FAQ to the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia - All your questions on Perodua's supermini, answered

The all-new 2023 Perodua Axia might be the most important new car to be launched in Malaysia.

It is the spiritual successor to the original Malaysian people’s car, the Perodua Kancil so without further ado, we’re here to answer some questions on the all-new Axia.

What are the variants offered for the all-new Perodua Axia?

There are 4 variants for the all-new Perodua Axia with prices that range from RM 38,600 for the entry-level 1.0 G all the way to RM 49,500 for the top-of-the-range 1.0 AV. Price is one of the biggest talking points for the all-new Axia and it’s something unavoidable in this whole FAQ.

It’s no longer the cheapest new car in Malaysia?

With a higher starting price than its predecessor, Perodua’s entry hatchback model is no longer the cheapest car on sale in Malaysia. That award now goes to the base-spec variant of the Perodua Bezza with the 1.0 G manual variant priced from RM 34,580.

Also read: 2022 Proton Saga facelift vs Perodua Bezza – Let’s debate on which is the better entry-level sedan

Is the base manual variant discontinued?

An important omission on all 4 variants of the all-new Axia is the absence of a base, ‘kosong’ manual transmission variant. Suffice it to say that Perodua has not completely discontinued the older Axia as it will soldier on alongside the all-new D74A Axia.

Also read: The evolution of Perodua “kosong” spec cars

At the all-new Axia’s media preview a week before its launch, Perodua confirmed that the base Axia E (MT) will continue to be produced to fulfil its role as the “most affordable car in the market”.

Also read: Surprise! No MT option for 2023 Perodua Axia, but new 'old' Axia MT to continue - upgrades hinted

The company also hinted that the base Axia E will also receive some updates with more details such as the price and specifications to be announced later.

What is the difference between the variants?

With 4 variants offered on the all-new Axia, there are some differences in the features being offered. What stays constant throughout the 4 variants is the engine – 1.0-litre 1KR-VE (68 PS/91 Nm), the D-CVT automatic gearbox, and 14-inch wheels.

Starting with the base 1.0 G which starts from RM 38,600, it gets fabric seats, an audio system with Bluetooth, halogen headlamps, bulb-type taillights, 2 airbags, a reverse sensor, ABS, and VSC.

Moving on to the 1.0 X which starts from RM 40,000 gets you automatic LED headlights, front parking sensors, smart entry with engine push start button, and tilt-adjustable steering.

The 1.0 SE which starts from RM 44,000 nets you additional LED DRLs, front and side skirts, a power mode button, digital air-cond controls, semi-bucket front seats, and a tachometer.

The top-of-the-range 1.0 AV which controversially starts from RM 49,500 gets all the bells and whistles including semi-leather seats, a leather steering wheel, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) ADAS, and 6 airbags.

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

Is there a new powertrain in the all-new Perodua Axia?

Even though the all-new Axia gets a D-CVT automatic transmission like the rest of the Perodua models apart from the Bezza and Aruz, the sole engine is carried over from the previous-generation Axia.

Also read: Perodua to launch 2 more new models after D74A 2023 Perodua Axia, what could they be?

The tried-and-tested 1.0-litre 1KR-VE 3-cylinder engine when paired with the new gearbox gives the all-new Axia better 0-100 km/h acceleration time and fuel economy than the older Axia according to our review.

Also read: Review: 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV - A pretty high bar for entry-level cars in Malaysia

Still, the rumoured turbocharged Axia said to carry over the same powerplant from the Ativa remains just a rumour while there are no plans to even bring in the 1.2-litre WA-VE 3-cylinder (88 PS/112 Nm) which is offered on the Axia’s Indo twins, the Toyota Agya and Daihatsu Ayla.

Also read: All-new 2023 D74A Perodua Axia vs Toyota Agya, Daihatsu Ayla: Do Malaysians get the best?

What do the S and B stand for on the all-new Perodua Axia’s D-CVT?

According to Perodua’s engineers, the all-new Axia’s D-CVT automatic gearbox is carried over from that of the Myvi facelift but calibrated to suit the 3-pot unit. So, if you’ve sat in the updated Myvi, the transmission on the all-new Axia might feel familiar.

Also read: Review: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift – Does it deserve the “King” status?

Instead of the P-R-N-D-3-L like on the previous 4-AT Axia, the gear markings are now changed to P-R-N-D-S-B. Everyone knows what the first 4 letters stand for but what about S and B and for that matter, which is the lower gear if you wish to drive up Genting?

S stands for Sport while B stands for engine Braking. According to the Axia’s owner’s manual, these two are essentially the lower gear modes with S mode used when driving up a slope while B is used when driving down a steep hill.

Remember that since this is a CVT gearbox, there are only virtual gear ratios but both S and B modes essentially hold those gear ratios for better torque multiplication.

Also read: S and B mode in the new 2022 Perodua Myvi's CVT shifter. What's S and B for?

Is the all-new Perodua Axia spacious?

Dimensions-wise, the all-new Axia is longer, wider, and has a shorter height compared to its predecessor. While all these measurements are still less than the Perodua Myvi, the Axia has a longer wheelbase than its popular royal sibling.

According to Perodua, the all-new Axia has a wheelbase of 2,525 mm which is 25 mm longer than the Myvi. Despite being labelled an A-segment hatchback, the D74A Axia is quite roomy even in the back.

As for cargo space, the all-new Axia has a slightly bigger boot than its predecessor. At 265 litres, the boot volume is deep enough to carry up to 4 suitcases with a bit more room on top for smaller bags.

However, due to the single-folding rear seats, longer items like a bicycle, a stroller, or a long piece of furniture would compromise rear occupants or in this case, not giving them room at all.

Is Android Auto/Apple CarPlay offered on the all-new Perodua Axia?

Even though the all-new Perodua Alza now comes with proper smartphone integration in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity on the top-of-the-range AV variant, that feature has not trickled down to the other Perodua models for now.

Also read: Review: The all-new 2022 Perodua Alza is the best car for under RM 100k, period

Only the Axia 1.0 AV comes with a 6-inch infotainment touchscreen which only allows connectivity via Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, or Perodua’s proprietary SmartLink. The latter is only compatible on Android devices which in turn mirrors their display.

At least Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all variants of the Axia which is an upgrade from the previous generation that only offers the feature on higher variants. For those who wanted to upgrade their infotainment on the all-new Axia for proper smartphone connectivity, the only way to do so would be in the aftermarket.

Can I travel to Melaka and back on a single tank in the all-new Perodua Axia?

When we had the Perodua Axia for review, we managed an average fuel consumption of 6.1 L/100 km through 80% highway and 20% city driving. Aside from driving around the city, we pitted the Axia in a couple of long-distance driving challenges.

In one journey, we travelled from KL to Ipoh and back and at the end of our journey, the Axia managed to accomplish the feat with at least 3 bars of fuel left in the tank. In another long-distance journey, we also travelled from KL to Melaka and back where the Axia managed a very efficient 5.5 L/100 km on average on a single tank.

So if you’re planning to do a one-tank challenge, the Axia can travel for around 500 km on a single tank with some fuel to spare.

Is the all-new Perodua Axia safe?

According to ASEAN NCAP, the all-new Axia scored 4 stars which are just one star shy from the full 5-star rating. The Perodua Bezza by comparison scored 5 stars but that’s not quite an apples-to-apples comparison.

The Bezza was tested when ASEAN NCAP’s scoring methodology was rudimentary as compared to the methodology used to evaluate the all-new Axia. Under the 2021-25 methodology, blind-spot monitors are a requirement for a 5-star rating which the Bezza would not pass.

Also read: Here's why the 2023 Perodua Axia gets 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating while Bezza gets 5 stars

Still, the all-new Axia comes with PSDA which includes auto high-beam, lane-departure warning and prevention, and blind-spot monitors along with 6 airbags on the 1.0 AV. Despite scoring 4 stars, the all-new Axia is still quite safe all things considered.

Why is the Perodua Axia AV going for nearly RM 50k?

It seems inevitable that as new generations of existing models are introduced, prices will eventually go up too. Perodua offers what they call “price-optimised” models for the masses and in the case of the Axia, the top-of-the-range model is priced from just under RM 50k which sounds like a lot for what it’s worth.

However, bear in mind that this all-new Axia sits on an entirely new platform in the guise of the DNGA platform along with a D-CVT gearbox which is standard on all variants. These combined with customers’ demands for more features and higher cost of raw materials attributed to the higher starting price for the all-new Axia.

While some features can be added in the aftermarket, safety features are one of those that you can’t simply add on from outside the factory. Perodua probably knew that you can’t win them all which is why if you’re looking for an ideal new car, it really depends on the preferences of buyers, especially in the entry-level segment.

Should I go for the all-new Perodua Axia AV or the base Perodua Myvi?

Well, we published an article explaining why the newer Axia is a better buy than the base Myvi but to put it simply, the smaller car is a lot more comfortable.

Also read: For nearly RM 50k, should you go for the 2023 D74A Perodua Axia AV or the base Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA?

Part of this is thanks to the DNGA platform and the suspension which soaks up bumps better than even the larger Myvi. In the long run, the Axia’s comfort makes it a much better choice over the Myvi even if the latter has a bit more practicality.

Also read: Review: New 2022 Perodua Myvi is better than ever, but the Iriz still wins at one thing

The all-new Axia will likely be a common sight and being an entry-level car, many new car buyers or those who wanted a secondary city car will consider it. Hopefully, this FAQ answers all that is needed for you to decide whether the all-new Perodua Axia is just right for you.