2018 Perodua Axia SE 1.0 MT Review

A-segment small cars have been the main choice for daily commuting in the local market, especially for budget-conscious consumers who also value practicality. The 2018 Perodua Axia SE 1.0 MT, being a popular option within this segment, comes equipped with features like keyless entry and front and rear parking sensors at a price of less than RM36,000. This raises curiosity about whether it can balance commuting needs with everyday convenience. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to see if its static experience and dynamic performance truly meet the local users' needs.

From the exterior, the 2018 Axia SE's design leans towards a youthful vibe without being overly dramatic. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb pattern inside, complemented by chrome accents for a distinctive look. The headlights primarily use halogen bulbs but are enhanced with LED daytime running lights, which make it more striking compared to the base model when illuminated. The side profile of the car has simple lines, with 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that feel more refined than the steel rims of the lower configurations. At the rear, the tail light design complements the headlights, and there's a black plastic guard at the bottom of the rear bumper, maintaining the compact feeling of a small car, which helps reduce stress during parking or navigating narrow roads.

Sitting inside, the interior design focuses on practicality, with an overall dark tone and some silver accents on parts of the dashboard to enhance the sense of quality. The steering wheel is made of plastic but offers a comfortable grip. The instrument cluster features backlit analog dials, displaying information like RPM and speed clearly, making it convenient for everyday monitoring. In terms of key configurations, keyless entry and start are highlights of the SE version, allowing the driver to lock/unlock the car and start the engine without taking out the key, which is more convenient than the base version. The front row has a single-zone manual air conditioner, with adjustment knobs that provide moderate feedback and are straightforward to operate. The inclusion of a 220V power outlet is a pleasant surprise, being practical for occasionally charging small devices. The seats are fabric-covered, with manual adjustments for the front seats. Although there's no electric adjustment, the range of adjustment is sufficient to accommodate most drivers' preferred seating positions. The rear seats have foldable backs, with a standard trunk capacity of 260L, which can easily hold several carry-on suitcases. Once folded, it can accommodate longer items such as strollers or folding bikes.

In terms of performance, the 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power of 68PS and peak torque at 4,400 RPM, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. During actual driving, the initial acceleration doesn't feel particularly strong, but with the gear changes in manual mode, it handles city traffic and starts without much effort. The engine operates most smoothly within the speed range of 40-60 km/h, and downshifting one gear provides sufficient torque for overtaking. On highways, cruising at 100 km/h means the engine revs reach about 3,000 RPM, leading to a more noticeable noise compared to city speeds, though still within an acceptable range. As for handling, the steering wheel is light and easy to maneuver, making it comfortable for women to drive. It has a decent level of precision, and it’s agile when changing lanes or making U-turns in the city. The suspension setup consists of a front MacPherson strut independent system, which performs adequately when dealing with common speed bumps and minor road imperfections. While it doesn't completely absorb bumps, it avoids excessive bounciness and offers satisfactory comfort for daily commutes. When cornering, the body roll is not significant, and the overall stability meets the standard for A-segment small cars.

Fuel efficiency has always been Axia's traditional advantage, with an official combined fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km. During our actual testing, in urban congested conditions, it was about 5.2L, while on highways, it could drop below 4.0L. With a full 33-liter fuel tank, the driving range can exceed 650 kilometers. For daily commuting or occasional short trips, frequent refueling is unnecessary. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc brakes provide linear braking force release, and the feedback is clear when you step on the pedal. During emergency braking, the car body does not veer off. As for noise control, at low speeds in urban areas, the main noise comes from the tires, while at high speeds, engine noise and wind noise become more noticeable, but overall, it does not affect conversation inside the car.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Perodua Axia SE 1.0 MT are clear: with a price of less than RM36,000, it comes equipped with features like keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, and a 220V power supply, making it highly cost-effective in its class. It has low fuel consumption, low maintenance costs, and good economic performance for long-term use. Its compact body and flexible space make it suitable for urban commutes and small family use. Compared to competitors like the Proton Saga, the Axia has better fuel efficiency and more practical features. Compared to the Suzuki Alto, it offers more space, and the rear seat can comfortably accommodate two adults.

This car is most suitable for first-time buyers with a limited budget or as a second family car for commuting purposes—such as office workers with short daily commutes who need to park frequently, or small families focused on reducing car ownership costs. While it does not have outstanding performance, it achieves a good balance of practicality, functionality, and economy. If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and adequately equipped compact car, the 2018 Axia SE 1.0 MT would be a great choice.