2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA Review

In the B-segment hatchback market in Malaysia, the Perodua Myvi has always been an unavoidable choice—its high ownership rate, affordable pricing, and practical design have kept it at the top of sales charts for years. The 2022 Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA, as a mid-trim model of the facelifted version, has its core selling point in the introduction of the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 3.0 safety package for the first time in the G trim, while maintaining a price guide of under 50,000 MYR. In this test drive, we focus on evaluating the practicality of this safety package, as well as its overall performance in daily commuting and family usage scenarios.

In terms of appearance, the 2022 Myvi 1.3 G continues the facelifted "pocket rocket" style, with overall lines sharper than the previous model. The front features a large trapezoidal lower grille, complemented by a blacked-out front lip, giving it a sportier look; the upper grille is connected by a thin chrome strip to the LED headlights on both sides, effectively widening the front profile. The side of the car retains the classic short overhang design of hatchbacks, and the 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (tire size 175/65 R14), though not large, are proportionate to the car's body. Changes at the rear are mainly focused on the tail lights—now featuring a full-width LED light bar that is highly recognizable when illuminated. The black diffuser decor at the bottom of the rear bumper also echoes the sporty feel of the front. Notably, the LED headlights come as standard, providing enough brightness and faster illumination compared to halogen lights, making them more practical for daily use.

Step inside, and the interior design focuses on practicality. The dashboard features a symmetrical design, with the upper part covered in soft plastic material that feels more refined compared to some competitors in the same price range. The instrument panel is backlit and analog, and while it doesn't offer the high-tech feel of a fully digital display, the information such as RPM and speed is clear and remains legible even under strong light. The center console is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen (supporting Bluetooth and USB connectivity), which has a simple operating logic and moderate responsiveness, adequate for playing music and handling phone calls. In terms of configuration, the most pleasant surprise is the Keyless Operation system for entry and start—this feature is not common in models within this price range, and it significantly enhances convenience by eliminating the need to take out the key when entering or exiting the vehicle. The front air conditioning is manually operated in a single zone but comes with digital display and memory functions, meaning you don't have to adjust the temperature repeatedly after setting it. The seats are made of fabric, with the front row supporting manual six-way adjustment. The backrest and cushion provide decent support, making two-hour drives comfortable. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split-folding design, expanding the trunk volume from 277L to a larger space, accommodating items like strollers or suitcases without issue. The rear also features two USB charging ports and air-conditioning vents, catering to the needs of rear passengers.

Regarding powertrain, the Myvi 1.3 G is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 95PS and a peak torque of 121Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, it offers a relatively brisk start, with linear throttle responsiveness, making it agile for city commuting, tailing, and overtaking. However, when the speed exceeds 80km/h, the acceleration feels slightly weaker, requiring a heavier foot on the throttle to experience noticeable power. The transmission’s performance is moderate, with smooth gear changes, although there is a slight delay in RPM climb during rapid acceleration. There are two driving modes: Normal and Eco. In Eco mode, throttle response is dampened, making it suitable for congested city traffic and helping to slightly reduce fuel consumption. During our mixed road condition test (30% urban + 70% highway), the fuel consumption was approximately 5.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 4.5L. However, considering the real-world use of air conditioning and occasional sudden acceleration, this result is still acceptable.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can filter out most minor vibrations without significant bouncing; at high speeds, the body stability is good, and even at 120km/h, the car feels stable. The steering wheel has a light turning effort, making it easy for women to drive, but the steering precision is average, which is typical for a family car setting. The safety features are a key highlight of this car—ASA 3.0 includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (supports up to 80km/h), lane departure warning, and pedal misapplication control. During our test simulating low-speed traffic in urban conditions, when the vehicle in front stopped suddenly, the system quickly issued an alert and automatically applied the brakes, with a very timely response. However, it should be noted that this car is not equipped with a reversing camera, only rear parking sensors, so parking may require some adaptation for beginners.

The sound insulation performance is average. At low speeds in the city, road noise and engine noise are not very noticeable; at high speeds above 100km/h, wind noise can be heard coming from the A-pillar, but it does not interfere with conversations inside the car. The seat comfort is worth mentioning. The fabric material is breathable and not stuffy in summer; the rear legroom leaves about two fist distances for passengers around 175cm tall, which is not spacious but not cramped either.

Overall, the 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA has very clear core advantages: First, its advanced safety features are top-notch—ASA 3.0 is included in the mid-trim level, making it more competitive than similarly priced vehicles like the Proton Iriz. Second, it has strong practicality—features such as keyless entry, rear air vents, and split-folding seats meet the needs of family use. Third, it is fuel-efficient, with low maintenance costs. However, it does have its shortcomings, such as the absence of a reversing camera and moderate highway acceleration capabilities.

This car is most suitable for families with a budget of 40,000 to 50,000 RM, especially young parents who need to balance daily commuting and occasional child-carrying—its safety features provide peace of mind, and its practical design accommodates various family travel scenarios well. If you’re looking for a well-rounded option rather than extreme performance or cutting-edge tech, the Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA is a choice you won’t go wrong with.