2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT Review

The A-Segment compact car has always been a necessity in the local market, especially for families with a budget of over RM50,000 who need both the flexibility of daily commuting and the ability to meet limited cargo and passenger needs. The 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT focuses on practical upgrades to its features this time around, adding functionalities like keyless entry and automatic headlights that were previously rare in cars of this price range. The main purpose of our test drive this time is to see whether these feature upgrades can truly improve daily usability and to confirm whether the 1.0L engine and CVT transmission combination is sufficient for local road conditions.

Looking at the exterior, the Ayla retains the typical compact and agile design of the A-Segment. The front face features a family-style honeycomb grille accentuated with chrome trims. Though not large, it makes the front look less plain. The body lines are relatively simple, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear, adding some layers to the design. At the rear, the taillights are arranged horizontally with a conventional halogen internal structure, offering decent recognition when lit. Notably, this car is equipped with automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, practical features that can save manual operation inconvenience in the often unpredictable local weather.

Stepping inside, the interior style is simple, with the dashboard primarily made of hard plastic, which is typical for vehicles in this price range. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a touchscreen, although not large in size, it is smooth in operation and supports basic audio playback functions. The instrument panel is a digital multifunction display that clearly shows speed, RPM, and fuel information, making it more intuitive than traditional mechanical gauges. In terms of features, the keyless entry and start are highlights, allowing you to forgo searching for your keys; there is a USB port at the front, and the rear comes with air conditioning vents, ensuring rear passengers won't feel too hot in summer. The seats are manually adjustable and made of fabric, offering average support but are soft, ensuring comfort during long rides. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, creating additional cargo space that is enough to accommodate several cabin-sized suitcases when folded down.

In terms of space performance, Ayla's wheelbase measures 2525mm, which ranks average within the A-Segment category. For a person of 175cm height, the front-row seating offers about a fist's space of headroom and ample legroom. Rear-row space is relatively tight, with passengers of the same height having about two fingers' worth of knee clearance from the back of the front seats, making it suitable for short trips, though it might feel a little cramped on longer journeys. For storage space, the door panels can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box is small and can only store small items, and the trunk offers average capacity for the A-Segment, suitable for daily grocery shopping or short trips.

As for the powertrain, the Ayla is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 67PS and a peak torque of 95N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the power output in the initial acceleration phase is relatively smooth, requiring a deep press on the accelerator to achieve noticeable acceleration, making it suitable for urban commuting but not for spirited driving. Switching to sport mode slightly improves throttle response, though overall performance gain is limited. On highways, when speeds exceed 100 km/h, further acceleration feels somewhat strained, requiring an advanced estimation of overtaking distance. The fuel economy is commendable; during our test drive—primarily in urban conditions with occasional highway routes—the fuel consumption was about 5.5L per 100 kilometers, which is economical for family users in terms of fuel costs.

In terms of handling, Ayla's steering wheel is relatively lightweight, making it easy for female drivers to handle. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned more for comfort. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most of the bumps, but when encountering larger potholes, the rear passengers may still feel noticeable vibrations. Its cornering performance is average, with body roll not being too severe, and it ensures stability for daily driving. The braking system performs well, with a linear feel to the brake pedal, and the car maintains stability during emergency braking.

In terms of driving comfort, Ayla's noise control is average. At speeds above 80 km/h, wind and tire noise become more noticeable, especially tire noise, which may be due to the relatively thin tire walls. The seat comfort is decent, with the breathability of the fabric seats being quite good, so it won't feel too stuffy during summer. The air conditioning works well, quickly cooling both the front and rear rows through the air vents. Regarding energy recovery, this car is a fuel-powered vehicle, so it does not have an energy recovery system.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT lie in its practicality and fuel efficiency. Compared to the similarly classed Perodua Axia, Ayla holds a slight edge in terms of features, offering functionalities like keyless entry and automatic headlights, which are not available in the mid-to-low configurations of the Axia. However, there isn't much difference between the two in terms of power and space. This car is suitable for budget-conscious, practicality-focused family users, especially those who primarily use it for city commuting with occasional short family trips. If you don't have high requirements for power but want some convenient features, Ayla is a good choice.

As an A-Segment small car, Ayla has managed to balance features and practicality within a limited budget. Although it doesn't provide strong power, it is sufficient for daily commuting. Its space is compact but adequate, and the upgraded features enhance everyday convenience. If you are a recent graduate or a family looking for a commuting car, Ayla is worth considering.