It’s official. The all-new D74A 2023 Perodua Axia’s is finally launched and with the top-of-the-line AV variant starting from RM 49,500, some of you might be shocked at that price. After all, you can get a base Perodua Myvi for less but is it better?

The base 1.3-litre Myvi is offered in two variants but for this comparison, we will look at the one that comes with PSDA, Perodua’s safety assist pack which starts from RM 48,500.

If you’re considering between the two variants since they are so closely priced together, we have put together a comparison that encompasses 5 aspects – looks, engine, ride, space, and features.

Looks – Axia appears more modern

Perhaps it’s recency bias since it’s just launched but in terms of styling, the all-new Axia appears better-looking than the Myvi.

Granted, Perodua isn’t exactly Pininfarina and its designs aren’t what you call head-turners but still, kudos to the team for designing an entry-level car that doesn’t look too awkward.

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

Unlike its predecessor, the all-new Axia has a more conventional, low hatchback design. The all-new Axia has a sporty stance which feels more dynamic than the Myvi but then again, the latter is everywhere on the road so you might tune out on the finer details. Perhaps we might say the same over the all-new Axia eventually.

Also read: Perodua has smashed its 2022 targets of 247,800 units, and set new record for the highest yearly sales, ever

Around the side, the Axia has pronounced streaks and wider-looking wheelarches that make it both modern and sporty which adds a bit of a design character to the rather plain Myvi.

However, if there are some criticisms I would give to the Axia’s design, it would be in the back. To me, it’s a bit too plain and empty and this is where the Myvi gets a bit more credit in its design. Perhaps some Gear Up accessories could spruce things up a bit?

Also read: 2022 Perodua Myvi with Gear Up accessories looks like a permanently angry Pikachu

Engine – Myvi gives more power…

Instead of offering a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine from the Perodua Ativa or even a 1.2-litre WA-VE engine like the Indonesian Toyota Agya, the all-new Axia carries over the same naturally-aspirated (NA) 1.0-litre 1KR-VE 3-pot unit (68 PS/91 Nm) from its predecessor.

Also read: 2023 Toyota Agya debuts, Axia's Indonesian twin gets GR Sport variant

Just like the Myvi, all variants of the all-new Axia are only available with a D-CVT automatic transmission. According to Perodua’s engineers, the transmission on the Axia is similar to the Myvi though calibrated to suit the smaller engine.

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

Yet, the thousand-ringgit-less base Myvi is powered by a larger and more powerful NA 1.3-litre 1NR-VE 4-cylinder that makes 95 PS and 121 Nm.

That on its own might be a big dealbreaker for those cross-shopping between the most expensive Axia and the cheapest Myvi. Why pay a little bit more for a fully-loaded entry-level car when one could get a more powerful car that is also the country’s best-seller?

Well, aside from claiming to be more fuel-efficient – Axia: 27.4 km/L, Myvi: 22.2 km/L – the Axia has one more advantage over the Myvi.

Ride - …But Axia is more comfortable

Yes, power is important and if everything is all just based on a game of Top Trumps, the base Myvi sounds like the more feasible option. But reality is more than just figures printed on paper (or a glossy trading card game).

Though we only reviewed the highest variant of the Myvi, we find the suspension set-up to be almost non-existent with zero comfort and the hatchback basically absorbs every bump on the road. To put it simply, the Myvi is uncomfortable.

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

Despite our first drive in the all-new Axia being short, we find that it feels better than not just its predecessor but also a lot more supple than the Myvi. It’s impressive how the DNGA platform belies the fact that the Axia is still an entry-level car and yet it drives better than a car that’s above its segment.

Also read: Review: First impression of D74A 2023 Perodua Axia - New gold standard for entry-level cars in Malaysia

Space – Myvi is in another segment

Dimensions-wise, the Myvi is still longer and larger than the all-new Axia which makes sense considering that the former is in a bigger segment than the latter. Still, the all-new Axia’s wheelbase is only 25 mm shorter than the Myvi.

Perodua claims that the rear boot of the Axia can fit four suitcases easily just like the Myvi but while it looks spacious and practical, there are no split folding rear seats.

Instead, if you want to put a bicycle or something long in the rear of the Axia, you will have to compromise your rear occupants as only the whole bench can be folded down, even on the AV variant.

Meanwhile, the base Myvi comes with 60:40 rear folded seats so you can at least still put longer items in the rear without sacrificing your rear occupant to find another way back after a trip to Ikea.

The Myvi also has plenty of seating configurations which is one of the highlights of the facelift that also demonstrates its practicality. So for this round, the Myvi is a better choice which is a no-brainer considering both cars are in different segments altogether.

Also read: The 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift's seating configuration almost rivals City Hatchback's ULTRA Seats

Features – The real tiebreaker

The Axia AV comes fully loaded with safety and convenience features that might justify the seemingly large price tag. Only the AV variant comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, a 7-inch TFT multi-info display, and semi-leather seats.

Meanwhile, the base Myvi is as barebones as one can get in terms of features which includes a standard radio with USB (no Bluetooth), a basic LCD meter combination, and fabric seats.

Both the Axia AV and the base Myvi offer PSDA but it’s a lot more comprehensive on the highest-spec Axia. Both models come with the following:

• Advanced Safety Assist (ASA 3.0)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

However, the Axia AV adds a few more safety features than the Myvi 1.3 with PSDA including blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA). The top-of-the-range Axia also comes with 6 airbags as opposed to the base Myvi’s 4 as well as front corner sensors and a reverse camera.

Conclusion

The price difference between the most basic Myvi with PSDA and the highest variant Axia is RM 1,000 and there’s no denying that you are getting a bigger car with a bigger engine for less in the Myvi.

However, in terms of features and comfort, the Axia AV seems to be a better deal even if it is RM 1,000 dearer. Some things on paper might make the Myvi seem to be a better choice but really it depends on the person’s needs and wants in a car.

Also read: D74A 2023 Perodua Axia launched in Malaysia, priced from RM 38.6k, 1.0L with D-CVT, 6 airbags

Numbers don’t necessarily give the final say in one’s decision be it price or power output but between the two, we would suggest going for the highest-spec Axia because you’re getting a lot more bang for just a grand more.