The Perodua Axia is the most affordable new car on sale now but for those who wish to get a used one, there’s really nothing wrong with going that route. The Axia has been on sale for 8 years with a couple of facelifts down the line but if you would want to get one used, we would suggest going for the later models instead.

Scour the online classifieds and you can find the first pre-facelift Axia (2014-17) going from around RM 14,000 while the later facelift models (2017-present) start from around RM 17,000. You might think that the only difference between the first pre-facelift and the subsequent updates is just the design but it's more than that.

We recently published a used car buying guide on which variant of the Perodua Axia to get as well as what to look out for but here, we’re just going to do a comparison between the pre-facelift and the facelift models.

Also read: Used Perodua Axia: It's already affordable so why buy used?

Axia facelifts get a more fuel-efficient engine

When the Perodua Axia replaced the Perodua Viva in 2014, only one engine was offered – a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre KR-DE2 3-cylinder that makes 67 PS and 90 Nm. This engine is specific to the Axia and is redesigned by Perodua’s engineers.

Hence, it is slightly more powerful than the 1KR-DE engine that is found in its Indonesian cousins, the Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya which makes 65 PS and 85 Nm while sharing the same displacement. That’s why there’s a number 2 in the Axia’s engine code.

Also read: Indonesia could debut D74A Perodua Axia turbo in 2023, but Malaysians don't too excited just yet

In the real world though, fuel efficiency is what matters most with entry-level cars like the Axia. Perodua claimed that it was capable of 20.1 km/L and 21.6 km/L for the automatic and manual respectively which was quite impressive.

However, the Axia’s 3-pot unit lacked variable valve timing (VVT) which was found in the Viva. VVT helps with the engine’s fuel efficiency by managing the valves’ timing so that the engine is able to produce enough power without consuming too much fuel.

So, in 2017, Perodua would give the Axia its first update which saw the 1.0-litre 1KR-VE 3-cylinder mill replacing the KR-DE2 unit. This engine was first introduced on the Perodua Bezza in 2016 and it featured intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i).

Apart from producing a smidge more power (68 PS/91 Nm), the 1KR-VE unit is also more efficient with Perodua claiming 21.6 km/L for the automatic and 22.5 km/L for the manual.

Also read: Ratings: 2019 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV - Saves on fuel, but it could be better

Axia facelifts get a dedicated boot handle

Compared to the Viva that it replaced, the Axia is leaps ahead in overall packaging. It completely wiped out all sentiment of an entry-level car being cheap but not entirely cheerful.

Not only is it bigger than the Viva but it has a very generous boot space. Generous is a bit of an understatement as at 260 litres, it’s even bigger than the second-gen Myvi which offered 208 litres of boot volume.

Also read: Used Perodua Myvi: What do you need to know before buying Malaysia’s favourite car?

In spite of that, there are some cost-cutting measures clearly made by Perodua when developing the Axia. Probably one of the biggest complaints was the lack of a rear boot handle.

There is a recess in the rear bumper to open the tailgate but there's no button to open it. It's a bit of a struggle if you’re the type that tends to go on shopping sprees.

Perodua heard the cries of shopaholics and in the 2017 update, the Axia was given a dedicated boot handle. Higher SE and Advance variants get a keyless entry button on the handle as well for easier access into the car after packing up those shopping hauls.

Axia facelifts get better safety kit

The Axia set a pretty high standard in terms of safety when it was launched. With 2 airbags fitted as standard across the range, even on the driving school, kosong-spec 1.0 E, the Axia was rated 4 stars by ASEAN NCAP.

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

Still, ABS with EBD and brake assist were only available on the higher SE and Advance variants. That changed however in 2017 when the first facelift was introduced with ABS being standard across all variants but the base E.

The most significant safety upgrade for Perodua’s entry-level car though happened in 2019 during the second facelift. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is introduced though it is available from the GXtra variant onwards while ASA 2.0 comes as standard on the top-of-the-line AV variant.

Also read: The Perodua Axia 2019 is Malaysia's cheapest new car with VSC

The ASA 2.0 safety suite comprised pre-collision warning (PCW), pre-collision braking (PCB), front departure alert (FDA), and pedal misoperation control (PMC). These are aided by a stereo camera located on the windscreen.

Also read: Understanding the new Perodua Axia 2019's ASA feature

Axia facelifts get better convenience features

While all variants of the Axia come with electric power steering (EPS), power windows, and an anti-snatch hook, the higher variants are where you would find the real convenience goodies.

On the SE and Advance variants, the pre-facelift Axia comes with front corner sensors which are a first for an A-segment car in Malaysia. Despite aiding parking, the sensors are too sensitive and would constantly beep every time a motorcyclist zigs and zags their way past the Axia.

Just like the boot handle situation, Perodua remedied this in the 2017 facelift with a dedicated button to switch off the front parking sensors. The facelift also saw the introduction of a push-start button which was also only on the SE and Advance variants.

The touch-screen head unit that was only on the top-of-the-line Advance variant also saw an upgrade in 2017 that supports Perodua’s Smart Link screen mirroring for Android devices. In 2019, the unit was further enhanced to support the reverse camera.

Also read: The New Perodua Axia 2019 facelift, so what's new?

Conclusion

These are the reasons why you should get the facelifted Axia instead of the pre-facelift model if you’re looking to get Perodua’s entry-level hatchback used rather than new. Though prices are indeed higher for the newer models, the features as well as the more fuel-efficient engine are reasons enough to forgo the older 2014-17 models.

Also read: Here’s why the Perodua Axia matters to Malaysians

We have a comprehensive used car buying guide on the Perodua Axia in the blue link below. Carsome has a selection of facelifted Axias on sale if you are smitten to get one either as your first car or a secondary one for a pop around the neighbourhood.

Also read: Used Perodua Axia from RM17k - Is even more affordable equivalent to even better value?