2022 Perodua Myvi 1.5 H Review

B-class hatchbacks have always been the first choice for family users and young consumers in the Malaysian market. These models not only need to meet the economic requirements of daily commuting but also take into account space practicality and basic configurations. The 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.5 H, as a popular model in this segment, has retained its affordable pricing after the latest upgrade and made active safety features standard—a rarity in cars of the same price range. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether its safety features are practical, whether its power and fuel efficiency meet family needs, and whether its space performance can handle daily usage scenarios.

From the exterior perspective, the overall style of the Myvi 1.5 H leans towards youthful and dynamic. The front features a large lower grille paired with a slender upper grille, with the Perodua logo embedded in the middle, providing good recognition. The most striking element at the front is the standard LED headlights, which have a sharp design and come with an automatic lighting function, making daily use very convenient. The side profile of the car is smooth, with 15-inch tires paired with multi-spoke wheels, creating a well-balanced look. At the rear, the tail light assembly has a smoked finish to echo the sharp headlights at the front, and the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. However, it lacks a reversing camera, which is slightly disappointing.

Sitting inside, the interior uses black as the main color, and the dashboard is made of hard plastic material, but the connections between panels are well-controlled, and the overall texture meets expectations for this price range. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 6.9-inch touch screen that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions, with relatively smooth operational response. The instrument panel features a backlit analog design with clear displays for RPM, speed, and fuel information. In terms of features, the Myvi 1.5 H excels in highlights: it comes standard with 6 airbags, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning, which are almost unique in same-class models. Additionally, features like keyless entry, electrically folding mirrors, manual air conditioning with digital controls and memory functions for the front row, and a 220V power outlet maximize daily convenience.

In terms of space performance, the Myvi 1.5 H has a wheelbase of 2500mm. The front cabin offers enough room for passengers up to 175cm tall, with about a fist-size allowance in both headroom and leg space. The rear-row space is average; for passengers of the same height, legroom is about two fingers, and headroom is about a fist. It’s fine for short trips but may feel slightly cramped for long journeys. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold configuration, expanding the trunk capacity from 277L to a larger space, which comfortably fits a stroller or luggage. As for storage spaces, the front door panels can hold two water bottles, there’s a small storage compartment below the dashboard in the front, and two cup holders are provided in the rear row to meet daily needs.

In the power segment, the Myvi 1.5 H is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 103PS and peaking at 4000rpm. It is paired with a CVT gearbox. The power response during startup is relatively smooth, making it suitable for city traffic. When the accelerator is pressed deeper for overtaking, the CVT simulates gear changes, raising the RPM to around 6000, offering linear power output. However, drivers need to anticipate a bit more distance for overtakes. There are only two driving modes: eco and normal. In eco mode, the throttle response is softer, making it suitable for daily commuting.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is relatively light, making it easy for women to drive as well. The steering accuracy is quite good, and the body roll is kept within a reasonable range when cornering. The suspension adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension, effectively filtering out small bumps on urban roads. However, when encountering speed bumps or large potholes, rear seat passengers will experience noticeable vibrations. The braking performance is stable, with a moderate brake pedal travel and linear feedback when pressed, giving confidence during daily driving.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 50km each on urban congested roads and highways, with an average speed of about 35km/h. The final display fuel consumption was 5.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 4.7L/100km, but considering the actual road conditions, this result is already very economical. In terms of noise control, wind and tire noise become noticeable at high speeds, especially above 100km/h, where the volume needs to be increased to cover them. However, the quietness during daily city commuting is quite good. The seat comfort is average; the front seats provide sufficient support, but the padding is relatively hard, which might be a bit tiring for long drives.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2022 Myvi 1.5 H lie in its safety features and cost-effectiveness. While the similarly priced Proton Iriz has comparable power parameters, its active safety features are optional, whereas the Myvi 1.5 H includes six airbags and active braking as standard, which is very appealing to safety-conscious family users. However, it also has some shortcomings, such as the absence of a reverse camera, relatively small rear space, and hard interior materials.

This car is more suitable for families with a limited budget who prioritize safety and economy. It performs well in daily commuting, school runs, or short weekend trips. If you are pursuing spaciousness or extreme performance, you may need to consider higher-priced models, but for most ordinary users, the balanced performance of the Myvi 1.5 H is sufficient.

In summary, the 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.5 H is a "pragmatic" family car. While it has no particularly outstanding highlights, it meets the essential requirements of family users, such as safety, fuel efficiency, and convenient features. When combined with its pricing at RM54,900, it remains a worthwhile choice in the B-segment hatchback market.