Perodua Axia 2019 - Top alternative

Perodua Axia is one of the best-selling A-segment cars in Malaysia. It is also among the most affordable cars available in the country that you can buy right now. And with the latest iteration, Perodua has just hit a home run.

Perodua Axia 2019 price starts at just RM 24,090 for its base E MT variant and goes up to RM 43,190 for its range-topping AV AT variant. There are a total of 6 variants which give customers more options to pick as per their requirements.

The only car that seems to be a decent alternative to the Axia is the Proton Iriz. Yes, it does not even come close to the Axia’s aggressive pricing but it offers a more powerful engine and would be a good option if you are in the market looking to buy a decently packaged A-segment hatchback.

Perodua Axia 2019 variants	Proton Iriz variants
E MT	1.3L Standard MT
G AT	1.3L Standard CVT
GXTRA AT	1.3L Executive CVT
STYLE AT	1.6L Executive CVT
SE AT	1.6L Premium CVT
AV AT

Perodua added various new features as well as new variants for the Axia’s 2019 model year. However, one thing that you will find common in Perodua Axia 2019 specs sheet of all the variants is the engine configuration.

The same 1.0-litre, 67 bhp engine powers up all the variants and if you want to have it with a manual transmission then you will have to go for the base variant because the rest of them come with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine specs	Perodua Axia 2019
Type	1KR-VE DOHC with VVT-i
Total displacement	998 cc
Max power output	67 bhp at 6000 rpm
Max torque output	91 Nm at 4400 rpm
Transmission	5-speed MT or 4-speed AT

Unlike the Axia, the Proton Iriz specs tell a different story. It has two engine options on offer - 1.3-litre with 95 PS and 120 Nm, and a more powerful 1.6-litre with 109 PS and 150 Nm. The former gets both manual and CVT whereas the latter is available only with CVT.

Engine specs	Proton Iriz 1.3L	Proton Iriz 1.6L
Type	4-cylinders, in-line, DOHC, VVT	4-cylinders, in-line, DOHC, VVT
Total displacement	1332 cc	1597 cc
Max power output	95 PS at 5750 rpm	109 PS at 5750
Max torque output	120 Nm at 4000 rpm	150 Nm at 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual / CVT	CVT

Looks are always subjective but we have to tell you that Perodua has worked very hard to make sure it does not fall behind in this department. It has brought a totally new Style variant just for the sake of this.

What is the new Perodua Axia 2019 Style variant all about?

Ans. It is the visual highlight in Axia’s new line-up. Perodua has made small changes to give it a more crossover-like appearance. For example, we have body cladding all around which looks even better with the new 15-in alloy wheels. Also, the Style gets a unique Sunrise Orange Metallic colour.

In its defence, the Proton Iriz already has a very appealing and sportier design thanks to its large headlamps, LED fog lamps, and unique rear end. It also features a roof-mounted rear spoiler and sporty alloy wheels to add the missing oomph factor.

Are there any major differences in the interior of the Axia and Iriz?

Ans. Features like touch screen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity options, navigation, bottle holders, etc. can be found in both the cars. However, it is the Iriz that offers semi-leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Of course, these features are limited to only the top-end variants of both the models.

The new Axia is also the most affordable car to provide a couple of active safety features. Its flagship model gets Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A) 2.0 and Pre-Collision Warning and Braking with pedestrian detection. Some of its other safety features are-

• Dual SRS airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Vehicle stability control
• Traction control
• Reverse sensors
• Front corner sensors
• Reverse camera

The Iriz does not get any active safety feature even in its top-end model which also costs more than that of the Axia. The Proton Iriz price starts at RM 36,700 and its top-end model costs RM 50,700. The only safety nets of the Iriz worth mentioning are-

• Dual SRS airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Brake assist
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Hill hold assist
• Front parking sensors
• Rear parking sensors
• Reverse camera with dynamic lines

The new Perodua Axia 2019 offers a lot for its price and perhaps that’s one of its biggest USPs. However, if you are okay shelling out some more cash, you can also consider the Perodua Myvi.

Also read: 2019 Perodua Axia - Details, specs, price and more