2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 X AT Review

Malaysia's B-segment market has always been the main battlefield for family cars. Consumers want something balanced and sufficient—spacious enough, decently equipped, and affordable. The 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 X AT, as a popular contender in this segment, has continued to attract family users since its launch. In this test drive, we will focus on its everyday practicality, whether its performance matches the "national car" positioning, and if the standard features meet current needs.

Starting with the exterior, the 2018 Myvi 1.3 X AT continues the family-oriented rounded design, with a youthful but not exaggerated overall style. The front features a large trapezoidal lower grille, with Perodua's chrome logo in the middle. LED headlights come standard, featuring sharp styling and automatic lighting functionality, which is quite convenient for daily use as it eliminates frequent manual operation. The side profile of the car is smooth, with 14-inch wheels paired with 175/65 tires, maintaining proportion and avoiding a cheap look. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the front headlamps, the rear fog light is standard, and the black protective panel at the bottom of the rear bumper adds a touch of crossover flair. Overall, the exterior design is among the more visually appealing ones in its class, offering good recognition and matching family users' aesthetic preferences.

Once inside the cabin, the interior adopts a dark gray color scheme. Hard plastics dominate the materials, but the gaps at the seams are well-controlled, with no evident looseness. The dashboard layout is simple, with the radio and air conditioning controls at the top. Below that, there is a 220V/230V power outlet, which is practical for occasionally charging small appliances. A multifunction steering wheel comes standard, with volume adjustment and call answering buttons on the left, making operation convenient. The instrument panel is an analog-style illuminated display, clearly showing information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level, and remains legible even under strong daylight. The seats are fabric, with manual adjustments available for the driver and front passenger seats. The backrest and cushion offer moderate support, ensuring comfort for long drives. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, expanding the trunk space from 277L to a larger capacity, enough to accommodate a stroller or a folding bicycle. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and ISO FIX anchors, and although the center floor has a slight hump, it doesn’t significantly affect the middle passenger. The rear can accommodate three adults for short trips without much hassle.

In terms of power, the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine provides a maximum horsepower of 95PS, with peak torque output at 4000rpm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. During daily starts, the power response isn’t especially quick, but once you push the accelerator deeper and get the RPM up, acceleration becomes sufficient. While navigating city roads, the transmission shifts smoothly with no noticeable jolts, making following or overtaking vehicles at speeds under 60km/h relatively easy. On highways, when exceeding speeds of 100km/h, the acceleration reserve is not very strong and requires timely pressing of the accelerator. The car offers Normal and Eco driving modes, with the Eco mode providing softer throttle responses, ideal for daily commuting. The steering wheel is light, making it comfortable for female drivers, and the steering accuracy ranks as average in its class, with no obvious slack. The suspension consists of a front MacPherson independent setup and a rear torsion beam non-independent system. It absorbs minor bumps and speed bumps in urban areas well, keeping the body free from excessive jolts. When cornering, body roll is within an acceptable range and does not cause discomfort to passengers. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel efficiency is 4.7L/100km. During the test drive, which was primarily on city roads with occasional highway driving, the displayed fuel consumption was around 5.5L/100km, showcasing impressive fuel economy. The brake pedal has a linear feel, and the braking distance is appropriate, inspiring confidence during daily driving.

The soundproofing performance is generally average. At speeds below 60 km/h, the tire noise and engine noise are well-controlled. Beyond 80 km/h, wind noise becomes noticeable, but it does not affect conversations inside the car. The comfort of the seats is quite good, with cushions that are long enough to support the thighs and backrest angles that are quite reasonable. Push-button start and keyless entry are standard features, making daily use very convenient as you don't need to frequently take out the keys. Electric folding side mirrors are also standard, which can prevent scratches while parking.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3 X AT lies in its balance — sufficient space, practical features, fuel efficiency, and a price point that fits within the mainstream B-segment market range. Compared to the Proton Iriz 1.3L of the same class, the Myvi offers larger rear-seat space and adds features like LED headlights and keyless entry. Compared to the Toyota Vios 1.5E, the Myvi is more affordable and has lower fuel consumption. This car is suitable for families who value practicality, especially those who often travel with children or elderly passengers. For young people pursuing power or luxury, they might find its features less flashy, but for daily commuting and family use, it fully meets the needs. Overall, the 2018 Myvi 1.3 X AT is a family car that is "a no-brainer purchase," and its balanced performance ensures it remains competitive in the market.