Perodua Axia: Top alternatives

When we talk about one of the most affordable cars in Malaysia, the Perodua Axia comes first to mind. It is spacious, has a decent build quality and the engine is efficient as well.

Being compact comes naturally to the car with its 3,640 mm length, 1,620 mm width and 1,510 height. The cabin with a wheelbase of 2,455 mm gets a length, width and height of 1,900 mm x 1,385 mm x 1,240 mm respectively. The kerb weight is a mere 850 kg. Perodua has also kitted the Axia with most of the essentials bits. This includes stuff like projector headlights, fog lights, tinted film for the glass, rear wiper, 14-inch alloys, leather upholstery, four bottle holders, Smart Link multimedia system, steering wheels with audio controls and more. The safety kit includes dual airbags as standard whereas ABS with EBD are available on the top-spec trims. Speaking of which, Perodua has gone the whole hog by giving not only reverse parking sensors but also the front ones. So, if you end up buying one, then you are assured of the fact that no one will ever say you were shortchanged. Lovely!

The engine is a 1.0-litre DOHC, 12 valve, EFI with VVT-i. It is borrowed from Toyota and in the Axia makes 68 PS of power and 91 Nm of torque. The engine can be optioned with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic. Perodua claims a mileage of 21.5 kmpl from the Axia. So, with all these qualities intact, let’s try and find alternatives to the Axia.

Proton Iriz

The Proton Iriz is a bigger car. At least in dimensions. You see, it measures 3,920 mm in length, 1,722 mm in width and 1,554 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2,555 mm. However, the space inside the cabin hasn’t been utilised as well, as the Axia. Where the Axia can seat three in decent comfort at the rear, the Proton will seat two comfortably with the third one being an unwelcome addition. The Proton Iriz also uses a bigger 1.3-litre engine that produces 94 PS of power and 120 Nm of torque. Proton also provides dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill Hold Assist. For the price of the top-spec Perodua Axia, one can get the base Proton Iriz by paying RM 1,000 more.

Perodua Bezza

Alternatives to the Axia exist within its fold. One can buy the Perodua Bezza sedan for RM 33,502 in its base trim. We Malaysians have always been very particular about the body style of the vehicle and sedans/SUVs have found prominence. For the same price as a hatchback or even a few Ringgit more, we will prefer buying the hatchback. The Bezza too brings in value for money just like the Axia. It measures 4,150 mm in length, 1,620 mm in width and 1,510 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,455 mm. It also offers 508-litre of boot space. The engine is the same as in the Axia. The engine gets an Eco mode and hence the efficiency is 22.8 kmpl. While the safety kit is essentially the same as the Axia, here one also gets Vehicle Stability Control and Brake Assist. If you are willing to stretch your budget a tad more, Perodua will be happy to offer a bigger 1.3-litre engine. This petrol motor makes 95 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque. The fuel efficiency here is 22 kmpl, again aided by the Eco stop-start option.

Perodua Myvi

For the price of the top spec Axia plus a few more thousand Ringgits, Perodua will happily offer you the Myvi hatchback. The dimensions here are 3895 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width and 1,515 mm in height. The kerb weight of 955 kg is nearly 100 kg over that of the Axia though. Perodua uses the same 1.3-litre engine option from the Bezza here and in the same state of tune. Coupled with a manual transmission, this one delivers a comparatively lower 20.5 kmpl. The Myvi has more space than the Iriz as well as the Bezza inside.

Used cars

For RM 22,000 one can get a 10-year old used Toyota Hilux 2.5 G pickup. This one gets a manual transmission, 4x4, leather upholstery and a DVD screen. It has done close to 90k kms and knowing Toyota powertrains, can easily do another 100k click before needing any kind of repairs. If a used premium vehicle which also happens to have the world’s best car crown with it is your thing, then consider a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S350 SL. The vehicle has done 85,000 km and is an automatic. It also is available for as less as RM 30,800. Agreed, the service costs of this German may be a tad on the higher side, however, you will be counted amongst the elite folks in town. Now, that’s a little something we all are comfortable with, aren’t we?

Our search in the used car section also revealed a Merc C200K limited edition from 2004. However, for RM 32,000 the vehicle is a tad on the costlier side especially given its age. It has also done 1,700,00 kms. Nothing that good old haggling will not bring down. A lot of Perodua Myvis from 2012-14 are also available in this price range and they are nearly as good as the new ones. One can also opt for financing with these vehicles. The installment comes to less than RM 300 per month. Works, doesn’t it?