2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G MT Review

In the B-segment hatchback market in Malaysia, the Perodua Myvi has always been an unavoidable choice — after all, it has consistently topped sales charts, and consumer expectations for it have always gone beyond mere "transportation." This time we test-drove the 2018 Myvi 1.3 G MT, the mid-trim manual version of the series. Its core selling points are its balanced features and affordable price (RM 42,790). We want to see whether it can still maintain the practicality advantage of being a "national car" while meeting contemporary users' demands for safety and convenience.

Starting with the exterior, the design of the 2018 Myvi appears more rounded and full compared to the previous generation, with a youthful yet understated overall style. The front features a large trapezoidal lower grille paired with sharp LED headlamps on both sides. The lens structure inside the lamp assembly enhances its recognition, and automatic headlights come as standard, making daily use very convenient. The side profile has smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, preventing the sides from looking too monotonous. The 14-inch tire size (175/65R14) may not be large, but it matches the car's overall size quite well. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights mirroring the headlights. Rear fog lights are standard, but there is no reverse camera, only rear parking sensors. Overall, the exterior design is pleasing and aligns with the aesthetics of most family users.

Sitting inside, the interior layout is clear and intuitive. Although hard plastic is the primary material, the workmanship is fairly neat. At the top of the center console is a small storage compartment, followed by the air conditioning control section, and a 220V/230V power socket is located underneath — a feature not often seen in the same class, making it useful for occasionally charging laptops or small appliances. A multifunctional steering wheel is standard, with buttons on the left side for controlling volume and answering calls, making it easy to operate. The instrument cluster features an illuminated analog design, displaying information like RPM, speed, and fuel levels in a clear manner, even under sunlight. The seats are manually adjustable and are upholstered in fabric. The front seats offer decent support, so long-distance rides are not too tiring. The rear seats can be split 60:40 and folded down, expanding the trunk capacity from 277L, which is spacious enough for a baby stroller or large suitcase. The rear row has two ISOFIX anchors, making it convenient for family users traveling with children. However, there are no air conditioning vents in the rear seat area, so passengers there might feel a bit warm during summer.

In terms of space, the car measures 3895mm in length, 1735mm in width, and 1515mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2500mm, making it a standard offering within the B-segment. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm-tall passenger having about a fist of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear provides about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom; it might feel a little cramped seating three adults, but it can comfortably accommodate two adults and one child for daily commuting. Storage space is not abundant but sufficient: the front door panels have bottle holders, there is a small storage compartment below the center console for placing a phone, and the armrest box is quite small, suitable only for holding small items.

For performance, the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power output of 95PS with a peak power range of 6000rpm, and a maximum torque of 121Nm (not explicitly stated in the specifications, but this is the estimated figure based on the 1.3L displacement). It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The power response at startup is relatively gentle, with torque output being slightly weak under 1500rpm, requiring deeper accelerator input. Once the revs exceed 2000rpm, the power delivery becomes smoother. For city driving or overtaking, dropping a gear and revving beyond 3000rpm provides sufficient power. On highways, the engine runs at around 3500rpm at a speed of 110km/h, and further acceleration requires a deep press of the accelerator. However, regular highway cruising poses no issues. The manual transmission offers crisp shifts with a moderate shift throw, making it easy even for beginners to get accustomed to.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension (not stated in the spec sheet, but the Myvi commonly uses a torsion beam) handles speed bumps or minor bumps in urban areas quite cleanly, without overly harsh vibrations; however, when encountering large potholes, the rear seats may feel quite bumpy. The steering wheel's precision is average, with a slight deadzone, but it's very easy to drive in daily situations, making it suitable for urban commuting. Vehicle stability control is standard, and when cornering at slightly higher speeds, there’s no obvious body roll, so the overall stability is decent.

Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 4.9L/100km. During our test drive, which included equal parts city and highway conditions, the average fuel consumption was approximately 5.8L/100km. In city traffic jams, fuel consumption can reach around 6.5L, while on highways it drops below 5L. This performance makes it very fuel-efficient for family use. The engine comes with start-stop technology as standard, which can save some fuel when waiting at red lights, but there’s a noticeable vibration when restarting.

In terms of driving comfort, at low speeds in the city, both engine noise and tire noise are minimal; however, at higher speeds on highways, engine noise becomes more noticeable as the RPM increases, and tire noise also gets louder, requiring you to turn up the volume of the music a bit. The fabric material of the seats has good breathability, so it won’t feel too stuffy in the summer. The manual transmission lacks energy recovery, and the driving experience feels the same as a traditional fuel-powered car, without the drag feeling typical of electric vehicles.

To sum up, the core strengths of the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G MT are its affordable price, practical features (4 airbags, vehicle stability control, multifunction steering wheel, and 220V power outlet are all standard), and low fuel consumption. Additionally, Perodua's low maintenance costs and easy-to-find spare parts make it suitable for daily family use. Compared to its competitor, the Proton Iriz 1.3 MT, the Myvi offers lower fuel consumption and higher resale value; however, the Iriz performs better in terms of chassis handling and also offers a reverse camera in its configuration.

This car is clearly targeted at specific groups: families with a budget of around 40,000 MYR who value practicality and fuel efficiency, or new drivers who have just obtained their license. It doesn't excel in any particular performance aspect but stands out for its balance, meeting needs for daily commuting, grocery shopping, and family trips. If you are looking for a practical, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain family car, the Myvi 1.3 G MT is a safe choice.