Perodua Axia

It has been 6 years since the Perodua Axia made its debut to the industry. The A-segment hatchback was introduced to replace the outgoing Viva, a utility car used to get to your destination and widely criticised for its poor built quality. Perodua's goal for the Axia seems to counter all that the Viva is known with better-built quality, better driveability and even safety features. The 2019 Perodua Axia saw 2 new variants (GXtra and Style) added and along with a host of safety features making it the most affordable car with autonomous braking thanks to A.S.A 2.0.

Design

Back when the car was first launched, there were 2 distinctive looks to separate the variant differences. But come the facelift, the looks are now streamlined to look more alike with only the 2019 Perodua Axia Style's SUV like looks that sets it apart from its variants.

Dimensions

The facelift 2019 Perodua Axia measures at 3,645 x 1,620 x 1,510 x 2,455 mm in terms of length, width, height, and wheelbase while the Axia Style variant is 5 mm longer overall at 3,650 x 1,625 x 1,515 mm. The wheelbase remains the same as the standard Axia at 2,455 mm.

Lighting 

All Axia variants make do with halogen headlamps.

Wheels

The standard Axia variants rides on 14-inch alloys while the Axia Style rolls on 15-inch wheels. The larger wheels are testament of setting the Style apart as a SUV option.

Dashboard

Perodua has come a long way since their use of acres of poor quality plastic in their low cost and plain Viva interior. The 2019 Perodua Axia's interior is far more superior and much more stylish. Though the plastic quality is still obviously not of the best, at least the plastic doesn't feel industrial.

Centre Console

With the 2019 Perodua Axia being a small A-segment car, it is understandable that the hatchback is lacking in strategic cubby spaces. There is no centre console though Perodua helpfullly provided 2 small cup-holders located in front of the gearshift.

Space

For a small car, space is expected to be small. But Perodua has incorporated some Japanese space saving magic into the car so there is still enough space for a person of average height to lounge in relative comfort.

Boot

Since its introduction, Perodua has always prided the Axia's rather large boot capacity. At 260-litres, Perodua demonstrated that you can easily fit 4 small luggage bags and a few smaller items on top. But they have also made the rear seats foldable to expand the boot load.

Safety Features

When Perodua gave the Axia a quick update a few years after the launch, the car surprised everyone with ABS on even the lowest variant. Come to the facelift in 2019, all variants of the Axia GXtra onwards also come with VSC and traction control while the top-spec became the most affordable car with autonomous braking namely A.S.A 2.0.

Comfort Features

Perodua has done what they can to make the Axia as comfortable as it can for a low-cost car. Though the seats are all still fabric only, it is of good quality that doesn't give you fabric burn for sliding around too much. All variants starting from the Style onwards get comfortable semi-bucket seats while the famed anti-snatch hook remains a useful comfort feature in the car. Perodua also lists keyless entry and push to start as a comfort feature along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel complete with audio control buttons.

Infotainment

The top-spec Axia AV is the only variant that gets touchscreen display with navigation, Smart Link and Bluetooth connectivity. All other Axia variants, except for the Style, get a simple audio system with USB and Bluetooth connection. But, the Style only gets USB connection with no other connectivity options.

Engine 

The 2019 Perodua Axia is powered by a 1.0-litre DOHC VVT-i engine that dispenses 68 ps and 91 Nm.

Transmission

There are 2 transmissions on offer, the base spec Axia E is the only variant that offers a 5-speed manual gearbox while all other variants make good use of a 4-speed conventional automatic.

Chassis

Now all variants of the Axia comes with EPS, even the driving school variants.

Drivetrain 

The Axia is front-wheel drive only.

Acceleration

With a 1.0-litre engine, one cannot expect the Axia to be fast. In our 0-100 km/h tests, the Style managed 17.2 seconds while 0-100-0 km/h takes 20.8 seconds. But bare in mind, the Style is a heavier and slightly longer version of the Axia so the weight might play a role in the sprint times.

Engine Performance 

Though it isn't fast, the Axia's engine is smooth and steady. You could say that the car is unflappable and doesn't get breathless even when pushed harder for a burst of speed.

Transmission Performance 

The four-speed automatic is one that has proven to be reliable throughout the years. Rarely you would hear complains about the gearbox and we can see why. Transitions are smooth though it is rather laid-back so it doesn't respond as fast as some people would prefer.

Steering and Handling

For a small car, and even though it comes with EPS, the Axia is surprisingly heavy. But as the Axia is built for the city, a heavier steering doesn't affect the daily drive around city roads.

Sound Proofing

Sound levels are not good. The Axia is still relatively loud with readings of 72 db at 110 km/h. The readings are similar to that of the Honda Jazz, but the only reason it feels lounder than the Jazz is because the Axia is significantly smaller that allows sound to reverberate lounder.

Passenger Comfort 

As much modern equipment Perodua has added to the car, the cost of the Axia still has to be kept low. While the interior has been decked out to help you forget about the car's affordability, the harsh suspension will jar you into remembering the efforts Perodua has to do to keep the car affordable. So no, the Axia doesn't have the most comfortable ride, but the suspension is still more comfortable than a sport car when fleeting around the city.

Fuel Consumption 

Even at launch, the Axia has been rated an EEV. The 1.0L engine in the Axia Style managed 6.7-litre / 100 km after a distance of 290 km travelled. Not bad for the heavier variant and you can only expect the standard variants to have an even better reading.

The 2019 Perodua Axia has it all. At RM 43,190, the Axia AV variant comes with push start button, keyless entry, Smart Link connection, reverse camera and even the newer A.S.A 2.0 that helps prevent forward collisions. Even the Honda Jazz does not have the function! But with ABS and EBD across the range, VSC and traction control from the Axia GXtra variant onwards, the A-segment hatchback is still the most value for money car you can get on the market.