2022 Perodua Myvi 1.5 X Review

In Malaysia's B-segment hatchback market, the Perodua Myvi has always been a prominent choice—after all, it has consistently ranked high in sales, and its traditional strengths lie in value for money, reliability, and basic configuration. The 2022 Myvi 1.5 X, as a mid-range model of the facelifted version, brings active safety features to an uncommon level for its price range while retaining practical space. The focus of this test drive is to see whether these upgrades genuinely enhance the experience in daily commuting and short family trips, and whether the basic performance in terms of power and fuel economy remains strong.

The exterior design of the Myvi 1.5 X continues the family style of the facelift models with sharper lines compared to the older versions. The front adopts a large trapezoidal lower grille paired with a slim chrome strip above, visually widening the front view. LED headlights on both sides come as standard across the range, and their shape integrates with the grille, achieving high recognition. The side profile retains the compactness of a hatchback, and the 15-inch wheels feature a multi-spoke design. Although they are not made of alloy, they match the proportions of the car well. The rear has seen changes mainly in the taillights, where the LED light design echoes the front, and a black plastic skid plate has been added below the rear bumper, slightly enhancing its sporty feel. Overall, the design is not stunning but fits the aesthetic preferences of most family users, with more refined details compared to the older model.

Sitting inside the car, the interior layout of the Myvi 1.5 X prioritizes practicality. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper part made of hard plastic. However, the texture has been finely treated, so it doesn't appear cheap. The lower part is highlighted with silver trim, adding a bit of quality. The instrument cluster is an illuminated analog type that, while not fully digital, clearly displays information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level without reflecting light during the day. A multifunctional steering wheel comes as standard, with the left side controlling volume and track selection, while the right side adjusts cruise control. The button feedback is clear, making blind operation feasible. The seats are fabric material with manual adjustment for the front seats. The seat cushions are sufficiently long, providing good thigh support, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats are 60:40 split-folding with a backrest angle that is appropriate. A passenger of 175cm in height would have around one fist of legroom, and their head won't reach the roof. In terms of storage space, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box is deep enough for a phone and wallet, and the trunk has a capacity of 277L, which is adequate for daily grocery shopping or storing a baby stroller. Folding down the rear seats allows for larger items to be loaded.

Regarding performance, the Myvi 1.5 X uses a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a maximum horsepower of 103PS and peak torque of 137Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. When starting, the power response feels very brisk—pressing the accelerator gives a noticeable push, making it flexible for urban driving and overtaking. Switching to sport mode causes the transmission to maintain higher RPMs, delivering a more direct acceleration feel, but at highway speeds above 100km/h, the power reserve is average. It is suitable for daily commuting but not for aggressive driving. Fuel economy is a highlight; the official combined fuel consumption is 4.7L/100km. During our actual test drive, urban congested areas showed about 5.5L, while maintaining 110km/h on the highway could lower it to 4.2L. With a full 36L fuel tank, the range can exceed 700km, making it very convenient.

In terms of handling, the front suspension of the Myvi 1.5 X features MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear uses a torsion beam. During daily driving, the steering wheel has a moderate weight with minimal play, and body roll is well-controlled when cornering, making it more stable than some other small cars in the same price range. When encountering speed bumps or potholes in urban areas, the suspension can filter out most of the fine bumps, but with larger undulations, the rear passengers may feel significant jolts, so the comfort level can only be said to meet the expectations for this price range. Active safety features are a key upgrade this time, with all variants equipped with lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. During our tests in urban areas, the system promptly alerted and assisted in braking when the vehicle in front braked suddenly, avoiding a minor collision; on the highway, the steering wheel lightly vibrates to remind of lane departure, which is very beginner-friendly.

In terms of driving comfort, the Myvi 1.5 X has decent noise control; engine noise is almost inaudible at city speeds under 60km/h. At 100km/h on the highway, wind noise becomes slightly noticeable but remains within an acceptable range. As mentioned earlier, the seats provide good support and are comfortable even for long periods of sitting. The air conditioning is a manual single-zone system but comes with digital controls and memory functions, making it easy to adjust with fast cooling performance. The only minor regret is the lack of a reversing camera; it only comes with rear sensors, so new drivers may need some time to adapt when parking.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Myvi 1.5 X are clear: rare active safety features at this price range, low fuel consumption, practical space, and Perodua's reliable reputation. Compared to the Proton Iriz 1.6 in the same category, the Myvi has lower fuel consumption and more comprehensive active safety features. Compared to the Honda Jazz, its price is nearly RM10,000 lower, offering better value for money. This car is most suitable for families who prioritize practicality and safety, especially those commuting daily in the city and occasionally taking short trips with family. If you do not need fancy features and only want a car that is easy to drive, worry-free, and safe, the Myvi 1.5 X is definitely the top choice in the same price range.