With the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift officially launched in Malaysia, the car maker has finally decided to do away with the archaic 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT). In its place is a newer, more advanced D-CVT unit. 

If our experience in the Perodua Ativa (which uses the same transmission) is anything to go by, the D-CVT will bring a peppier, more coherent and slicker driving experience to the facelifted Myvi. But, more than just mere subjective feelings, is the D-CVT better than its 4AT when it comes down to metrics?

Also read: Malaysia launch in November, better than Iriz’s CVT, new 2022 Perodua Myvi D-CVT explained

What is D-CVT?

The D-CVT (short for Dual-mode CVT) features a combination of steel chain and planetary gear set, the latter is used to complement the steel belt to reduce a typical CVT’s rubber feel whilst giving it a more direct feel.

At lower speeds, the D-CVT functions like any other CVT, as it utilizes the belt at start-stop and lower speed conditions.

However, from medium to higher speeds, the clutch engages and power is routed to the planetary gear set, creating a simulated torque converter automatic sensation.

The benefits of the D-CVT are two-fold: first the D-CVT transmission has less rubber band effect than other CVT transmissions, while improving fuel consumption along the way.

Better in every way

Obviously, Perodua Myvi buyers would want to know the claims of improved fuel consumption holds water. The answer is, yes. Let's break down the fuel consumption comparison of the pre-facelift and facelift models. 

Across both the 1.3- and 1.5-litre engines, the D-CVT improved the facelifted Myvi's fuel consumption by 5 percent. That's a win in anyone's books. 

Still not convinced? Beyond saving you fuel, Perodua also claims that the D-CVT helps the facelifted Myvi sprint from 0 to 100 km/h 20 percent quicker compared to its 4AT equipped predecessor. We're not entirely sure if this applies for both the engine variants, but an improved sprint time is likely, based on our experience with the D-CVT. 

Also read: Selling cars with a 4-speed automatic, in 2021, should be illegal

For more conclusive evidence that the facelifted 2022 Perodua Myvi's D-CVT is the real deal, we'd have to get behind the wheel and find out for ourselves. All evidence points to it being better, in every aspect compared to the 4AT. Let's hope it doesn't disappoint.