive Ativa can be comprehensible, too. However no, the very best security goodies from Daihatsu are all right here within the Myvi. Lighting performs an element in security as properly, and the Myvi G3’s LED eyes – already brighter than these on the 2022 Iriz – get AHB perform plus LED daytime working lights as sidekick. The DRLs – out there on the H and AV – are a primary for Perodua.
UPDATE: Some have requested feedback on the protection techniques. Properly, there’s not a tonne to say aside from all the options labored as marketed. ACC features between 30 to 125 km/h, and you’ll choose three ranges of distance from the car in entrance (round 25m, 40m and 50m). Like on the Ativa, the method of slowing down and getting again up to the mark could possibly be a bit extra refined, however the truth that a Myvi has ACC is a giant deal already.
There’s no low-speed observe, so it doesn’t work in visitors jams – that is extra of a protracted distance freeway drive assistant. A giant miss? Properly, not all Honda Sensing automobiles have LSF and Perodua’s surveys inform them that clients desire utilizing ACC for freeway driving.
ACC with LKC is a superb headlining act, however I discover its extra humble security teammates comparable to BSM and AHB to be extra priceless in day-to-day driving. These are options that after you get used to their presence, you’ll really feel “bare” when leaping right into a automobile with out them.
Identical however totally different
That security bundle is sweet, but it surely’s the brand new CVT that actually transforms the Myvi. The long-serving 4AT’s substitute gearbox is one thing that you simply really feel with each press of the throttle, each overtake, lengthy drive and petrol pump go to.
As soon as once more, that is one thing P2 didn’t must do. The four-speed auto – whereas previous and outdated in comparison with what different carmakers provide – has been considerably accepted because the norm for Perodua. It’s a fundamental gearbox for fundamental automobiles. And fact be instructed, the previous stager performs properly, with no annoying quirks. Not probably the most environment friendly, however a dependable performer. Additionally, that is only a facelift and mid-life modifications don’t usually contain gearbox swaps.
To make the transfer much more stunning, Daihatsu’s D-CVT (D for Twin-Mode) isn’t a plug-and-play gearbox for the Myvi. The transmission was designed for DNGA (Daihatsu New International Structure) fashions, and to get it to work right here, P2 needed to give its finest vendor the Ativa’s electrical structure. The ensuing automobile is the primary utility of D-CVT in a non-DNGA automobile. A lot effort and funding – RM50 million to be actual – for a facelift.
D-CVT is the world’s first cut up gear CVT system, combining belt drive with a gear drive for improved gasoline effectivity, acceleration and tranquility. From relaxation to low/medium speeds, D-CVT features like every other CVT, with engine torque going by means of a torque converter (similar to Toyota and Honda CVTs, Proton’s Punch CVT makes use of a clutch pack) and into the enter pulley, earlier than being transferred to the output pulley by way of a belt after which to the wheels.
At larger speeds, the D-CVT goes into the cut up mode, partaking the gear drive to offer extra environment friendly energy transmission (much less vitality loss), whereas the rotation to the belt drive is decreased considerably. Within the Ativa, D-CVT will get a handbook mode with seven digital ratios, however that has been omitted right here. Extra on the D-CVT right here.
Quick however not livid
Can’t fairly image the way it works? It doesn’t matter, as a result of you’ll positively really feel the distinction in case you have expertise with the 4AT. Instantly, the Myvi feels much more easy to drive round city, and plenty of can be shocked at how simple it’s to stand up to freeway velocity. Now, we wouldn’t say that the 4AT was responsible in holding the Myvi’s efficiency again – the king didn’t get its rep for being gradual – however you do really feel considerably much less resistance with the CVT. The powertrain feels “lighter”, so to talk.
The nice surprises don’t cease when you stand up to 110 km/h. The brand new Myvi’s unchanged 1.5L engine ticks at slightly below 2,000 rpm at our freeway velocity restrict, which is impressively low, virtually like a turbocharged automobile with a many-speed gearbox. We checked, and the pre-facelift 1.5L with the 4AT turns at 2,750 rpm at 110 km/h. That’s an enormous distinction for a similar engine, and it interprets to a extra relaxed engine state with diminished buzz. A giant boon on lengthy distance drives.
If the NVH ranges of the brand new Myvi appears higher, 100% of the contribution is from the gearbox swap, as no different particular NVH measures have been made. This additionally implies that when it rains, the water splashing sound from the rear wheel properly – first timers could be alarmed, pondering that there’s a leak someplace – is carried over.
The powertrain has a newfound calmness at a cruise, however when it’s overtaking time, “in-gear” acceleration is superb, extra easy than earlier than. As soon as once more, that “lightness” involves the fore.
Now, Perodua claims that with the D-CVT, the Myvi is a whopping 20% faster within the 0-100 km/h dash, which now stands at 11.5 seconds for the 1.3L and 10.2 seconds for the 1.5L. In follow, and definitely when on the transfer (rolling begin), it looks like a faster automobile than 10.2s suggests. And that’s earlier than utilizing the “Energy” button on the steering wheel for 1.5L fashions. Like on the Ativa, urgent this offers you entry to most engine energy. We didn’t really want it.
One other massive declare to finish the win-win is the 5% higher gasoline economic system for the CVT versus the 4AT – the 1.3L now has a claimed mixed FC determine of twenty-two.2 km/l (from 21.1 km/l) whereas the 1.5L is sweet for 21.1 km/l (from 20.1 km/l).
We managed to fulfill the 1.3L’s declare in our 1.5L with out attempting too exhausting (90-110 km/h), and whereas that was on a protracted freeway cruise (one other motorway stint with much less restraint noticed us get 19 km/l), I’d wager that 16-17 km/l can be achievable in combined driving with some visitors thrown in. We’ll have to substantiate this with a each day city commute check, however the Myvi FL’s cruising economic system is implausible.
Keep in mind that whereas the CVT has elevated the Myvi’s FC, it’s coming from a superb base. Even with the 4AT, the Myvi was properly forward of the Proton Iriz in effectivity, and it’s right down to the carryover DOHC, Twin VVT-i NR engines, that are trendy and present. The 1NR-VE 1.3L places out 94 hp and 121 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, whereas the 2NR-VE 1.5L makes 102 hp and 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. Each have Eco Idle auto start-stop.
How does D-CVT examine to others?
It not too long ago dawned on me that the CVT – which is a foul phrase amongst some automobile fans – is definitely the dominant automated gearbox in our components. Provided that handbook passenger automobiles promote within the handfuls, CVT is almost all automobile gearbox, full cease. Not within the US or Europe, however actually so in ASEAN.
Give it some thought. The Southeast Asian auto market is dominated by Japanese manufacturers, and for the likes of Toyota, Honda and Nissan, the CVT is the default transmission, at the least for compact passenger automobiles. Honda Malaysia’s complete vary – from Metropolis Hatchback to Accord – is CVT-only, and UMW Toyota’s native line-up is CVT all the best way to the C-segment. The Nissan Almera made the swap to CVT for the N18 era. The Proton Iriz/Persona has been CVT since day one.
With the market chief and the best-selling mannequin within the nation going CVT, the stepless auto is now the undisputed majority gearbox in Malaysia – so, should you’re nonetheless viewing it as an “various” gearbox, you’re both dwelling prior to now or belong to the kayangan class as a result of CVTs aren’t a factor within the premium phase. As for the remainder of us, get used to it should you haven’t already achieved so.
However not all CVTs work and really feel the identical. In follow, the D-CVT is very similar to a CVT of at present, which implies it’s linear and responsive, even when it doesn’t mimic an everyday torque converter auto’s stepped really feel like some Toyota CVTs.
In case you’re coming from a Proton CVT, congratulations on the quantum leap. Whereas a lot improved within the response division in comparison with early iterations, the Punch CVT within the newest Iriz/Persona nonetheless leaves a lot to be desired. It’s notably poor at a freeway cruise, the place the engine is saved buzzing in keeping with the travelling velocity; you’ll hear it and really feel the vibes on the steering wheel, which will get tiring. The place the Proton is very strung, the Myvi is calm and rested under 2,000 rpm.
After all, should you stomp on the pedal, the engine will react with a loud scream. That’s simply nature and I personally really feel that that is overemphasised on the subject of CVTs – don’t ATs make loud noises at kickdown? In any case, having a progressive proper foot and preserving momentum rewards you with swift and serene progress.
Merely purple
Purple is a sporty color if there’s one, a color that symbolises ardour. You’d higher be a fan of purple if you’d like the highest Myvi AV although, and we’re not even speaking concerning the AV-exclusive Cranberry Purple exterior paint, which appears to be like good. That’s as a result of the vary topper’s cabin is very purple, and there’s no technique to decide out of it.
You’ll discover purple on the air conditioning surrounds, meter panel and seats. Massive swathes of the latter are in purple (virtually like purple seats with black accents!) and it’s a really vibrant “Ferrari” tone too, replicated on the rear bench. We are able to think about the look to be a bit loud for some.
If that’s you, the 1.3 G, 1.5 X and 1.5 H have largely black cabins (G and X have hints of maroon on the seat sides) and a monochrome meter panel. Sadly you may’t have all of the AV’s goodies with out the purple seats, except you pay additional for GearUp seat covers.
The usual instrument panel is new and brought from the bottom Ativa. The monochrome twin-dial cluster sports activities a bigger multi-info show and is an improve on the pre-facelift’s blue-themed merchandise, however the AV-exclusive meter panel is on one other stage.
This new meter sees the return of the Optitron type, which is all the time illuminated however appears to be like blacked out when the automobile is off (electroluminescent gauges was phased out within the second-generation facelift in 2015). The purple theme and sporty graphics remind us of the 2011 “Lagi Energy, Lagi Finest” Myvi SE cluster and between the dials is a full-height color TFT multi-info show.
The MID’s graphics are sharp and there’s loads of info plus a welcome graphic with the Myvi’s face. I actually just like the addition of an instantaneous gasoline consumption bar and a “drive data” abstract of the journey if you flip off the automobile. Exhibiting the gap, time and common FC of your journey, that is one thing that even the Ativa doesn’t have. Creatively, the concentric rings that reduce into the MID’s sides perform as an eco indicator.
Objectively, the stylised fonts don’t do a lot for legibility, however I really like this new instrument panel. It’s feature-packed, there’s a pleasant layering to the floor (test it out from the aspect, the glossy-ringed dials are set ahead) and the slick MID provides a whiff of excessive tech.
Small modifications, massive impression
The touchscreen head unit is bigger and options the Ativa’s UI (no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for now, Perodua will discover these for future merchandise), however for me, the revamped air conditioning controls make a much bigger distinction. An identical at a look, P2 has launched an OFF button that ought to have been within the G3 from the beginning. Earlier than this, you’d must maintain urgent the fan down button to modify off the AC, but it surely’s a single press now.
The novel and helpful AC reminiscence – which debut within the G3 Myvi and is now additionally within the Aruz and Ativa – remains to be right here, however you now jog by means of the 2 positions with a single MEM button (was two buttons, one slot made method for OFF). Making enhancements primarily based on person suggestions is laudable. The wing mirrors now auto fold when the automobile is locked/unlocked (1.5L fashions, management panel from the Ativa), and that is positive to be appreciated by homeowners, too.
There’s additionally a brand new steering wheel, once more taken from the Ativa. It’s appears to be like extra trendy and options some new-to-Myvi buttons, however a number of blanks as properly, even on the ACC-equipped AV. Appears churlish to complain about this although, given the excessive content-to-price ratio.
Different factors stay. At its lowest level, the driving force’s seat will nonetheless be too excessive for some, and it’s smaller and fewer supportive than the Iriz’s chair. I acquired used to the excessive perch after I owned the G3, however not a lot the impaired visibility from the driving force’s aspect A-pillar, obvious in bends. The Iriz, with its quarter home windows, doesn’t have this problem.
Excessive marks for practicality. The total vary of homegrown options proceed to be right here: the built-in SmartTag (H and AV), purse hook, USB charger + cellphone slot on the driving force’s seat aspect and tapau hooks built-in into the seat backs. It’s simple to take these little comfort touches as a right, and also you’ll most likely miss them if you transfer on. The Ativa will get not one of the above, by the best way.
Myvi or Ativa?
If this wasn’t a very loud query earlier than, it actually might be heard extra typically now. As a result of with this facelift, the Myvi has seen a bounce in each gear and value, taking issues to inside a whisker of the Ativa’s base value (Myvi AV RM58,800, Ativa X RM61,500). After all, one has an SUV physique and a turbo engine, however the Myvi counters with full equipment and ADAS options that solely the RM71,200 Ativa AV will get.
Having used a G3 Myvi for one and a half years earlier than swapping it for the Ativa AV, listed below are some private observations that transcend the same old value/equipment/worth debate.
The Ativa looks like a really totally different automobile from behind the wheel, and that’s as a result of that wheel is about a good bit larger – in contrast to some B-segment crossovers, you get a comparatively excessive perch in P2’s SUV, accentuated by tall sides (shallow home windows). Aside from the occasional idling vibration (a three-cylinder factor, however a lot much less extreme than within the Axia/Bezza), the Ativa has considerably higher insulation and rolling refinement than its stablemate. Contributing to that trigger are high-end touring tyres.
If the Myvi is extra easy in getting as much as freeway velocity than earlier than, then the Ativa’s acceleration is much more misleading, maybe by way of a combo of turbo torque and the higher refinement. Due to this, the Myvi would possibly really feel sooner, though I doubt it really is.
The cheaper automobile isn’t absolutely outclassed although; it even betters the Ativa in sure areas. Area and practicality, for one. Whereas the Ativa’s 2,525 mm wheelbase is 25 mm longer than the Myvi, rear passengers within the decrease automobile take pleasure in higher legroom and larger home windows to look out of. Having an armrest means Ativa homeowners should forgo the Myvi’s entrance seat aspect options/pockets, however there’s no excuse for not having the built-in takeaway hooks. Mr.DIY presents an affordable however ugly repair.
In case you’re a value aware motorist in search of the most effective gasoline economic system, the Myvi is the clear selection right here, particularly with the CVT onboard. Pushed gently in an city setting, I’m getting 14+ km/l max on the Ativa, and with much less care, it might probably dip to 11-12 km/l. I’ve but to go on a protracted journey, but it surely gained’t be coming near the 22 km/l we managed to squeeze from the D51A. I’m jealous.
Would I nonetheless have gone for the Ativa if the facelifted Myvi AV was out there earlier? Sure, as a result of I had a Myvi and needed one thing totally different. I really like the Ativa’s sq. reduce form, that LR Discovery Sport-style inverse C-pillar and quirky dashboard filled with sharp angles and geometric accents (matches the dial of Seiko’s Presage Sharp Edged collection, watch guys). It’s no Mazda-style cookie cutter natural design – which MG and seemingly tons of of different Chinese language SUVs have reproduced – and it seems harder than it’s.
The Ativa is a extra premium product and feels that bit extra particular. However the Myvi is at its finest ever stage now, and the AV – with all that equipment and security, plus superior FC – appears to be like actually good subsequent to the kosong Ativa X. If I had a strict funds of RM60k, it’ll go to the Myvi – how about you?
A no brainer
The explanation for the Myvi’s success is that it’s a no brainer of a automobile. It does most issues very properly for most individuals, and the one cause somebody would go for another – like an Iriz – is as a result of they wish to be totally different. Driving pleasure, you say. Maybe, however except you carve B-road corners as a day job, you’ll be caught with a poorer automobile 95% of the time.
And that’s earlier than Perodua stepped on the fuel with this facelift. The brand new gearbox could also be only one bullet level on the brochure, however the CVT fully modifications the Myvi’s driving character, whereas boosting efficiency and economic system for a win-win. As for security, the G3 was already unchallenged in its value bracket (and past); with ACC and LKC – supported by ASA 3.0, BSM, RCTA, AHB and LDW/LDP – the Myvi is now on a totally totally different airplane. And it now has LED daytime working lights!
So many individuals can’t be incorrect. The no-brainer has gotten higher.
GALLERY: 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV in Cranberry Purple
