2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV Review

A-segment hatchbacks have always been a popular choice in the Malaysian market. This category focuses on daily commuting and family transportation, with users placing a high emphasis on value-for-money, practicality, and safety features. The 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV, as the flagship version in this segment, not only continues the Axia series' advantage of high cost-performance but also offers upgraded safety features and intelligent technology — for example, six airbags and Level 2 driving assistance come as standard, which is uncommon in vehicles of a similar price range. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to test whether its features are genuinely practical, whether its space can meet family needs, and whether its performance and handling are suited for local road conditions.

Approaching the car, the exterior of the new Axia 1.0 AV looks sharper than the previous model. The front features Perodua's family-style "Dynamic Horizon" design language, with a large blacked-out grille complemented by sharp LED headlights on both sides. The headlight units also integrate daytime running lights, giving the overall look high recognition. The side body lines are sleek, with 14-inch alloy wheels that are simple in design and well-proportioned to the vehicle. At the rear, the horizontal layout of the LED taillights creates a clear lighting effect when illuminated, while the black decorative strip on the lower bumper adds a touch of sportiness.

Entering the car, the interior design leans towards practicality. The dashboard is covered in soft-touch materials, which feel noticeably more refined compared to the previous model. The instrument panel is a 10.25-inch fully digital screen displaying extensive information, including speed, fuel consumption, driving assistance status, and more, with smooth responsiveness when switching interfaces. The central control screen is a 7-inch multifunctional digital display that supports Bluetooth connection and smartphone mirroring. Its operation is straightforward, making it easy for even beginners to get accustomed to. In terms of features, the HUD head-up display is a standout, providing real-time speed and navigation information to reduce the need for drivers to look down frequently. The front row is equipped with a digital controlled manual air-conditioning system with memory function, offering more precise temperature adjustments. The front row also includes a 220V power outlet, facilitating convenient charging for external devices.

Regarding space, the car measures 3760mm × 1665mm × 1505mm with a 2525mm wheelbase, which is standard for A-segment vehicles. The front seats provide ample space, with the driver’s seat offering 4-way adjustment. A 175cm passenger sitting in the front will have about a fist's worth of headroom and legroom to spare. The rear seat space is also adequate for adults, with similar passengers having about two fists' worth of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring they do not feel cramped. The trunk capacity is 265L, which can fit two 20-inch suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, creating more cargo space for transporting larger items when needed. For storage details, the front door pockets can fit two bottles of water, while the center console box and glovebox are spacious enough for daily essentials.

In the power department, the car is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 50kW (68PS) and a maximum torque of 91Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the car responds quickly when starting off and is very agile when following traffic in congested urban areas. After accelerating to 60 km/h, the power output stabilizes, and overtaking requires deeper throttle input. However, the transmission downshifts promptly, and the revs climb to deliver the necessary power. There are two driving modes available: Eco and Normal. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly dulled, resulting in better fuel efficiency, while Normal mode is better suited for daily commuting with more linear power delivery.

In terms of handling experience, the steering wheel is lightweight and precise, making daily parking or U-turns effortless; the suspension system features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, it filters out most vibrations, and the body doesn't exhibit noticeable jolting; during cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, offering good stability. Fuel consumption meets expectations—we drove 50 km each in urban and highway conditions, and the combined fuel consumption was approximately 4.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official rating of 3.7L/100km, but considering real-world road conditions, this result is already excellent. In terms of braking performance, the combination of front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes responds promptly, and during emergency braking, the body remains stable without any deviation.

Safety features are one of the core advantages of this car. All models come standard with 6 airbags (including front and rear head curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, autonomous braking, and other L2-level driving assistance features. During our tests, we found the forward collision warning system to be very sensitive, issuing timely alerts when the distance with the vehicle ahead became too close; the lane departure warning system gives a reminder through steering wheel vibrations when the vehicle crosses lanes, improving driving safety.

As for driving comfort, noise control is well-executed. While driving in the city, tire noise and engine noise are relatively low. When driving on the highway at speeds up to 100km/h, wind noise increases slightly but does not affect conversation within the cabin. Seat padding is soft yet supportive, ensuring long-lasting comfort for passengers. The rear seats are equipped with air conditioning vents, which quickly regulate the rear temperature, enhancing comfort for rear passengers.

In summary, the 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV has clear core advantages: exceptional safety features, with all models equipped with 6 airbags and L2-level driving assistance, which is rarely seen in cars of the same price range; practicality and space, meeting the daily needs of a family; economical fuel consumption, leading to low long-term usage costs. Compared to models in the same class, such as the Proton Iriz 1.3L Executive, the Axia 1.0 AV offers more comprehensive safety features while being more budget-friendly, making it highly cost-effective.

This car is suited to a wide range of groups, such as families that prioritize safety and practicality, as it can handle both daily commutes and weekend outings. It is also suitable for young professionals who are just starting their careers, as its low fuel consumption and affordable maintenance costs alleviate economic pressure. Overall, it is a well-balanced A-segment model without significant shortcomings, meeting the daily needs of most users.

If you're looking for a safe, practical, and economical vehicle for everyday use, the 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 AV is worth considering. It offers premium features at an affordable price, making it a highly competitive model in the A-segment market.