We don’t get many surprises with new automobiles as of late. Product updates are frequent and enhancements are incremental. And once we do get the odd shock, it’s often from the content material of a car, like a brand new function or the quantity of options. The drive? Often, it’s inside expectations.
Not so for the 2023 Perodua Axia. With no prior leaks, we went to yesterday’s media preview occasion not figuring out what to anticipate from the D74A. Seems, the second-generation Axia appears worlds other than the outgoing mannequin – it’s considerably bigger and it seems so too, with a extra sq. minimize look and well-defined edges, in addition to extra apparent strains and surfacing everywhere in the physique.
The brand new Axia’s entrance finish carries a Perodua household face, whereas the rear is a totally new thought – with small and sq. gentle clusters on the edges, it’s a reasonably unusual look as we speak. Prefer it or not, everybody will get used to the brand new Axia design very quickly, as these will probably be in all places. Pore over the gallery beneath and take a look at our walk-around video for extra on the design.
You’re right here to know the way the brand new Axia drives, and we’re additionally desperate to share this shock with you. First up – the place the heck is the vibration? Now, in case you’ve pushed an Axia earlier than, you’d know that vibration is an element and parcel of the expertise. It’s not worn out mountings, however a part of the automotive’s traits – the judder is current at idle and also you don’t should go search for it such as you’ll should within the Ativa.
Like magic, that’s fully gone regardless of the 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine being a carryover. We appeared for it, and it wasn’t there. Which means the brand new Axia’s drive enhancements may be felt (technically, it needs to be ‘can’t be felt’, however by no means thoughts) even earlier than you begin driving.
Our drive was solely 7km lengthy, however the route from Movenpick Resort in Sepang to again of KLIA gave the brand new Axia a good alternative to flaunt its newfound talent set. Lacking vibration apart, the 1KR-VE three-cylinder naturally-aspirated unit with 67 hp/91 Nm exhibited a lot improved acceleration because of the D-CVT gearbox, which replaces the long-serving four-speed auto.
We’re at all times considering of energy and engine on the subject of “pick-up”, however the Myvi facelift (engines have been additionally carried over, 4AT swapped for CVT) and now the Axia illustrates the most important position a transmission performs in acceleration. Response is far improved, and with that comes confidence in overtaking and every day driving. That’s one other Axia weak level addressed.
The stepless gearbox is a real game-changer, and that’s earlier than we contemplate the features in gasoline economic system. With the CVT, gasoline consumption is now 25.3 km/l, or as much as 27.4 km/l with the Eco Idle auto start-stop system. These claimed figures are in what P2 calls the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC), which supposedly follows native highway circumstances and driving patterns. We’re informed that MDC is within the WLTP’s ballpark.
The engine continues to be fairly loud when prolonged although, and the sound of the mill grinding away isn’t a candy one, however that’s solely throughout onerous acceleration – let’s not overlook that we’re in an entry-level automotive that begins from beneath RM40k. It’s calm at a cruise; we clocked round 2,800 rpm at 110 km/h.
The 2023 Axia has a extra refined platform and bigger footprint, and that is mirrored in the best way it flows down a highway. P2’s starter mannequin feels extra steady and composed on the transfer, and this improved journey consolation will profit many people, not simply house owners – the Axia and Bezza are the preferred ride-hailing automobiles in any case. Photographer Sherman, a tall man with plenty of Axia rear seat time below his belt, felt the modifications on the again.
All these enhancements, and the introduction of tilt steering adjustment for the primary time, make the Axia really feel like a “regular automotive” to drive now, not an inexpensive, pared-down automotive with compromises. Very similar to a Myvi truly.
Talking of the “King”, once I was selecting an inexpensive software to tide me via Covid and MCO (keep in mind that?), I plumped for a Myvi G3. The Axia was cheaper, however I simply couldn’t do it, not with all these compromises within the drive and the fastened steering driving place. Driving the brand new Axia yesterday obtained me considering – if I needed to make the identical determination as we speak, what wouldn’t it be?
I’m gravitating in the direction of the Axia. The drive is far improved, however the inside is the clincher – we couldn’t imagine our eyes once we noticed the horizontal-style dashboard with its “floating” display and elevated gear space. I recognize P2’s option to angle the centre stack and display in the direction of the driving force – that is one thing that Honda and Proton don’t do. Total, the sprint offers a superb impression of width and appears very up to date, a bit sporty even.
With the AV’s configurable digital meter panel, touchscreen audio and digital AC panel (with reminiscence) – as seen within the Ativa/Alza – there’s even tech to match the appears. One of the best bits of P2’s elements bin (steering can be from the Ativa), fitted on the model’s most fashionable cabin to this point, in an Axia. As an Ativa proprietor, I’m not comfortable about this!
To sum it up, we’re taking a look at day-and-night enchancment in refinement (each powertrain and journey), higher acceleration, a matured and classy cabin, and options that early Axia house owners wouldn’t dare dream of. If the D74A manages near 25 km/l real-world FC, I’ll even find yourself with a brand new software. As acknowledged within the intro, we don’t get surprised like this fairly often, however Perodua has pulled out a stunner with the brand new Axia.
Hafriz Shah says
The check drive was brief, however completely eye-opening. Entering into the automotive, the attribute vibrations of a three-pot engine was distinctly absent, so naturally I appeared for the beginning button. Turned out, the engine was already on. Okay, second-gen Axia, you’re off to a superb begin right here.
Pulling off into open roads, the extent of refinement was such a shocker. I had only in the near past pushed an unique Axia – a late facelift one at that – and the one factor above all else that I simply couldn’t see myself residing with was the vibrations. The brand new one, nevertheless, barely had any. Not via the seats, nor the steering wheel or pedals both. The distinction is, merely put, like evening and day.
One other large takeaway was the brand new D-CVT gearbox. Now, I’m not one to fully dismiss four-speed autos simply because they’re outdated tech – I’d take a smooth-shifting, well-tuned 4AT over a tough and noisy CVT any day of the week, however right here, the change is most undoubtedly a optimistic one. Definitely helps that the D-CVT is well one of many higher CVTs out there.
All through the check route, the brand new Axia felt {smooth}, greater than highly effective sufficient and pretty quiet. That is all because of the brand new transmission, as a result of everyone knows the 1.0 litre engine is strictly the identical as within the outdated automotive. Now, maybe the engine mountings have been drastically improved as nicely, however regardless of the case, the tip result’s a automotive that simply feels a lot extra refined and upmarket than earlier than.
The journey felt spectacular too, being so planted and steady, {smooth} and managed over these horrible yellow highway strains. A lot in order that I’m fairly certain it’s extra comfy over these roads than a Myvi, not to mention the outdated Axia. Now, I do know it seems like I’m exaggerating the enhancements which were made right here, however actually, I’m not.
The soar between every technology of Perodua’s entry-level automotive – from the Kancil to the Viva, after which to the Axia – has at all times been transformational. And but, this newest one is and not using a shadow of a doubt essentially the most important leap but, particularly when you take into consideration the massively enhanced inside as nicely.
Primarily, after the brief drive, I’m now struggling to discover a adequate motive to decide on a Myvi over the brand new Axia. Perhaps its new appears will sway you in the direction of the perennial King (you’ll perceive this when you see the Axia in full), however that apart, the 2023 Axia needs to be your new default Perodua hatchback of alternative. Myvi, you’re in hassle.
The 2023 Perodua Axia will probably be formally launched on February 14. All of the specs and particulars that allowed to be revealed are right here. Full gallery/particulars embargoed until launch
GALLERY: Perodua Axia D74A, media preview
