2019 Perodua Axia - Top features

The new 2019 Perodua Axia officially made its entry into the Malaysian market just over a month ago. The Axia, as we all know, is the most pocket-friendly offering from arguably one of the country’s most popular car brands. It has now been over five years since the ‘Axia’ nameplate made its debut in Malaysia, and today, the Axia has become so prolific that you would be hard-pressed to miss these each time you step out of the house.

When it comes to the latest iteration of the Perodua Axia, the local auto major realised that it was important they stuck to their guns when it came to making any unnecessary changes to the (proverbially) hot hatchback. Perodua did follow the “evolution rather than revolution” policy with the 2019 Axia, though they weren’t entirely resting on their laurels, either. While the aggressive pricing remains intact - the new model is priced at between RM 24,090 to RM 43,190, there are now some new additions.

With multiple variants to choose from within the Axia line-up, the GXtra and Style are all new for this year. Of course, the 2019 Perodua Axia (depending on the trim) does get some exterior styling revisions to set it apart from its precursor. But what really matters, for a lot of buyers, is what kind of features they will get with their new car. So, let’s take a look at some of these in greater detail.

1. Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0

While the Axia is decidedly a budget hatchback, Perodua hasn’t taken any chances when it comes to equipping it with some modern-day safety technology. Unlike earlier, the 2019 Axia now comes with the marque’s Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) feature. Now in its improved second generation, the ASA 2.0 suite brings along several cool but important nannies to the Perodua Axia’s kit.

Only available in the range-topping Advance variant, ASA gets you not only Pre-Collision Warning with Braking but also pedestrian detection. Then there’s Front Departure Alert along with Pedal Misoperation Control which prevents drivers from accidentally accelerating into another car or a wall while parking or manoeuvring.

2. Vehicle Stability Control (VSA)

Another first for the new Perodua Axia specs sheet (and a welcome addition) is the inclusion of Vehicle Stability Control or VSA. One of the most important active safety measures, Vehicle Stability Control stops the tyres of a car from skidding when a driver takes a corner a little bit too aggressively or when surface traction is poor.

Stability control uses an array of sensors and an onboard computer algorithm to constantly monitor power, traction, and braking in real-time. It then manages or corrects any human error or reduces the risk of traction loss due to inclement weather or poor road conditions. And in a budget car such as the all-new Perodua Axia, the protection offered by VSA is a big boon.

3. SUV-like exterior trim

While styling itself isn’t exactly a “feature”, the 2019 Perodua Axia Style variant sports some add-on design features that make it stand out from its other siblings - quite distinctively at that. In order to make this A-segment hatchback look (sort of) like an SUV, Perodua did quite a few things.

Firstly, the automaker fitted larger, 15-inch alloy wheels and chunkier tyres - the affect was a raised ride height of the Axia Style by 15 mm. The Style also comes with a revised front-end which features a Style-specific grille design with garnishing that replicates carbon surfaces, and a fake skid plate.

All around the Axia Style, you will notice black plastic underbody cladding, chrome door handles, distinctive five-spoke wheels and black (faux) roof rails. The rear of the Axia Style sports clear-lens tail lamps, a sporty roof spoiler and revised bumper with a pseudo skid plate. Of course, there’s also the brilliant Sunrise Orange exterior colour.

4. New interior trim

Again, this applies specifically to the new Axia Style variant. Because it’s already such a distinctive car by appearances, Perodua wanted to carry the changes forward to the interior as well. However, the changes here aren’t ground-breaking.

The only real difference you will get to see here include slight but noticeable alterations to the seat trim when compared to the other variants in the 2019 Axia line-up. For example, the seats now feature contrast white stitching, eye-catching ‘fish scale’ pattern and peculiar denim-effect fabric.

5. Upgraded interior equipment

The 2019 Perodua Axia Style variant also gets features such as keyless entry with push-button engine start button and an instrument cluster with more premium-looking white background lighting. There’s also a touch-infotainment head unit with features like built-in navigation, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI and Perodua’s ‘Smart Link’ smartphone mirroring technology.

6. Convenience features

Despite its relatively low price tag, certain variants of the 2019 Perodua Axia come with all-around parking sensors with a rearview camera and power-retractable wing mirrors.

Also Read: Perodua Axia 2019 - Top alternative