2023 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G Review

The B-segment hatchback has always been a key battleground in the Malaysian market. Consumers value both the economic aspect of daily commuting as well as practicality and safety features—after all, this is the first car for many families. The 2023 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G, as the core variant of the lineup, offers several active safety features as standard for under RM50,000, which is quite a rare offering in this segment. In this test drive, we focus on its static experience, performance, and everyday practicality to see if it can continue its reputation as the "people's car."

From the exterior, the 2023 Myvi 1.3 G retains the family design language with overall smooth lines that appear rounded but not bulky. The front's large lower grille, paired with chrome trims, enhances the horizontal visual width; LED headlights are standard, with sharp styling and high recognition when illuminated, appearing more spirited than the previous halogen lamps. The side profile features a waistline running from the front to the rear, complemented by 14-inch alloy wheels (though not large in size, the style is much more refined than steel wheels), resulting in well-proportioned aesthetics. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights echoing the headlights, while the black plastic trim under the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. It's worth mentioning that the body panel gaps are even, and the paint quality is above average for vehicles in this price range.

Inside, the Myvi 1.3 G's interior layout is clear and practical. The dashboard uses hard plastic materials but features textured finishing to avoid looking cheap. The air conditioning section has manual single-zone controls but comes with digital display and memory functions, making adjustments intuitive and convenient. A multifunction steering wheel is standard, with the left-side buttons controlling volume, track changes, and phone answering, while the right side switches the instrument panel displays, making everyday use seamless. The instrument cluster is a backlit analog design with speedometer and tachometer that are easy to read. A small screen in the middle provides basic information like fuel consumption and mileage. The seats are fabric, with manual adjustment available for the front; the seat pads and backrests offer decent support, ensuring comfort over long periods. The rear seats are split-folding 60:40, with a moderate backrest angle. A 175cm-tall passenger sitting in the rear would have about a fist's worth of legroom and sufficient headroom without hitting the ceiling. In terms of storage, the door panels' compartments can hold two 500ml water bottles, while a small tray below the dashboard provides space for phones. The armrest box also has enough space for small items. The trunk capacity is 277L, which is enough for groceries or two carry-on suitcases. Folding down the rear seats provides additional space for carrying larger items occasionally.

As for performance, the Myvi 1.3 G is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, producing a maximum output of 95PS and a peak torque of 121Nm, paired with a CVT transmission. In practice, the power response at start-up feels brisk; pressing the accelerator results in noticeable acceleration, making it suitable for urban driving and overtaking. While mid-to-high range acceleration is not particularly strong, the speed increase up to 80km/h is sufficient. On highways, overtaking requires pressing the accelerator harder, causing the CVT to simulate gear shifts and increase the RPM to over 4000rpm. At this point, engine noise becomes somewhat noticeable but remains within an acceptable range. Two driving modes are available: Normal and Eco. In Eco mode, throttle response is softer, making it more suitable for daily commutes and slightly improving fuel efficiency. The official combined fuel consumption is 4.5L/100km. During our week-long test drive, with equal parts city and highway driving, the actual fuel consumption was approximately 5.2L/100km, which aligns with expectations.

In terms of handling, the Myvi 1.3 G features MacPherson independent suspension in the front and torsion beam non-independent suspension at the rear. While driving in the city, the suspension can filter out most small bumps, and the vibrations when going over speed bumps are not too stiff; on winding roads, the body roll is well-controlled, the steering wheel has moderate weight, and the direction is quite precise, making it easy to drive. The braking performance is stable, with a linear pedal feel, and the stopping distance meets the standards for vehicles of this class. In terms of noise control, wind noise and road noise are barely noticeable at speeds below 60 km/h. However, once the speed exceeds 80 km/h, wind noise starts to come in from the A-pillars but doesn't affect in-car conversations.

Safety features are a major highlight of the Myvi 1.3 G. It comes standard with ABS anti-lock braking, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and an autonomous emergency braking system. Additionally, there are 4 airbags and seatbelt reminders for all seats. These features are not commonly found in B-segment models of the same price range, especially the active safety features, which provide extra security during daily driving. The reverse sensors are also standard, making them very practical for new drivers.

Overall, the 2023 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G has very obvious advantages: it is affordable, well-equipped with safety features, fuel-efficient, and practical in terms of space. Compared to its competitor, the Proton Iriz, it offers richer active safety features and has lower fuel consumption. Compared to the Honda Jazz, it has a more competitive pricing and offers better value for money. This car is suitable for families focusing on practicality and safety, especially those with a budget of around 50,000 MYR who need a vehicle for daily commuting and occasional family outings. If you're looking for a reliable, hassle-free, and well-balanced B-segment hatchback, the Myvi 1.3 G is a great choice.