2023 Perodua Axia (D74A) launched in Malaysia - 4 variants from RM 38.6k, which to choose?

At long last, the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia has officially been launched. Following a slurry of teases (and leaks), we now have official prices as well as confirmed spec sheets of the 4 variants on offer.

As you may already know, the 2023 Axia is more expensive, courtesy of improved equipment and features across the range. Check out the following table to see how the variants stack up.

Price start from RM 38,600 for the entry-level Axia 1.0 G variant and rise to RM 49,500 for the top-spec Axia 1.0 AV variant.

As mentioned before, the engine is still the naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre 1KR-VE 3-cylinder engine (68 PS / 91 Nm) carried over from the previous generation, but it’s now paired to a new D-CVT automatic transmission, same as on the Perodua Ativa, Perodua Myvi and Perodua Alza which promises better fuel consumption.

Exterior

Starting out with the Axia 1.0G, this variant gets halogen-type headlights. Moving up to the Auto LED headlamps equipped with a Follow-me-home function

The 1.0 SE and AV variants are topped off with LED DRLs, these 2 variants also get receive a chrome front grille, and finally front and side skirts for maximum street-cred.

However, you won't be able to variants apart from the wheels, as all four variants of the 2023 Axia are equipped with the same 14-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

On the inside, standard equipment has considerably improved. Even the base 1.0 G comes with driver's seat adjustment, 2 airbags, Bluetooth connectivity and a 4.2-inch MID cluster display.

Moving up to the 1.0 X perhaps adds perhaps one of the highlight features of the 2023 Axia - tilt adjustment of the steering wheel and smart entry with a push button start.

For roughly RM 4k more, the interior of the 1.0 SE garners semi-bucket seats, digital A/C controls (similar to the Ativa) and 'Power Mode' button. The Power mode button works to augment the Axia's powertrain for more response, which is useful when overtaking.

However, moving up to the 1.0 AV nets you all the goodies, such as the 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a leather steering wheel with integrated audio controls. The 1.0 AV also features semi-leather seats for more comfort.

Safety

Safety systems are perhaps where 2023 Axia has improved the most. Now from the outset, the 1.0 G receives ABS, EBD, BA and stability control (VSC) which previously was only offered on the 1.0 G Xtra and up variants.

Safety equipment is the same for the 1.0 E and SE. For the full salvo of safety systems, the 1.0 AV features the Perodua ASA 3.0 ADAS safety suite, which includes AHB, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA).

Additionally, the 1.0 AV also features a reverse camera and bumps up passive safety with 6-airbags.

Pricing

Available in 4 variants, prices of the 2023 Perodua Axia are as follows:

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

The 2023 Axia is offered in five exterior colours: Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Ivory White (solid), and the highlight Coral Blue hue.

Prices have gone up approximately 13 percent for the 2023 Axia when compared to its predecessor.

While that's a considerable jump, note that in addition to its abundance of features, the 2023 Axia has also grown in size and is underpinned by the new DNGA platform which offers greater safety, rigidity and driving refinement - an aspect that becomes instantly apparent when you drive the 2023 Axia.

As of the launch day, the 2023 Axia has garnered a total of 20,100 units, consisting of 13,600 converted bookings (from the outgoing Axia) as well as 6,500 bookings since the order books opened on 31st January 2023.

In terms of which to choose, we recommend the 1.0X variant for the budget-conscious buyer. The addition of steering wheel tilt adjustment is a sorely needed feature which greatly improves driving comfort. Elsewhere, LED headlights and keyless entry and start are other features that make this a superb daily commuter. 

Besides the 1.0X, our money is on the 1.0 AV variant. Yes, the 1,0 AV is expensive, overlapping in price with the Myvi, but you get what you're paying for. The superior list of equipment more than makes up for it, even though the Axia 1.0 AV is smaller but more expensive than a Myvi 1.3 G (RM 48.5k). 

Check out our video review of the 2023 Perodua Axia below.