2018 Perodua Axia Advance 1.0 AT Review

A-segment small cars have always been a popular choice in the Malaysian market, especially for users who value fuel economy and daily practicality. This segment of vehicles consistently hits the sweet spot for value and consumer needs. The 2018 Perodua Axia Advance 1.0 AT, as one of the main models in this segment, has attracted quite a bit of attention with its affordable pricing and rich features. This time, we got our hands on the car, and the main goal is to test whether its static experience and dynamic performance truly meet the expectations of family users and urban commuters, and to see if this small car lives up to the market hype.

Starting with the exterior, the overall design follows a rounded and simplistic style, in line with the positioning of A-segment small cars. At the front, halogen main headlights are paired with LED daytime running lights. While it's not fully LED lighting, the addition of daytime running lights enhances the recognizability. The front grille is adorned with black plastic trim, which blends naturally with the body-colored front bumper, avoiding any abrupt design elements. The side profile features smooth lines, and the 175/65 R14 tires perfectly match the car's proportions without appearing small. The door handles are designed in a matching body color, and along with the power-folding side mirrors, these details showcase a refinement compared to the base version. At the rear, the tail light design echoes the front headlights, while the small spoiler on the trunk lid is exclusive to the Advance version, adding a touch of sportiness. A black protective plate at the bottom of the rear bumper adds a sense of layering to the rear. Overall, the exterior design is not particularly aggressive, but it is pleasing to the eye and unlikely to go out of style for everyday use.

Getting into the car, the interior style prioritizes practicality without excessive ornate designs. The dashboard is made of hard plastic material, which is common for cars at this price point, but the textured surface treatment prevents it from appearing cheap. The instrument cluster features backlit analog dials, offering clear readouts for RPM, speed, and fuel levels. The center console area lacks a large touchscreen but retains physical buttons that are user-friendly, ideal for those who do not prefer overly complicated tech features. In terms of features, keyless entry and start are highlights of the Advance version, making daily use more convenient. The front row is equipped with a single-zone manual air conditioning system, with adjustment knobs providing moderate resistance and the cooling performance sufficient for Malaysia's weather. The inclusion of a 220V/230V power socket is a pleasant surprise, accommodating outdoor charging needs. The seats are manually adjustable, with the front seats providing decent support; the padding is not overly soft, but the cushioning is adequate, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats can be folded in a split configuration, and along with a 260L trunk volume, it’s suitable for carrying large boxes or folding bicycles occasionally. Regarding space, the 2455mm wheelbase is considered standard for the A-segment. A 175cm-tall passenger in the front row would still have a fist-width of headroom clearance. In the rear row, two adults would fit comfortably with about two fist-widths of legroom, while the middle passenger’s foot space may be a bit tight, though manageable for short trips.

As for dynamic performance, let’s start with the power specifications: a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine that delivers maximum power of 68PS and peak torque at 4400rpm. During actual driving, the power is relatively gentle at the start, which is expected given the limited displacement, making it suitable for gradual acceleration. After exceeding 3000rpm, the power output becomes noticeably improved. For overtaking, pressing the accelerator firmly will prompt the transmission to downshift promptly; while the response is not extremely quick, it is sufficient. The transmission is a 4AT, and its shift logic leans toward smoothness. For daily commuting, there’s no noticeable jerkiness, though when driving at high speeds, the revs tend to be high—approximately 3000rpm at 100km/h. In terms of handling, the steering is light, well-suited for city commuting, and makes U-turning or parking quite nimble. The front suspension is MacPherson independent, while the rear uses a torsion beam non-independent suspension. It handles city speed bumps and minor bumps effectively, filtering out most harsh impacts without feeling too stiff. While cornering, body roll is not too pronounced, and given the car’s weight of only 850kg, stability is fairly decent. Fuel efficiency is one of the car’s strong points, with an official combined fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km. During our actual tests, city driving with the air conditioning on results in fuel consumption of around 5.2L/100km, while highway driving could bring it down to 4.5L/100km. The fuel efficiency is truly impressive. As for noise control, engine noise is not very noticeable at low speeds, but when the RPM exceeds 3500, the vibrations and noise of the three-cylinder engine become evident in the cabin. However, this is quite normal within the A-segment.

To summarize, the core highlights of the 2018 Perodua Axia Advance 1.0 AT are clear: practical features (keyless entry, power-folding side mirrors, 220V power outlet), excellent fuel efficiency, and flexible space performance. Compared to the Proton Saga in the same class, it has richer features and lower fuel consumption; and compared to the Toyota Agya, it is more affordable and offers higher value for money. The car is clearly suitable for specific groups: budget-conscious families or city commuters who drive daily, particularly those who prioritize fuel costs and everyday practicality. Overall, it has no significant drawbacks and is a well-balanced compact car for commuting. If you're looking for a worry-free, economical daily transportation tool, this car is worth considering.