Approximately four months after the launch of the second-generation D74A Perodua Axia, we now welcome the entry-level model of the range, the singular manual variant: Perodua Axia 1.0E MT.
Of course, if it looks all too familiar, it’s because the Perodua Axia 1.0E MT is a mildly updated first-generation model which will continue to be sold alongside the D74A Axia to retain the title of being the most affordable car in the Malaysian market.
The unpainted engine bay is another measure contributing to the overall price reduction
The powertrain is unchanged, with the fuel-sipping 1KR-VE 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine delivering 68 PS and a maximum torque of 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
As before the wheel and tire package remains the same, offering 14-inch steel rims, wrapped in 175/65 R14 tyres.
Fuel economy is rated at 4.44 L/100 km, marginally higher than the CVT-equipped D74A Axia at 4.29 L/100 km.
Left: Outgoing model, Right: 2023 Axia 1.0E with 2017 front bumper and grille
As for aesthetic updates, the Axia 1.0E receives a different bumper, which is actually the same bumper from the 2017 production year facelift, which features smaller foglamp garnishes, and less upswept grille trim.
According to Perodua, opting for the 2017 front end contributed to the overall price reduction.
Round the back, styling is mostly unchanged, featuring the same post-2019 facelift bumper.
On the inside everything remains the same. There are no changes to the overall layout, dashboard, or seat trim. As before, buyers will have to install an aftermarket audio head unit and speakers to enjoy in-car entertainment.
Elsewhere, the standard equipment of the Axia 1.0E includes 2 airbags, seatbelt reminder, 4 powered windows, central locking, and a backlit analog meter cluster (sans RPM meter).
The Axia 1.0E is offered in two existing colours: Glittering Silver and Ivory White; and the new Granite Grey, inclusive of a 5-year / 150k km warranty.
Although the Axia 1.0E MT is best known among Malaysians as the ‘driving school’ Axia, Perodua says driving schools are not the biggest buyers of the manual transmission Axia.
Instead, private buyers in rural areas form the bulk of buyers for the 1.0E variant, so don’t expect to see one at your local showroom though, especially if you live in the city.
Perodua President and CEO said Dato Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, "The Perodua Axia E manual transmission is part of our original objective of providing affordable and quality mobility for all Malaysians.
Perodua Chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin added, "Based on our with local financial institutions, we found that it only takes RM 300 per month to pay for the hire purchase cost of owning the Axia E. This is the same cost that would take someone to buy a brand new motorcycle on hire purchase."
Perodua aims to sell up to 1,500 units of the Perodua Axia 1.0E a month, which includes individual owners and fleet sales.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
