Like what you see? Sneak peek at D74A 2023 Perodua Axia - bigger, better, safer, more fuel efficient, and more comfortable too

This is it. The bigger, safer, more fuel efficient, and also more expensive D74A generation 2023 Perodua Axia.

First impressions are good. It’s a budget-friendly A-segment hatchback that doesn’t say “I am poor.” On the contrarty, it looks more expensive than its circa RM 40k - RM 50k price suggests. For now, we can only show you photos of the semi-wrapped up car. The full unveiling will be done on 14-February.

Estimated prices are as below:

• 1.0 G - RM 38,600
• 1.0 X - RM 40,000
• 1.0 SE - RM 44,000
• 1.0 AV - RM 49,500

Also read: Priced between RM 38.6k-49.5k, 2023 D74A Perodua Axia is up to 13% pricier than before but loaded with more features

The all-new Axia will be launched next week on 14-February, but actual prices won’t differ too much from what’s listed above.

As mentioned before, the engine is still the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated 1KR-VE carried over from the previous generation, but it’s now paired to a new D-CVT automatic transmission that promises lower fuel consumption. It's the same transmission used in the latest Perodua Alza, as well as the Perodua Ativa and the updated Perodua Myvi,

Not to be confused with Toyota’s Dual-Mode CVT, which is a completely different unit, D-CVT is Daihatsu’s CVT but with a twist. At lower speeds, the D-CVT functions like any other CVT - utilizing a typical CVT's belt drive at start-stop and lower speed conditions.

Also read: 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift's D-CVT - How much better is it than the 4AT?

However, from medium to higher speeds, a clutch engages and power is routed to a 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. Perodua claims the new generation Axia can do up to 27.4 km/litre, tested under the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC, a localized version of UN R101).

Inside, the Axia feels like a big step up from the previous model. It feels more expensive. It’s also bigger outside and inside. We can’t tell you more details yet, but it is safe to say that it is more spacious, more comfortable, and more practical.

The driving position is now so much better than before, thanks to the new DNGA platform.

The AV variant’s interior even include a 9-inch display screen, which is bigger than what’s normally offered in more expensive models from one segment above. However, there’s still no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which is a bummer.

The instrument panel and steering wheel is also shared with the higher range Perodua Ativa.

Other features for the AV variant include 6 airbags, Perodua Smart Drive Assist driving aids, LED headlamps.

More details will be released as we get closer to 14-February.