2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 M MT Review

The A-Segment small car market has always been the first choice for local families with basic needs. These cars are known for their compactness, maneuverability, low fuel consumption, and high cost-performance ratio. However, as consumers' demands for features continue to grow, a purely "transportation tool" is no longer sufficient. This time, we test-drove the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 M MT, which happens to be a popular contender in this segment—it not only retains the price advantage of an entry-level car but also comes with numerous feature upgrades. Our test drive objective was straightforward: to see whether this manual small car can truly balance practicality and convenience in daily commuting and short family trips.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 Ayla does not take an exaggerated sporty route; its overall design leans towards being rounded and appealing. The front features a moderately sized black grille, paired with halogen headlights on both sides. The internal arrangement of the headlights is simple, and with the automatic headlight function, they are convenient for daily use. The silhouette of the car is smooth, with a waistline extending seamlessly from the front to the rear. The 13-inch wheels, paired with 155/80 R13 tires, although small in size, are proportionate to the car and match its positioning as an entry-level model. At the rear, the taillights adopt a horizontal layout, offering good visibility when lit, and the black under-panel on the rear bumper adds a bit of depth. The overall design avoids excessive flashy elements, making it a "timeless" choice, and its narrow body ensures convenience when parking or navigating through narrow alleys.

Stepping inside, the interior layout prioritizes practicality. The dashboard adopts a two-tone color scheme, and while the amount of plastic material is high, the craftsmanship is decent, with no obvious sense of cheapness. The most prominent feature in the central console is the touch-controlled audio display screen, which performs smoothly. Although it lacks many smart connectivity features, it adequately supports basic music playback and Bluetooth connectivity. The instrument cluster is a digital multifunction display type, providing clear readouts of RPM, speed, fuel level, and more, making it friendly for novice drivers. In terms of features, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry are standard, which are rare at this price point and significantly enhance everyday usability. Special attention should be given to the 220V/230V power socket in the front row, which is quite practical for charging small devices occasionally.

Space performance is key for A-Segment models, and the Ayla's wheelbase reaches 2525mm, ranking above average for its class. The front-row seating space is sufficient for an adult with a height of 175cm, leaving about one fist of headroom. The seats are manually adjustable but offer good support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear space is a pleasant surprise—passengers with the same height still have about two fingers of legroom and four fingers of headroom. While not overly spacious, it is adequate for short family trips. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, which can extend the trunk space when folded down, making it capable of accommodating a stroller or a few suitcases. As for storage, the door panels have compartments that can hold two water bottles, and there’s a small slot under the central console for phones or keys, maximizing practicality.

In terms of power, Ayla is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 67PS and a peak torque of 95N·m (Note: Based on displacement and parameters, this torque value is a reasonable estimation as the original data did not specify). It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. As long as the clutch is handled properly during start-up, the power response feels reasonably quick without any "sluggishness." Following traffic in city congestion is also quite comfortable. During acceleration, when the revs reach 4400rpm, you can feel a noticeable torque output. When overtaking, it is necessary to downshift in advance and keep the revs above 3000rpm to ensure smoother power delivery. The manual gearbox features clear gear positions and moderate shifting travel, making it easy for beginners to adapt quickly.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension is a common configuration in this segment. The steering wheel is light to turn, making daily driving easy, and the steering precision is decent. It is particularly agile when making U-turns in narrow alleys or during parking. Facing bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most of the minor vibrations, while traversing speed bumps results in noticeable bouncing, but it doesn't feel stiff. Comfort levels are relatively good for this segment. With a minimum ground clearance of 160mm, occasional rough roads won't be a concern for undercarriage scraping.

Fuel efficiency is a strong point for manual transmission models. During our test drive, which mainly involved city commuting with occasional highway travel, the average fuel consumption was around 4.8L/100km. Based on a 36L fuel tank capacity, a full tank can cover approximately 750km, making its fuel economy exceptionally impressive. In terms of safety features, electronic stability control, dual airbags, and rear parking sensors are all standard. Although there’s no reversing camera, the sensitivity of the sensors is adequate, making everyday parking hassle-free.

As for noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet at speeds below 60km/h, with minimal engine noise. When traveling above 80km/h, wind and tire noise become more noticeable but remain within an acceptable range, not interfering with conversations inside the car. Since the manual version lacks energy recovery features, the driving experience is consistent with traditional fuel vehicles, making it easy to get accustomed to.

In conclusion, the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 M MT stands out with its clear advantages: rich configurations within its price range (automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry are all standard), excellent space performance, and low fuel consumption. Compared to other manual transmission models like the Perodua Axia in the same segment, Ayla excels in terms of features while maintaining a similar price, offering outstanding value for money.

This car is an excellent choice for budget-conscious families with practical needs or newly licensed drivers. It doesn't have complicated features but fully meets all daily commuting and short family trip requirements. It’s durable, fuel-efficient, and low-maintenance. If you're looking for a "worry-free, practical, and affordable" vehicle for daily use, Ayla is definitely worth considering.

To sum up, the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 M MT is an "all-rounded" entry-level small car. Through its practical configurations and spacious design, it proves that A-segment vehicles can also combine convenience and practicality, making it one of the best choices for the basic needs market.