Pros and cons, 2018 Perodua Myvi: Why is it the best-selling car in Malaysia?

What's good about the Perodua Myvi?

For one, its value proposition. It was the first sub-RM60k car to feature ADAS, or as Perodua calls it the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA). It bundles Pre-Collision Warning and Braking, Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.

Even the cheapest 1.3-litre G variant is fitted with electronic stability control and 4 airbags. The latter is not much to shout about but it’s worth noting that the slightly pricier Perodua Bezza 1.3 X variant, at RM 43,980, has 2 airbags.

Next is its reputation for reliability. The powertrain is fairly mundane, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine mated to a good old fashioned 4-speed automatic transmission. It’s a tried and tested combo for more than a decade now and existing owners are able to vouch for its reliability.

And it's rather fuel efficient. Perodua claims a fuel consumption figure of 20.1 km/L (about 5.0 L/100km) for the 1.5-litre variants, but it is likely with a frugal driving manner. Owners have been reporting figures closer to 6.0 L/100km, which is still quite impressive.

The interior is incredibly spacious for its size. It even gives the Honda Jazz a run for its money when it comes to rear legroom. Taller individuals will be able to fit in the back, no problems at all.

Lastly, it’s made with Malaysians in mind. From the “Teh Tarik” hook, the novel anti-snatch hook that also works for conventional plastic/paper bags, and to the built-in toll reader. These are the things that make it all the more attractive to Malaysians. Also, not to forget another Malaysian favourite – LED headlamps.

What's not so good about the Perodua Myvi?

Starting with the seats, the front seat base and seat back are rather short in length. They don’t provide much thigh support and the seat back is only about three-quarter the torso length of average male adults, so the headrest becomes more like the neckrest.

It’s similar case for the rear seats, the bench is on the shorter side to presumably give the impression of even more kneeroom. Plus, the angle of the transitional part between the seat bench and seat back can feel uncomfortable to some.

Next is the sound insulation. While wind noise is decently suppressed, road or tyre noise is an issue in the 2018 Perodua Myvi. At highway speeds, the tyre noise can get tiring on longer journeys. And when it rains, the sound of water gushing in the wheel well and undercarriage is almost crystal clear.

Another aspect that can be improved upon is the suspension tuning. It’s on the firmer side and while that helps with body roll in corners, it tends to get crashy over rough roads. The Proton Iriz does both comfort and handling better than the Myvi. Then again, Proton has mastered the art of suspension tuning.

So yes, the Perodua Myvi is great but it can also be better. One of Toyota’s core values is the philosophy of Kaizen, which means continuous improvement and it’s something all companies should practice. Just because you’re at the top, doesn’t mean you stop improving.