Perodua Axia - Is it worth the price?

Hatchbacks are one of the most conventional body styles that have existed globally ever since the inception of passenger vehicles. While the dynamics in the automotive market have changed in the last decade,

hatchbacks still hold the flag high and are loved as much as they were during the initial years. Speaking of the Malaysian market, some models redefine the entry-level space. Perodua Axia is one such model that brings together the best of all in a small package.

First launched in 2014, it received a mild update recently. While the base trims miss out on several features, it is among the most preferred models in the volume segment, and highly popular among first-time buyers. Before we dig deep, let’s have a look at the Perodua Axia price break-up across variants.

2019 Perodua Axia price in Malaysia -

As mentioned in the table above, prices for the Axia start from meagre RM 24,090, which makes it one of the most affordable entry-level hatchbacks in the country. While the fully-loaded top-spec AV AT variant comes for RM 43,190, available at an extra premium of RM 19,100 over the base grade.

In the segment, it pits against Proton Iriz, another prominent model in the entry-level hatchback space, and a popular choice among first-time buyers. Proton Saga and Kia Picanto are two of the strong volume models with a tight grip in the segment. The table below provides a quick look at how it pits against rivals in terms of prices.

Perodua Axia is clearly the least priced model compared to rivals.
The difference in cost between Perodua Axia and Kia Picanto is slightly more than the base variant of Perodua Axia.

While the entry-level Axia is the cheapest of all the aforementioned models, the top-spec variant costs RM 3,390 more than the top-spec Proton Saga.

Engine & transmission details

The Perodua Axia spec sheet includes a single 1.0-litre petrol unit, derived from Perodua’s Daihatsu. This DOHC unit is available with a manual and a CVT gearbox. As for fuel economy, the manual variant is slightly frugal at 22.5km/l, as opposed to its AT version with 21.4 km/l of claimed mileage. The mileage figures indicate Axia is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in Malaysia.

 

These entry-level models are quite loaded for the price they are offered at, however, most of the above-mentioned features are available with the higher variants or fully-loaded top-spec grades only.

Safety features

 

In addition to the above features, the range-topping Perodua Axia also comes with the new second-generation Advanced Safety Assist (ASA). The ASA 2.0 Suite consists of Pre-Collision Warning with braking and Pedestrian Detection, and Front Departure Alert with Pedal Misoperation Control.

Conclusion

The bare-bones Axia MT might miss out on most of the comfort and connectivity bits; albeit, the standard safety kit gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX system among several others at an unbelievable price of RM 24,090.

The list of features improves as one goes up in the line-up, and some of the variants pack a well-rounded kit. While there are other efficient models in A-segment; Perodua Axia has a great value and is a viable option as far as volume models go.

Also Read: 2019 Perodua Axia - Top features