2018 Perodua Myvi 1.5 H AT Review

In Malaysia's B-segment hatchback market, the Perodua Myvi has always been an unavoidable choice for consumers – after all, it has consistently topped the sales charts for years thanks to its precise focus on meeting family users' needs for practicality, reliability, and value for money. This time, we test-drove the 2018 Myvi 1.5 H AT, a mid- to high-spec version after the mid-cycle refresh. Not only does it retain the core advantages of being a "national car," but it has also upgraded its safety features. Our test drive had a simple objective: to see if it still deserves the label of "the first choice for a family car" and whether the combination of the 1.5L engine and AT gearbox is smooth enough for daily driving.

Looking at the exterior, the design of the 2018 Myvi is more youthful compared to the previous model. The front features a large trapezoidal lower grille paired with sharp LED headlights on either side, giving it high recognizability. The body side has smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the body appear longer. The 15-inch multi-spoke wheels may not be large, but they are well-proportioned to the body. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally laid out LED taillights that look great when lit up. The bottom of the rear bumper has added a black plastic trim, adding a slight touch of sportiness. Overall, the design is not overly aggressive; it is pleasing to look at and aligns with the aesthetic preferences of most family users.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is very well-organized, with the center console tilted towards the driver for easy operation. In terms of materials, although most surfaces are hard plastic, the workmanship is solid, and there’s no noticeable looseness. The multi-function steering wheel is wrapped in leather and feels comfortable in hand, with integrated buttons for volume control, phone answering, and other functions, making it convenient for daily use. The dashboard features illuminated analog-style dials that display information like RPM, speed, and fuel level clearly. While the central control screen isn't touch-enabled, it comes with physical buttons and knobs, making its operation intuitive and user-friendly, especially for those who don’t like overly complex tech configurations. As for features, the 1.5 H AT version is well-equipped: keyless entry and start, six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, LED automatic headlights, and electrically foldable side mirrors are all included. Particularly noteworthy are the six airbags, which stand out in this price segment as safety features are especially important for family users.

Space is one of Myvi’s strong points. Its wheelbase reaches 2500mm, providing ample space in the front row; a passenger who is 175cm tall still has a fist-width of headroom remaining when seated. The rear space is also decent—passengers of the same height can enjoy about two fists of legroom and four fingers of headroom without feeling cramped. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, which expands the trunk capacity from 277L to an even larger space, easily accommodating a stroller or suitcase. In terms of storage, there are cupholders on the front and rear door panels, as well as a storage compartment below the center console for phones or wallets, which is very practical. Additionally, the rear row is equipped with air-conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet—a thoughtful feature for families traveling with children, as it can be used to charge tablets or small appliances.

Dynamic driving part: The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power of 103PS and a maximum torque of 136N·m, paired with a 4AT gearbox. The power response is relatively quick when starting; for daily city driving, you can feel the power output as soon as you press the accelerator, and it doesn’t feel sluggish. During acceleration, the gear shifting of the transmission is fairly smooth, but there is a slight delay during sudden acceleration, which is understandable given the 4AT transmission. However, this powertrain is more than sufficient for urban commuting or highway cruising, and as long as you give gas in advance while overtaking, the power can keep up. In terms of handling, the Myvi’s steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, making it very agile in daily driving as well as parking. The suspension setup comprises a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. It absorbs most vibrations when passing through speed bumps or bumpy roads, so it doesn’t feel overly jarring. The body roll is not too obvious when cornering, and the stability is pretty good, making it suitable for daily family use.

As for fuel consumption, we test-drove the car for a week, mainly in the city and on highways. The combined fuel consumption was about 6.5L/100km, which is slightly different from the official figure of 5L/100km. However, considering city traffic congestion, this fuel economy is still acceptable. After all, for a 1.5L engine, the consumption is not high. In terms of noise control, the Myvi performs decently. The cabin remains relatively quiet during low-speed city driving, but wind noise and road noise become more noticeable at high speeds. However, it stays within an acceptable range. The seats are quite comfortable, providing good support and cushioning, so even long drives don’t feel tiring.

In conclusion, the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.5 H AT has clear core advantages: practical space, rich features, economical fuel consumption, and adequate safety configurations, offering great value for money. Compared to competitors in the same segment like the Honda Jazz, the Myvi is cheaper and has more features. Compared to the Toyota Vios, it offers more interior space, making it better suited for family use. Its target audience is quite clear: family users who prioritize practicality and safety, especially those looking for a reliable vehicle on a budget of around RM50,000. If you're a family user seeking a car with ample space, sufficient features, and good fuel economy, the Myvi 1.5 H AT is definitely worth considering. While it may not have particularly stunning design or powerful performance, its balanced attributes can meet most family needs. This is also why it has earned its title as the 'national car.'