2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.2 R CVT Review

The A-segment compact car has always been a necessity in the Malaysian market, especially for consumers with a budget of around RM40,000, who are looking for a reliable daily commuting tool with decent features rather than a "bare-bones" model. The 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.2 R CVT targets this specific segment, coming equipped with practical features like keyless entry and automatic headlights, all while keeping its price within the mainstream range. This time we got our hands on the actual car, and our main focus is to see whether it meets the needs of ordinary families or first-time car buyers in terms of static experience and dynamic performance.

Let's start with the exterior. The overall dimensions are 3760mm×1665mm×1515mm with a wheelbase of 2525mm, showcasing a typical A-segment compact body. The front features a honeycomb lower grille paired with angular halogen headlights, and automatic headlights come as standard, which is uncommon in this price range. The side profile is clean and simple, with 14-inch tires of 175/65 R14 specifications, well-suited to the car's positioning. At the rear, the most striking feature is the horizontal connected taillight design. Although halogen bulbs are used, they provide decent recognition when lit. The rear bumper’s lines are consistent with the overall design of the car, maintaining a clean and neat look with no unnecessary embellishments overall.

Taking a seat inside, the interior has a functional and practical style. The upper part of the dashboard is made of hard plastic, but the texture is fine, so it doesn’t feel too cheap. The central control screen is a touchscreen; while compact, it operates smoothly and covers basic audio functions. The instrument panel is a digital multifunction display, showcasing clear information about RPM, speed, and fuel levels, which make it convenient for daily data observation. In terms of features, there are several highlights: keyless entry/start saves the trouble of searching for keys, rain-sensing wipers adjust speed automatically during rainy weather, electric folding mirrors are useful when parking in tight spots, and the front row is equipped with 220V/230V power sockets, which allow charging a laptop or other devices as needed. The seats are manually adjustable, with the front seats offering reasonable support, while the rear seats can fold in a 60:40 split, enabling expanded storage space for carrying longer items when needed.

Space is a critical aspect of A-segment compact cars. With a 175cm tall passenger in the front row, there is about one fist of headroom remaining, and legroom feels sufficient without being cramped. A 175cm passenger in the rear row will have two fingers' worth of legroom between their knees and the back of the front seat, and around four fingers of headroom. While not spacious, it can comfortably let two people sit for short trips. The middle position in the rear may feel a bit cramped for longer journeys due to a slight floor bulge. For storage, the door panel compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water, the central armrest box has an average depth suitable for storing small miscellaneous items, and though the trunk's basic capacity is not very large, folding down the rear seats allows room for a 28-inch suitcase plus some backpacks, which is enough for daily use or short trips.

In terms of driving experience, let’s start with power. The 1.2L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 88PS, with its peak torque reached at 4500rpm. Paired with a CVT transmission, the power response during start-up is relatively mild, and as you press the accelerator, the transmission gradually increases the RPM. The acceleration remains linear up to a speed of 60km/h, making it suitable for urban commuting. In overtaking scenarios, pressing the accelerator harder quickly pushes the RPM above 4000rpm, providing noticeable power output. However, as the engine capacity is limited, the power lags when the speed exceeds 80km/h. For high-speed overtaking, it’s necessary to anticipate and allow sufficient distance.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension. The steering wheel is relatively light, making it easy for women to drive without feeling heavy. The directionality is fairly precise, making it agile for urban U-turns or parking. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most of the minor vibrations, and the car body does not exhibit any significant jolts. However, when encountering larger bumps, passengers in the rear may feel some residual vibrations. That said, in the same price range for small cars, this performance is considered acceptable. In curves, the body roll is well controlled, and at lower speeds, it remains stable, so it does not feel floaty during daily driving.

Fuel consumption is a key concern for family cars. We drove 50km each in congested urban areas and suburban expressways. Combined, the fuel consumption was around 6.2L/100km. The fuel tank capacity is 36L, providing a range of approximately 580km when full. For daily commutes, refueling once a week should suffice. Regarding noise control, at speeds below 60km/h, tire and wind noise are minimal, allowing for normal conversation with the passenger. At speeds above 80km/h, wind noise becomes progressively noticeable but remains within an acceptable range and does not affect communication inside the car.

Compared to models in the same class, such as the Perodua Axia or Proton Saga, the 2023 Ayla 1.2 R CVT has a clear advantage in terms of features. Keyless entry, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers are all included as standard equipment. On similarly priced Axias or Sagas, these features may only be available on higher trim levels, making the Ayla more cost-effective. However, its performance and space are on par with other models in the same class, showing no particular advantages, but it does not fall behind either.

In conclusion, the standout feature of the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.2 R CVT is its “balance”: practical features, sufficient space, fuel efficiency, and a price just over 40,000 MYR. It is suitable for first-time car buyers on a limited budget or as a second family car for daily city commutes, school runs, and grocery shopping. However, it may not be ideal for frequent highway trips or users requiring large cargo space. Overall, it is a well-rounded A-segment small car, meeting the core needs of average consumers with practical performance.