Perodua Axia - Which is better, manual or automatic?

Perodua Axia has always been quite a popular car in Malaysia for various reasons. However, we think that it was the car’s affordable price tag that really helped the brand to sell it like hotcakes. And now, after the latest update that it received in 2019, the Axia has become even a better deal. Considering its growing popularity and demand, Perodua added two new variants GXTRA and STYLE. And the best part, it still has an affordable price tag!

Talking about money, Perodua Axia price starts at just RM 24,090 for its base model and reaches RM 43,190 for its range-topping trim. For a price difference of around 19,000 Malaysian ringgits between the base and top-end trim, the Axia has numerous features to offer. To give you an idea about the Perodua Axia variants and their prices, we have made a table.

Variant	Price
Perodua Axia E MT	RM 24,090
Perodua Axia G AT	RM 33,490
Perodua Axia GXTRA AT	RM 34,990
Perodua Axia STYLE AT	RM 38,890
Perodua Axia SE AT	RM 38,890
Perodua Axia AV AT	RM 43,190

As you would have noticed that it is only the base model that is available with a manual transmission and the remaining five variants, all of them come equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. So, which one should you pick, manual or automatic?

Engine

As for the engine, the entire range of Axia is powered by the same 1.0-litre, DOHC, VVT-i engine that has been tuned to produce a max power of 67 bhp at 6000 rpm and generate a peak torque of 91 Nm at 4400 rpm. So it doesn’t matter whether you pick the manual or automatic variant, you will be getting the same amount of power and torque. However, you will feel a slight difference in the overall performance and fuel efficiency.

Perodua claims that the Axia with the 5-speed manual gearbox is capable of returning 22.5 km to a litre whereas models with the automatic transmission are slightly less fuel-efficient as they give a mileage of 21.6 kmpl - that’s the difference of around almost a kilometre per litre.

Features

And it is not just about the engine, performance, or mileage, there are various other differences between the manual and other automatic models. And also the fact that Axia E MT sits right at the bottom of the hierarchy and costs just RM 24,090, it is bound to miss out many useful features.

Following are some of the key features that aren’t available in the manual variant-

• Alloy wheels
• Powered outside rearview mirrors
• Rear spoiler
• Multimedia system with navigation and Smart Link for smartphone connectivity
• Smart entry
• Push to start/stop button
• Steering-mounted audio controls

Axia manual is also disappointing when it comes to safety features. All it gets is dual SRS airbags and nothing else worth mentioning. Basic safety features like ABS and EBD are missing too which is really a shame. And obviously, Perodua’s new Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 is not available, too. In fact, it is because of this ASA 2.0 that the Axia has become one of the safest cars in its segment. But again, all of this can be ignored considering the price of the manual variant.

Of course, all the aforementioned features that we have mentioned aren’t available in all the automatic models. You get what you pay and we think that the top-end Perodua Axia AV variant is worth spending RM 43,190.

Conclusion

In short, we think that the manual variant of the Axia isn’t worth buying. If you are so tight on the budget, we would still advise you to save up enough so that you can at least get the GXTRA AT trim. That would be a better choice than the manual variant. Also, considering the size of the engine of the Axia, buying the manual even for enthusiasts would not make much sense.

Go to a Perodua dealership and drive both the manual and automatic variants of the Axia, you will feel the difference and you will know which one to pick.

Also read: Perodua Axia - Pros & cons