Perodua has launched its all-new D74A 2023 Perodua Axia, with the top-of-the-line AV variant starting at RM 49,500. This has caused some shock among potential buyers, who may be wondering if the base Perodua Myvi, which is priced lower, is a better option. For this comparison, we will be focusing on the base 1.3-litre Myvi variant, which comes with PSDA, Perodua's safety assist pack, starting from RM 48,500.

If you are considering choosing between the two vehicles, as they are closely priced, we have put together a detailed comparison of five essential aspects: looks, engine, ride, space, and features.

Looks – Axia appears more modern

When it comes to looks, the D74A Perodua Axia has a fresh, modern design, while the Myvi has a slightly more traditional appearance. The Axia's exterior is characterized by its stylish grille, LED headlights, and distinct front bumper, while the Myvi offers a more subtle look, with a sleeker front grille and less aggressive bumper design.

In terms of engine performance, the Axia offers a 1.0-litre engine, while the Myvi comes with a 1.3-litre engine. The Axia has a better fuel efficiency of 22.5 km/l, compared to the Myvi's 20.1 km/l. However, the Myvi has a more powerful engine, with a horsepower of 95 compared to the Axia's 67 horsepower.

When it comes to ride comfort, both vehicles offer a smooth driving experience. However, the Myvi has a slightly more spacious interior, with more legroom and headroom compared to the Axia. The Axia's cabin is more compact, making it a better option for city driving.

Lastly, both cars offer similar safety features, with the Myvi having the additional feature of a reverse camera, which is not available in the Axia.

The all-new Axia from Perodua has just been launched and, at first glance, it appears to have a more attractive design than the Myvi. While Perodua is not known for producing head-turning designs, credit must be given to the team for designing an entry-level car that does not look awkward.

The all-new Axia features a low hatchback design, unlike its predecessor, making it more conventional. Its sporty stance gives it a more dynamic appearance than the Myvi, which is a common sight on Malaysian roads. However, this could lead to tuning out the finer details of the Axia's design in the future, as the Myvi has become familiar to drivers.

On the side, the Axia has pronounced streaks and wider wheel arches, giving it a modern and sporty look, adding some character to the rather plain Myvi.

However, one criticism of the Axia's design is its back, which appears a bit too plain and empty compared to the Myvi. Nevertheless, this could be resolved with Gear Up accessories that could enhance the look.

Engine – Myvi gives more power…

All variants of the all-new Axia, including the base model, come with a D-CVT automatic transmission similar to that of the Myvi but calibrated to suit the smaller engine, according to Perodua's engineers. On the other hand, the base model of the Myvi comes with a larger and more powerful NA 1.3-litre 1NR-VE 4-cylinder engine that produces 95 PS and 121 Nm.

This could be a significant drawback for those considering the pricier Axia compared to the cheaper Myvi. Why opt for a fully-loaded entry-level car when one could get a more powerful car that is also the country's best-seller?

Despite this, the Axia has one advantage over the Myvi: it claims to be more fuel-efficient, with a mileage of 27.4 km/L compared to the Myvi's 22.2 km/L.

Ride - …But Axia is more comfortable

Power may be a significant consideration, but it's not the only factor when it comes to choosing a car. While the base Myvi appears to be the more powerful option, real-life driving experience is more than just numbers on paper. In our review of the highest Myvi variant, we found the suspension to be almost non-existent, providing zero comfort, and the car absorbs every bump on the road, making it uncomfortable to drive.

In contrast, our short first drive of the all-new Axia impressed us with its supple and comfortable ride quality. The DNGA platform of the Axia, despite being an entry-level car, offers better driving experience than even cars that are above its segment.

Space – Myvi is in another segment

In terms of size, the all-new Axia is smaller than the Myvi, which is expected since they belong to different segments. However, the Axia's wheelbase is only 25mm shorter than the Myvi's. Perodua claims that the Axia's rear boot can accommodate four suitcases just like the Myvi, but it doesn't have split folding rear seats. As a result, if you want to carry a long item in the Axia, you'll need to fold the entire rear bench, which might not be ideal for rear passengers. On the other hand, the base Myvi comes with 60:40 split-folding rear seats, making it more versatile for carrying longer items while still accommodating rear passengers.

The Myvi's practicality is further enhanced by its seating configurations, which are among the highlights of the facelift. In contrast, the Axia has limited seating configurations. Although the Axia looks spacious and practical, it may not be the best option if you need to transport long items without sacrificing passenger space. 

Features – The real tiebreaker

The Axia AV is equipped with an impressive array of safety and convenience features that can justify its higher price tag. The AV variant stands out with its 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, 7-inch TFT multi-info display, and semi-leather seats. In contrast, the base Myvi is quite basic in terms of features, offering only a standard radio with USB (no Bluetooth), a basic LCD meter combination, and fabric seats.

Both models offer Perodua Safety Distinction Advanced (PSDA) with Advanced Safety Assist (ASA 3.0), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Prevention, and Auto High Beam (AHB). However, the Axia AV offers more comprehensive safety features than the base Myvi, including blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA). The top-of-the-range Axia also boasts 6 airbags, front corner sensors, and a reverse camera, while the base Myvi has only 4 airbags.

It's worth noting that both models provide PSDA, but the Axia AV stands out with its advanced safety features and additional convenience features. So, if safety and convenience features are a top priority for you, the Axia AV could be a better choice than the base Myvi.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between the base model of the Myvi with PSDA and the highest-spec Axia, there is a RM 1,000 price difference. Although the Myvi is a bigger car with a larger engine, the Axia AV is a better deal when it comes to features and comfort, even with the higher price tag. While the Myvi may seem like a better choice on paper, the final decision should be based on individual needs and preferences. Power and price aren't the only factors to consider. We recommend going for the highest-spec Axia since you get a lot more features for just a small price difference.