2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 X Review

In the Malaysian A-Segment market, economical and practical small cars have always been the top choice for families and young users — they need to meet the demand for low-cost daily commutes while also considering basic comfort and safety configurations. The 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 X, as a popular model in this segment, focuses on standard features such as a heads-up display (HUD) and keyless entry as its main selling points, aiming to stand out among competitors in the same price range. The purpose of this test drive is to verify whether these features are truly practical and to evaluate whether its performance, space, and fuel consumption can meet the daily usage scenarios of Malaysian users.

In terms of static experience, the exterior of the 2023 Axia 1.0 X continues Perodua's family design language, with an overall style that leans towards compact and agile. The front features a large lower grille with chrome trim, paired with sharp-shaped LED headlights, which come standard with automatic headlight functionality, offering decent recognition when illuminated. The side profile showcases clean lines, and while the 14-inch alloy wheels are not large, their proportion to the 3760mm length is harmonious and does not feel disproportionate. At the rear, the LED taillight cluster mirrors the frontal design, and the rear fog light comes standard, aligning well with the practical positioning of A-Segment models.

Stepping inside, the interior is dominated by a dark gray color scheme, with materials primarily being hard plastics, though the seams are neatly finished. The dashboard layout is clear, with a standard HUD (heads-up display) positioned above to show speed, fuel level, and other information, helping to minimize driver distraction. At the center, there is a digital multifunctional infotainment screen, supporting basic audio and Bluetooth connectivity, with a straightforward and intuitive operation logic. For seating, both the driver and passenger front seats offer 4-way manual adjustments, with firm padding that provides sufficient support. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration, allowing for expanded trunk space. In terms of space performance, the 2525mm wheelbase is considered mainstream in the A-Segment. A 175cm tall passenger sitting in the rear still has one fist of legroom, with headroom also being sufficient. The trunk capacity stands at a standard 265L, capable of accommodating two 20-inch suitcases, making it adequate for daily grocery shopping or short trips. In the details of storage, cup holders at the front, a central armrest box (though on the shallow side), and door storage compartments are all provided, meeting practical needs effectively.

In the dynamic driving aspect, the 2023 Axia 1.0 X is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum output of 68PS and a peak torque of 91N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. While the power specifications may not appear impressive, in actual driving, the throttle response is quick during acceleration, making it quite nimble for urban low-speed traffic and overtaking. When the engine revs exceed 4400rpm, torque reaches its peak, and while mid-speed acceleration (such as from 60km/h to 90km/h) is not particularly vigorous, it is sufficient for daily commuting needs. The CVT transmission shifts smoothly, with almost no noticeable jerkiness, which aligns with the tuning style expected in a family car.

As for the chassis, the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension setup is a common configuration in this class. It effectively filters out most vibrations when encountering typical speed bumps or slightly uneven roads in Malaysia. However, larger potholes can result in noticeable bouncing at the rear, which is a common characteristic of small cars. The steering wheel feels light with decent responsiveness, making everyday parking and city lane changes effortless. At higher speeds, the steering becomes slightly heavier, improving stability.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 100km under combined road conditions (30% urban + 70% highway), with an actual fuel consumption of about 4.2L/100km, which is close to the official combined fuel consumption of 4L/100km. The performance met expectations. With a fuel tank capacity of 36L, the full tank range can easily exceed 800km, making it a low-refueling-frequency option for users who often travel short distances or intercity.

As for ride comfort, the cabin's sound insulation performs well at low speeds, with wind and tire noise not being obvious; however, when the speed exceeds 100km/h, wind noise gradually enters the cabin but still remains within an acceptable range. Although the seats are on the firm side, long-time rides (e.g., over 1 hour) do not cause significant fatigue. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents, which enhance the comfort of rear passengers.

Overall, the 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 X's core strengths lie in its "balance and practicality": it comes standard with features like HUD, keyless entry, and automatic headlights, making it highly competitive among A-segment models in the same price range. Its excellent fuel efficiency makes it ideal for users who prioritize low commuting costs. While the space is not particularly spacious, it is adequate for short-distance trips with 5 people or for daily family needs. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Proton Saga, the Axia 1.0 X has an edge in terms of configuration richness, while the Saga has a slight advantage in power parameters. However, the Axia boasts better fuel efficiency and more affordable maintenance costs.

The target audience for this car is: young office workers with a budget of around RM40,000, who need a reliable commuting car; or families needing a second car for daily activities such as school runs and grocery shopping. While it doesn't excel in any single aspect, it effectively meets the needs of its target users with "practicality, fuel efficiency, and sufficient features."

In summary, the 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 X is an A-segment compact car with "no significant weaknesses." Through practical features and reliable performance, it provides Malaysian users with a high-value choice. If you need a reliable, economical, and easy-to-drive car for daily commuting, it would be a great candidate.