Its first debut was in September 2014, first facelift was in January 2017, second facelift was in September 2019. Now, February 2023 sees its rebirth.
Codenamed D74A, the 2023 Perodua Axia is an all-new model with a new platform, larger footprint, new powertrain combo and new design.
Following the Ativa SUV and Alza MPV, it is Perodua’s third ‘new generation model’ to underpin the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform.
The new Axia hatchback comes in four variants, which starts with the Axia G (MYR 38,600), Axia X (MYR 40,000), Axia SE (MYR 44,000) and Axia AV (MYR 49,500).
These figures are on-the-road without insurance, and each purchase will secure a five-year or 150,000 KM warranty, whichever comes first.
Five colours are available, e.g., Coral Blue, Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, and Ivory White (solid).
The new Axia stands at 3,760 MM long, 1,665 MM wide, 1,505 MM tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2,525 MM, and weighs in at 865 KG (G), 870 KG (X), 885 KG (SE), and 890 KG (AV).
It has a very sculpted front design, with angular contours and sharp creases making up the overall layout.
The front end is now also totally flat, unlike the older version that has a bulbous or slope-like nose.
Both the SE and AV variants add on a front lip, and a chrome strip on the blacked-out grille that neatly connects the head lamps.
Just like the front, the rear end’s design matches. It is simplistic with edgy contours that aids to its stance.
The rear is also slightly bigger, and features an angle at the rear screen, compared to the older version that has a smaller and flat outlook.
Both the SE and AV variants add on a very minimalistic roof edge spoiler, completing the overall layout.
The headlamps are angularly shaped and have a very focused design. Donating a totally new look, compared to the older version.
For the G variant, it gets a set of halogen bulb headlamps with auto off function, the X, SE and AV get full LED units with Follow-Me Home and Leaving Home functions.
Plus, the X, SE, and AV variants also add on an auto headlamp function with manual levelling, and the AV with an Auto High Beam (AHB) function.
Only the SE and AV variants get LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which are bumper mounted.
A new design, the tail lamps are now more angular and wrapped around in shape, complementing the front harmoniously.
It looks more appropriate now, compared to the older version that is placed horizontally and shaped awkwardly slim.
The side mirrors are electronically adjustable with manual fold (G/X), and auto fold with LED turn signals (SE/AV).
All variants ride on a set of 14-Inch silver multi-spoke alloy rims, wrapped in factory standard, Toyo Proxes CR1 175/65 R14 tyres.
The new Axia has a horizontal-style dashboard with a floating screen design and elevated gear area. Its overall layout is angled towards the driver, and the dash gives a good impression of width and looks very contemporary.
Coming in all-black, the outlook is complemented by silver trimmings around the steering wheel and the air-conditioning vents. Only the AV variant comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, whereas the G, X, and SE get Urethane.
It features a 4.2-inch LCD multi-info analogue display (G, X, SE), and a seven-inch TFT multi-info digital display (AV).
Seats are standard with fabric (G, X), semi-bucket with fabric (SE), and semi-bucket with semi-leather and stitching (AV).
They are manual adjustable with driver side height adjustments for all variants. The rear seats are foldable, and come with integrated pillow headrests (G, X) and detachable pillow headrests (SE, AV).
It offers sufficient head, shoulder and legroom. Especially the rear occupants, with the extra room provided by the new platform that makes the body slightly larger.
The cabin has a front to rear tandem distance of 910 MM, and now benefits from a 115 MM longer and 45 MM wider space compared to the older version.
It has numerous storage areas including side door pockets, compartmentalised storage areas in the centre console, and a decent-sized glove box.
There are two cup holders in the centre console, and four bottle holders in each side door pocket.
All variants feature one 12-V power socket located in the centre console, and one infotainment unit-integrated USB port.
It has 265-Litres of boot space, which can fit up to four large suitcases.
The new Axia (AV) features the Perodua Smart Drive Assist safety system, which includes the following:
Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A): Pre-Collision warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert.
Driving Assist: Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).
Parking Assist: Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), reverse camera, front corner (X, SE, AV) and rear sensor (G, X, SE, AV).
Headlamp Assist: Auto High Beam (AHB).
Passive safety includes two front airbags (G, X, SE), six front side and curtain airbags (AV), seat belts with anchors, reminders and pre-tensioners, ISOFIX with top tethers, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and Hill-Start Assist (HSA).
The SE and AV variants feature two drive modes, the passive Eco Idle with auto start/stop, and the selectable Power.
The G, X, and SE variants come with a standard non-touchscreen audio unit that supports MP3, USB and Bluetooth.
Meanwhile, the AV variant upgrades it to a nine-inch digital touchscreen infotainment unit that supports USB, HDMI, ‘Smart Link’ and Bluetooth.
The G variant features two front speakers, while the X, SE, and AV feature two front and two rear speakers.
The new Axia harbours a 1.0L, 1KR-VE, DOHC 12-V, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with VVT-i petrol engine, producing 67 HP/50-KW at 6,000 RPM and 91 NM at 4,400 RPM.
It gets a D-CVT automatic transmission.
All power is sent to the front wheels.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 36-Litres, and fuel consumption (MDC) of 25.3 KM/L (G, X) and 27.4 KM/L (SE, AV) with the Eco Idle auto start/stop system.
The new Axia has Smart Entry with Electrostatic Touch Sensor and Push Start/Stop Engine button (X, SE, AV), a multi-function steering wheel, steering with tilt adjustment (X, SE, AV), digital air-conditioning with two-way memory function (SE, AV), height adjustable driver seat function, front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, auto headlamps, seatback hooks for hanging items and anti-snatch handbag hook.
It is sufficiently comfortable for a compact segment vehicle. Offering adequate performance as a daily driver with the overall ride to be smooth, agile and economical.
It has acceptable sound insulation, covering all the NVH aspects as best as its build could.
The new 2023 Perodua Axia has enough tricks and treats up its sleeves for what it’s being offered for.
Notably, with the new design comes the enlarged space in the cabin, and the slightly lower height and lower ground clearance that add to its well-balanced drive.
Then, its exterior is modern and well designed, with the edgy proportions and powerful contours giving a more athletic appeal, compared to its predecessor.
Overall, the new Axia is a good buy for people on a budget. As it provides a little bit of everything, exterior-, interior-, performance-, safety-, connectivity-, and comfort-wise.