Back in September, Perodua gave the Perodua Axia a quick mid-life update to keep the model fresh as we enter the new decade.

The updated Perodua Axia range saw the dropping of manual transmission options for the G and SE variants but included two quirky looking new additions - the Perodua Axia Style and GXtra, bringing the total variants to six.

The Axia GXtra is basically an Axia G but with VSC, a different front and rear bumper, and foldable side mirrors.

As for the Axia Style, it's a micro-SUV with a slightly higher ride height and bigger 15-inch wheels (regular Axias have 14-inch wheels).

It definitely is a strange looking hatchback and a novelty to many. It’s debateable if the Axia Style can be considered an SUV and if it does, it is the most affordable and smallest SUV you can get on the market.

Priced at RM 38,890, the Axia Style is the same price as the Axia SE. While the Style has much to shout about, the Axia SE still trumps the Style in two things; Bluetooth connection and front corner sensors.

The lack of front corner sensors may not be a big deal on a car this small but what’s with the lack of Bluetooth in the Axia Style?

In an era where the debate on which is the better car is often settled by whether it comes with Android Auto/ Apple Carplay connectivity, the lack of Bluetooth in the Axia Style is definitely a problem.

Also, the Perodua Axia Style is positioned as a trendier, lifestyle alternative to regular Axia models. But how does it live up to that image when you can't even play Spotify in the car?  

Yes, this is easily remedied with aftermarket Bluetooth accessories but with all new cars now equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the need to purchase an after-market head unit just for its Bluetooth seems like an alien concept.

So at the same price of RM 38,390 for both the Axia SE and Axia Style, we would rather pick the Axia SE over the Axia Style, simply because it comes with Bluetooth. Because music is life.