This is it, Perodua has just opened bookings for the D74A 2023 Perodua Axia. The teaser brochure also gives us an early look at this new A-segment hatchback.

Also Read: Malaysia before Indonesia as 2023 D74A Perodua Axia could debut ahead of the Ayla and Agya

Starting with the exterior of the D74A Axia. Perodua has yet to reveal the overall design of the new D74A Axia, but has left nuggets of small teasers.

Up front are LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, which are exclusive to the SE and AV variants; the lower G and X variants will be fitted with halogen headlights instead. Speaking of DRLs, the Axia’s LED DRLs are housed within a massive X-shaped recess.

Also Read: Remember the Perodua X Concept? Something we found, do you think it could be the next-gen Axia?

Furthermore, the same teaser also seemingly reveals the wheel pattern of the D74A Axia. Unlike the rest of its siblings, it looks like the Axia may not be getting dual-tone alloy wheels, only silver-finished units, as the top-spec unit teased here only gets silver wheels.

Inside, while the dashboard design is largely a secret (for now), Perodua has revealed that the AV variant will be fitted with a 7-inch digital multi-info display, similar to the one found in the Perodua Ativa and Perodua Alza. Also carried over from the Ativa is the 9-inch infotainment, meaning there’s no support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Lower rung variants will receive a regular LCD multi-info display, while the mid-spec SE adds a tachometer.

As for seat material, the top-spec AV variant will get two-tone semi leather upholstery while every other variant below that gets fabric seats.

Another reason for the price increase of the D74A Axia is also likely due to the much-improved safety suite. Now, all variants of the D74A are fitted with electronic stability control (ESC, or VSC in Perodua’s terminology), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), and Traction Control (TRC).

But that isn’t all – the top-spec Axia 1.0 AV will also get 6 airbags and the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) ADAS suite. That said, we reckon that the Axia’s PSDA suite may exclude features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as the shot of the Axia’s steering wheel lacks the buttons necessary for ACC to function.

As reported earlier, the D74A Axia will soldier on with the existing naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre 1KR-VE 3-cylinder petrol engine, but with a change in the transmission. Out goes the 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual; the D74A Axia is now D-CVT-only.

The adoption of the D-CVT mean that the D74A Axia is now able to boast a fuel consumption figure of 3.64-litre/100 km (27.4 km/litre), aided by Perodua’s Eco Idle auto start/stop feature. Without Eco Idle, the D74A Axia does a claimed 3.95-litre/100 km; still an impressive figure, nonetheless. Both figures were quoted under the new Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC).

Five body colours will be offered, namely Coral Blue, Glittering Silver, Granite Grey, Ivory White, and Lava Red. The former is a new addition.

Also Read: It's 2023 and the next-gen D74A Perodua Axia should come with adjustable steering