Launched: 2023 Perodua Axia – 4 Variants, New D-CVT Box, From RM38,600

National carmaker Perodua has finally unwrapped its all-new second generation Perodua Axia supermini earlier today. As reported prior, 4 key variants are available, those being a base Axia G and a mid-spec Axia X, as well as the higher-specced Axia SE and Axia AV duo.

With its official introduction, Perodua has also confirmed the final pricing for all 4 variants, which starts from RM38,600 for the base G variant, and RM40,000 for the mid-spec X. Both the SE and AV variants have broken the RM40,000 threshold now at RM44,000 and RM49,500 respectively. All prices exclude insurance costs but includes a 5-year or 150,000 KM warranty.

Given what we’ve detailed prior, perhaps the raised figures are somewhat justified, more so given Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad’s reiteration of the firm’s aim of “not selling cheap cars, bot cost-optimised cars” for the masses instead.

Now with a clear look at its exterior design in full, you can see that the new second-gen Axia’s DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) underpinnings are evident clear. Notable here is its front fascia that sport plenty of resemblances with the also DNGA-based Ativa crossover and Alza MPV models.

Key exterior highlights include new all-LED headlights in the X, SE, and AV trio (regular halogen types for the X) with LED signal repeaters in the side mirrors and bumper-mounted LED DRLs (AV only). All variants roll on 14-inch alloy wheels (no hub-capped steelies here) whilst the range-topping AV variant gets furnished with a full-blown aerokit and chrome grille strip.

Crucially, the new DNGA underpinnings means this is now a much larger car than before too, offering increased rear passenger and boot space, thus increasing both on board comforts and practicality. In terms of measurements, the new Axia sits 3,760 MM long and 1,665 MM wide, making it 115 MM longer and 45 MM wider than before. Its wheelbase has also been stretched by 70 MM to 2,525 MM now.

Underneath, Perodua has opted to retain the familiar 1KR-VE 1.0-litre (998 cc) DOHC 3-cyl VVT-i mill from before, but it’s now paired with Perodua’s latest Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox to manage its 67 HP and 91 NM outputs to the front wheels. As noted prior, the revised powertrain promises increased efficiency plus a smoother drive thanks to its new gearbox.

Key to the model’s heightened new fuel economy promise of up to 27.4 KM/litre is the inclusion of a new ‘Eco Idle’ (idling stop-start) feature, though this is exclusively primed in both the SE and AV variants only. Additionally, both also benefit with an additional selectable ‘PWR’ (Power’) drive mode for easier overtaking as well.

Despite lacking the idling stop-start function, both the G and X variants are still relatively frugal too with Perodua claiming an average fuel economy rating of 25.3 litres/100 KM in both.

Of course, the other big benefit of harnessing the DNGA platform lies in both on-board features and safety. In the range-topping AV variant’s case, key highlights of the latter include an interactive and fully digital 7-inch TFT gauge cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, digital air-cond control panel, as well as dual-tone semi-leather seat upholstery.

Both the AV and the SE also feature plusher semi-bucket front seats and keyless entry and ignition. The SE, X, and G, loses out on the fully digital gauge in favour of a semi-analogue meter panel with a LCD multi-info display instead, as well as a standard radio head unit, plus regular fabric seats.

On to the safety front and, as reported prior, the new Axia has garnered a palpable 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating, especially in range-topping AV form. This variant gets the Perodua ASA 3.0 suite that adds autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), blind-spot monitor (BSM), lane-departure warning (LDW) and lane-keep assist (LKAS), as well as auto high-beam assist (AHB). Said flagship is also the sole variant to offer up to 6 airbags lining its cabin instead of just 2 in the other three variants.

Besides that, core basics, namely ABS with EBD and BA, both traction (TCS) and vehicle stability control (VSC) suites, and hill-start assist (HSA), ISOFIX childseat mounts, and reverse sensors, are all standard across the board.

So, there you have it, the new second-gen Axia supermini in full. Which variant will be your choice then, folks? Has Perodua upped the ante? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…