2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X MT Review

The A-Segment small car market has always been a necessity in Malaysia, particularly favored by young professionals just entering the workforce and budget-conscious family users. When choosing in this market, consumers often prioritize a balance between price, practicality, and features. The 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X MT is priced at RM44,400, bringing configurations such as keyless entry and automatic headlights, which were previously only available in mid-range trims, down to the entry level. This selling point has sparked curiosity among many: can it achieve a "no compromise on features" in the same price range? This test will focus on two aspects: whether its actual driving and riding performance meets daily needs, and whether the high configurations truly translate into practical usability.

In terms of appearance, the Ayla 1.0 X MT follows a simple and visually pleasing design with no excessively flashy elements. The chrome trim on the front connects the halogen headlights on both sides, visually broadening the front. Although the light source is halogen, the automatic headlight function is already standard, making it more convenient for daily use without manual operation. The side profile of the car features straight lines, with door handles and exterior rearview mirrors painted in the same body color. The 14-inch tires, paired with 175/65 R14 specifications, balance comfort and fuel efficiency. At the rear, the tail lights echo the design of the front, while the black plastic surround under the rear bumper adds some resistance to dirt. The overall design aligns with the positioning of an A-Segment small car. While its recognizability is not particularly high, it excels in being coordinated and practical.

Sitting inside, the interior materials are primarily hard plastic, but the fit and finish are relatively decent, without a marked sense of cheapness. The central control area is well-organized, with a touch screen occupying the central position. While the screen size is not large, it covers basic audio functions and operates fairly smoothly. Notably, in terms of configuration: keyless entry and start save the hassle of taking out the key; rain-sensing wipers adjust their speed automatically based on rainfall, making driving in the rain more worry-free; though there are no rear air-conditioning vents, the cooling effect of the front air conditioning is adequate for everyday use. In terms of space, its 2525mm wheelbase is average in this class. When a 175cm passenger sits in the front row, there is still a fist of headroom remaining; the rear row can comfortably seat two adults without feeling too cramped, with two fingers of legroom available. However, the slightly raised floor in the middle seat of the back row might cause some discomfort during long rides. Regarding storage space, door panel storage compartments can fit two bottles of water, the storage slot under the center console can hold a mobile phone, and the trunk offers enough space for two 20-inch suitcases. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold configuration, allowing for the storage of larger items when needed.

In terms of power, the Ayla 1.0 X MT is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power output of 67PS and maximum torque at 4400rpm. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the car starts smoothly as long as the clutch engagement point is mastered, making it suitable for following traffic in congested urban areas. Acceleration performance is average; speed increase below 60km/h is reasonably brisk, but overtaking requires downshifting and increasing the engine RPM in advance. When the RPM exceeds 3000, engine noise becomes evidently noticeable inside the cabin, though the power output becomes more direct. There are only two driving modes: Eco and Normal. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly relaxed, which is suitable for daily commuting and helps reduce fuel consumption slightly.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is relatively light, so even female drivers won't feel it laborious. The steering precision is at a normal level within the A-Segment, without any significant play. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. When dealing with speed bumps and small bumps in urban areas, the filtering effect is quite decent, and there’s no overly harsh impact. However, when encountering larger potholes, rear passengers can still feel noticeable vibrations. During cornering, the body roll is controlled within an acceptable range. After all, it is a small family car, where stability is more critical than handling performance.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 50km in congested urban areas and 50km on expressways, with the air conditioner on throughout. The final fuel consumption was around 5.8L per 100 kilometers, which is consistent with the performance of a 1.0L engine. With a fuel tank capacity of 36L, it can reach a range of approximately 600km on a full tank. You won’t need to refuel for a week during daily commuting, showcasing a decent fuel economy. As for the brakes, the pedal travel is moderate. The initial braking force is not particularly strong, but the release of braking power is relatively linear at later stages. During emergency braking, the car's posture remains stable without any noticeable nosedive effect.

Regarding driving comfort, the seats are upholstered in fabric material and offer decent support. Long-duration driving wouldn’t feel too exhausting, but the lumbar support is slightly insufficient, so adding an extra cushion might be needed. In terms of noise control, tire noise is the main concern when driving below 60km/h, while wind noise gradually becomes noticeable after exceeding 80km/h. However, it is within the normal range for this class and doesn’t hinder in-car communication. Features like energy recovery typically found in electric cars are naturally not included here. The gear-shifting feel of the manual transmission is quite clear, and there is no noticeable stiffness when shifting gears.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X MT are very apparent: for a price of 44,400 MYR, it offers practical features like keyless entry, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers, making its value-for-money proposition stand out within its class. Compared to its competitor, the Perodua Axia 1.0 G MT, the Ayla provides more comprehensive configurations. Although the performance in power and space is similar, the advantages in configuration can attract many detail-oriented users.

The target audience for this car is very clear: young graduates with limited budgets but looking for convenient features; or as a second car for families to use for daily commuting or grocery shopping. Its power is not particularly strong, but it’s sufficient for urban commuting; the space isn’t too large, but it’s enough for a family of three; and its configuration highlights can enhance daily convenience, while its fuel economy can reduce long-term costs.

In conclusion, the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X MT is a "practical" small car. It doesn’t boast particularly stunning design or performance, but it strikes a good balance between price, features, and practicality, making it a worthwhile option in the A-Segment market.