2018 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV AT Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment market, the Perodua Myvi has always been an unavoidable option — from family commuting to being the first purchase for young buyers, its high cost-effectiveness and practicality have deeply resonated with consumers. The 2018 Myvi 1.5 AV AT, as the top-spec version, not only continues the core advantages of the series but also upgrades its safety features and smart details. This time, we got the actual car and focused on testing its performance in daily commuting and family outing scenarios to see if the top-spec version is worth the extra budget.

The first impression when seeing the 2018 Myvi 1.5 AV AT is that it looks more refined compared to the previous model. The large trapezoidal front grille with chrome accents is highly recognizable; the sharp LED headlights on both sides come with automatic lighting functionality as standard, making daily use more convenient. The body features smooth side lines, and the 185/55 R15 tire size matches the proportions of the car well without looking undersized. At the rear, the smoked LED taillights echo the sporty look of the front, while the lines of the rear bumper add a sense of layering. The overall design is not too aggressive, but the details are well-executed, catering to the aesthetic preferences of most family users.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is simple and practical. The center console is slightly oriented towards the driver, with commonly used buttons within easy reach. Although most materials are hard plastic, the joints are evenly treated, avoiding a cheap feel. The seats are upholstered in fabric, providing good support, and while the manual adjustment is not as convenient as electric controls, it is still sufficient for everyday adjustments. In terms of core features, keyless entry and ignition stand out, saving the hassle of looking for the keys. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats can be folded down, expanding the trunk volume from 277L to a larger space, making it easy to fit a baby stroller or suitcases. Additionally, the front and rear parking sensors and the 360-degree camera system are very practical, making parking easy even for beginners. Safety features are a highlight of this car, with six airbags, vehicle stability control, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning all included, making it relatively comprehensive within the same segment.

Space performance meets the mainstream standard for the B-Segment. With a wheelbase of 2500mm, there is one fist of headroom for a 175cm passenger in the front; rear legroom is about two fists, and while seating three adults in the back would feel a bit cramped, it's adequate for everyday family use. Regarding storage spaces, the door panels can hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest box and glove compartment offer decent capacity. The rear seats are equipped with ISO FIX anchors, making it easy to install a child seat, which is family-friendly for households with children.

As for the powertrain, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum power of 103PS and a peak torque of 136N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For daily commuting, start-up and low-speed driving are relatively smooth, and while throttle response isn't particularly quick, it is adequately linear. When overtaking on the highway, it requires a firm press on the accelerator, and the transmission will downshift to boost acceleration. Though not as aggressive as turbocharged models, it is sufficient for everyday needs. There is only a normal driving mode, with no sports mode, but this has little impact on family users.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate turning force, with not much play, making daily driving very smooth. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, filtering out most vibrations when going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, so rear passengers won’t feel too much discomfort. The cornering performance is decent, with minimal body roll, maintaining good stability. In terms of fuel consumption, we tested in mixed urban and highway conditions, and the fuel consumption was about 6.5L per 100 kilometers. Although slightly higher than the official combined fuel consumption of 5L, it is still relatively economical among fuel cars of the same class.

The noise control is done quite well. At low speeds, you can hardly hear the engine noise; at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise become more noticeable, but remain within an acceptable range. The seat comfort is excellent as well, and you won't feel tired even after long periods of sitting. The engine start-stop technology can automatically shut off the engine at red lights to reduce fuel consumption, though there is a slight vibration when restarting. Regarding energy recovery, this fuel car does not have it, but the braking pedal feel is linear, and the braking distance meets expectations.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV AT lie in its high cost-effectiveness and comprehensive safety features. Compared to competitors in the same class, it offers more abundant safety configurations at a more affordable price. Its space and fuel efficiency are also well-balanced. This car is suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and safety, especially families with children, as the six airbags and child seat anchors provide better protection. Additionally, young first-time buyers can also consider it, as features like keyless entry and the 360-degree camera improve everyday convenience. If you need an economical, practical, and safe commuter car, the Myvi 1.5 AV AT is a great choice.