2023 Perodua Axia: What do we know so far

Last year, Perodua treated us with the launch of the next-gen Alza which smashed all the booking records the brand has ever made in its history. And, now for this year, Malaysia's largest automaker has something more exciting on the cards i.e. the new generation of its third best-selling model, the Axia. 

According to the market reports, Perodua will be launching the all-new 2023 Axia as soon as February, however, the automaker is yet to make an official confirmation on the same. Well, come sooner or later, we are sure the new iteration of the country's most budget-friendly car will be ringing the cash registers from the very first day of its arrival.

Here’s what all we know so far about Perodua’s next big launch in Malaysia -

New platform

As per the sources, the upcoming 2023 Perodua Axia is likely to underpin a new platform i.e. DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture). The said architecture is not new for the company as the next-gen Alza and Ativa are based on the same one. 

Talking about the benefits the new platform can offer to the hatchback, it will help the engineers to better equip the car with more features and safety specifications, just like the new Alza. The new underpinnings will also enhance the overall driving experience and comfort.

New safety tech

As mentioned above, the new platform will offer more flexibility for the inclusion of advanced safety tech, Perodua may upgrade the already available Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite with the addition of more features. The hatchback may also get advanced driver assistance tech such as lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, auto high beam, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Cosmetic tweaks

The design language of the next-gen Axia is likely to be in accordance with the brand’s recent models. Some sources also suggest that the upgraded hatchback may borrow aesthetics from the Perodua X-Concept hatchback (pictured above), unveiled back in 2018, which was touted as “The Perodua of Tomorrow.” The concept featured an SUV-ish look with a neat and futuristic design comprising a full-width grille, low-set LED headlamps, sculpted side profile, huge wheels, and flush door handles. 

Updated mechanicals

There is a good possibility that the all-new Axia will get a new turbocharged unit as its sister models - Toyota Ayga and Daihatsu Ayla. The said unit is a 1.0-litre turbo-charged inline three-cylinder DOHC VVT-i that kicks out a maximum power of 98 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm from 2,400 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Another possibility is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, which makes 88 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. 

A new gearbox is also expected to come mated to the new turbocharged engine i.e. D-CVT. The newer and more advanced dual-mode CVT can also be found under the bonnet of the new Alza, Myvi, and Ativa.

However, the entry-level hatchback is supposed to be powered by the ongoing 1.0-litre three-cylinder gasoline unit that delivers 67 PS of power and 91 Nm of torque. It comes paired with either a 4-speed automatic gearbox or a 5-speed manual.

Upmarket cabin

Perodua is also likely to upgrade the cabin of the hatchback with an advanced central display, new trims, and more comfort and convenience bits. The range-topping trim may also offer some premium appointments like leather upholstery, digital driver display, electric parking brake, digital AC controls, and more.

In terms of pricing, we may see a hike on account of modern styling and advanced features, however, Perdoua seems to consider the factors affecting price while keeping the Axia’s “most affordable car” tag in mind.

That’s all we know about the 2023 Perodua Axia at the moment. For all the latest upgrades on the same, stay tuned with us.

Also read: 2022 Perodua Alza vs 2022 Proton Exora: Which Malaysian MPV offers the better deal?