Perodua Axia: How different is the new 2023 model from the 2019 model

One of Perodua’s most popular and favored models is the Axia hatchback which is best known for its compact size and affordable price tag. The same reasons why the car is preferred by drivers and driving schools across the country.

The last time Perodua gave the Axia hatch a facelift was in 2019 and now the automaker has announced a new Axia for the model year 2023. With bookings open, the next-gen hatchback offers an enhanced feature list accompanied by a higher and most probably justifiable price tag.

So, the big question is, how is the 2019 Axia different from the 2023 Axia? And is the higher price tag justifiable? Let’s find out the answer to the questions by comparing the two models on different parameters -

2019 vs 2023: Perodua Axia

Price & Variants

The 2019 Axia was offered in six variant options, E, G, GXtra, Style, SE, and Advance. These are priced at RM 24,090, RM 33,490, RM 34,990, RM 38,890, RM 38,890, and RM 43,190 respectively.

As for the 2023 Axia, it will be available in four different trims - G, X, SE, and AV. So, that’s two less than the previous-gen model. The price for each goes as follows - RM 38,600, RM 40,000, RM 44,000, and RM 49,500. Surely a significant price jump compared to the 2019 model.

Platform

The Daihatsu Nw Global Architecture (DNGA) platform supports the 2019 Axia which surely was good for its time.

The 2023 Axia, on the other hand, gets a new DNGA platform which is now lighter and provides enhanced chassis rigidity for better handling and safety.

Engine & transmission configuration

All six variants of the 2019 Axia were powered by the 1KR-VE VVT-i 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine generating a maximum power output of 67 hp along with a peak torque of 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The powerplant is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

As for the new Axia, it will be powered by a 1.0-litre EEV engine which is expected to be the same as the 1KR-VE naturally-aspirated unit found in the previous-gen model. The output is expected to be the same (67 hp and 91 Nm). New for the 2023 Axia is a D-CVT (Dual-mode continuously variable transmission) and is also found in the latest Alza, Ativa, and Myvi. This one is a split-gear CVT system that incorporates a gear drive into the CVT belt drive system offering improved acceleration, fuel efficiency, and quietness.

Performance

New for the model year 2023, are Eco Idle and a Power mode offered in Axia’s SE and AV variants. Together they offer enhanced engine output response providing better acceleration.

Fuel efficiency

The outgoing Axis offers 22.5 kmpl of fuel consumption which is not that bad, however, an improvement is always appreciated.

The upcoming model’s fuel consumption, on the other hand, is rated at 25.3 kmpl for G and X trims and 27.4 kmpl for the SE and AV variants.

Exterior

 

Compared to the previous gen-model the new Axia sports a more aggressive front fascia along with more LED lighting units. New to the hatchback is -

• LED headlights (all variants apart from the base G variant)
• LED daytime running lights (SE & AV)
• Electric folding side mirrors (now standard across the range)

Interior

The cabin of the 2023 Axia is more refined compared to that of the previous-gen model with several add-ons and outstanding features. Part of the list is

• A new seven-inch TFT MID (AV variant)
• A nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display (AV variant)
• Standard LCD MID (G and X)
• LCD MID with a tachometer (SE variant)
• Fabric seats (across the three lower variants)
• Semi-leather seats (AV variant)

All these upgrades compared to the 2019 Axia are rather good compared to the basic instrument cluster and smaller touchscreen infotainment display.

Colour options

The previous-gen Axia is offered in several standard but attractive tones including - Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Midnight Blue, and Lava Red.

The 2023 Axis being the new one around gets a brand hue called Coral Blue alongside the existing Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, and Lava Red.

Safety

The ongoing Axia is quite heavy on the safety front with the base trim featuring dual airbags, rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, and carries a 4-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP. The standard G trim gets ABS with EBD as an add-on. The GXtra gets Vehicle Stability Control with traction control and rear parking sensors as an add-on. The SE comes fitted with not just the rear but four parking sensors. The Advance trim being on top of the line benefits from Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0, Pre-Collision Warning and Braking with pedestrian detection, Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control, and Reverse camera.

Compared to the 2019 model, the 2023 Axia comes with better safety features, for starters, it gets vehicle stability control with traction control as standard fitment along with hill start assists. What’s best is that the new Axia gets the full suite of Perodua Smart Drive Assist including - Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A.), Driving Assist, Parking Assist, and Headlamp Assist.

Conclusion

Although the new Axia comes with a higher price tag compared to the outgoing version, it also gets a host of significant upgrades.

Also Read: Top 7 new features of the upcoming 2023 Perodua Axia