2018 Perodua Axia SE 1.0 AT Review

In Malaysia's A-segment market, economical and fuel-efficient small hatchbacks have always been the first choice for commuters and first-time car buyers. The 2018 Perodua Axia SE 1.0 AT, as a popular model in this segment, targets budget-conscious users seeking basic comfort with its affordable pricing (RM 37,490) and practical configurations. This test drive focuses on verifying whether its performance meets daily needs, whether its space is suitable for short family trips, and whether its features offer value for money, helping readers determine if it deserves a spot on their car shopping list.

From the exterior, the 2018 Axia SE continues the simple style of the Perodua family, with smooth overall lines suitable for city navigation. The front fascia adopts a layered design, with the upper grille connected to the halogen headlamps on both sides by a chrome trim, while the lower grille features a black honeycomb pattern with round fog lamps embedded on each side, enhancing its recognition. The body side lines are straight, with 14-inch wheels paired with 175/65 R14 tires, creating a harmonious proportion. At the rear, L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Perodua badge on the central trunk lid, and rear parking sensors integrated into the bumper are primarily designed for practicality rather than excessive decorations.

Stepping inside, the interior adopts black as the main color tone, with the center console using hard plastic materials, but the seams are neatly done, aligning with expectations for this price range. The center console layout is simple, with a radio and USB interface at the top and manual single-zone air conditioning control knobs below, which are intuitive to operate. In terms of features, it comes standard with a keyless entry and start system, eliminating the hassle of pulling out the key. The front seats are manually adjustable with moderate backrest and cushion support, ensuring no significant fatigue during long periods of sitting. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding function, which can expand the trunk space for transporting large items. The vehicle dimensions are 3640mm×1620mm×1510mm, with a 2455mm wheelbase. The headroom in the front for a passenger who’s 170cm tall leaves a fist's space, and the rear legroom provides about two fists of space, amply satisfying the needs of family outings. The trunk has a capacity of 260L, which can accommodate two carry-on suitcases, making it suitable for short trips.

In terms of power, the 2018 Axia SE is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine that produces a maximum power of 68PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 90N·m/4400rpm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power delivery is smooth when starting, and noticeable acceleration only occurs after the engine reaches above 3000rpm. It handles following traffic in congested urban areas without pressure, but for overtaking on highways, you need to press the accelerator pedal in advance, as the transmission's downshift response is slightly delayed. There is only a standard drive mode available, without sport or eco modes, and the tuning leans toward fuel efficiency. The official combined fuel consumption is 5L/100km; in actual city driving conditions, the fuel consumption is about 5.5L/100km, while on highways, it is about 4.8L/100km, keeping fuel costs low.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned on the softer side, effectively absorbing most minor bounces when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, but there is noticeable body roll when taking sharp turns, making it more suitable for stable driving. The steering wheel is light to maneuver, allowing female drivers to handle it easily, but the road feedback is insufficient, lacking driving enjoyment. The braking system features ventilated front discs and rear drum brakes, with a moderately long pedal travel. The brake force in the initial stage is weak, becoming more evident when pressed harder, which requires some adaptation. As for noise control, the engine noise is minimal at idle, but as the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind and tire noise gradually become noticeable. However, these are within an acceptable range and do not interfere with conversations inside the car.

Compared to cars in the same segment, such as the Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard AT (starting from RM 40,800), the 2018 Axia SE is priced lower, offers better fuel efficiency, and comes standard with features like keyless entry and LED taillights, making it highly cost-effective. However, in terms of safety features, it only comes with 2 airbags and lacks a vehicle stability system, which is its drawback. Overall, the 2018 Axia SE is suitable for first-time car buyers on a budget, urban commuters, or small families, especially those prioritizing fuel efficiency and practical features.

In summary, the key advantages of the 2018 Perodua Axia SE 1.0 AT lie in its affordable pricing, low fuel costs, and practical features. Although its performance is modest and safety features need improvement, it remains a pragmatic choice in the A-segment market. If your needs are daily urban commuting, short-distance family trips, and your budget is within RM 40,000, this car is worth considering.