2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G AT Review

In the B-Segment market of Malaysia, the Perodua Myvi has always been a preferred choice for many families and first-time car buyers—after all, it combines practicality and affordability, consistently occupying the top spots in sales charts. As one of the core models after the mid-cycle update, the 2018 Myvi 1.3 G AT focuses on enhanced safety features, upgraded smart functionalities, and maintaining competitive fuel efficiency for its class. This time, we got our hands on the car to see if its performance in daily commuting and short family trips remains strong and whether it can meet most users' needs for a "hassle-free commuter vehicle."

The exterior design follows a compact and refined style, with overall smooth lines that avoid being bulky, aligning with Perodua's consistent family-oriented positioning. The front end features a layered grille design, with the upper grille connected to the LED headlights on both sides, widening the visual width; the lower grille adopts a honeycomb design, adding a touch of sportiness. The side profile includes a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 14-inch wheels that, while small in size, maintain good proportions. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the design of the headlights, and the black protective panel on the lower rear bumper adds a subtle crossover feel, but the overall style is still more conservative. It’s worth noting that automatic headlights and electrically folding side mirrors come as standard, adding convenience for everyday use.

Opening the door, the interior layout is simple and straightforward, with the center console slightly angled towards the driver for easier operation. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is hard plastic, but the build quality is quite solid, with no noticeable gaps. Key features include a multifunction steering wheel that supports volume adjustment and call handling, which is easy to use; the instrument panel is a self-illuminating analog design with clear displays for RPM, speed, and fuel level. The center console area does not feature a large screen but retains physical buttons, offering a simple operational logic for users who are not heavily reliant on smart infotainment systems. The seats are manually adjustable with moderate cushioning, making long periods of sitting not too tiring. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, allowing for greater trunk space when needed, which can accommodate large items without issue. Additionally, the front row includes a 220V power outlet, and the rear row has air conditioning vents, catering to the needs of family users.

In terms of space, the 2500mm wheelbase is considered standard for the B-Segment. The front row has ample seating space; for a passenger 175cm tall, there is still approximately a fist’s worth of headroom after seat adjustment. The rear row provides around two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. While not exceptionally spacious, it is sufficient for the needs of everyday family use. The storage compartments are also thoughtfully designed; the door panels can hold two bottles of water, and there’s a storage slot under the center console ideal for placing phones or wallets. The trunk has a basic capacity of 277L, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the rear seats, making it capable of accommodating a baby stroller or suitcases with ease.

Regarding performance, the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 95PS, with peak torque output at 4000rpm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The initial power response during acceleration feels quite brisk, making it suitable for congested city roads. However, after reaching 60km/h, further pressing the accelerator shows slightly sluggish power output, and overtaking requires pre-planned space. The driving mode only includes a standard mode, with no sport mode option available, and the overall tuning leans towards comfort. The transmission's shifting logic is relatively smooth, with little to no jerkiness during daily commuting, although the shift response feels slightly delayed during rapid acceleration.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a family car. The steering wheel is light, making parking and U-turns very easy, but the road feel feedback is not very clear. The front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension, it is tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, most of the vibrations are filtered out and the ride is not overly bumpy. When cornering, the body leans slightly but remains within a controllable range, not affecting driving confidence. In terms of fuel consumption, we tested in urban traffic conditions and found the fuel consumption to be approximately 6.5L per 100 kilometers; on highways, it drops to around 5L per 100 kilometers, matching the official combined fuel consumption figures. Its fuel economy is quite good.

In terms of driving comfort, noise control is average. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise and tire noise become noticeable but remain within an acceptable range. The engine stop-start technology is standard, which automatically turns off the engine at red lights to save fuel, though the vibration is quite noticeable when restarting. The seats provide good support, and long drives don’t result in backache. The rear seat angle is also reasonably comfortable, ensuring passengers do not feel cramped.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G AT lies in its balance—comprehensive safety features (4 airbags, ESP, and hill-start assist are standard), sufficient space, economic fuel consumption, and affordable price. Priced at RM44,590, it is highly competitive in its class. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Proton Iriz, the Myvi has better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. Compared to the Honda Fit, it is more affordable and comes with configurations better suited for family use.

The target audience for this car is clear: families with a limited budget who value practicality or new drivers who just got their licenses. It doesn’t excel in any particular performance aspect, but it is reliable enough for daily commuting, grocery shopping, or school runs. If you want a hassle-free vehicle without fancy features, the Myvi 1.3 G AT is a good choice.

In summary, the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G AT remains a “national commuter car.” With its balanced performance and affordable price, it meets most users' basic needs for a family car. If your priorities are being worry-free, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive, it’s worth considering.