2023 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV Review

In the Malaysian B-segment hatchback market, the Perodua Myvi has always been a popular choice among family users and young office workers—after all, it strikes a balance between practicality, fuel efficiency, and price. The 2023 Myvi 1.5 AV, as the top variant of the series, stands out by introducing advanced safety features that were previously only available in mid-to-high-end models to this segment, while still maintaining Myvi’s trademark high cost-effectiveness. In this test drive, I mainly want to see whether its actual performance in terms of power and space meets daily needs, and whether the newly added safety features are truly practical.

The exterior of the 2023 Myvi 1.5 AV continues the family-oriented design but looks more refined in detail. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb-patterned insert. The sharp-shaped LED headlights are connected to a chrome trim along the upper edge of the grille, enhancing overall recognition. The side profile is smooth, with 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels featuring a simple design, paired with 185/55 R15 tires for a well-proportioned look. At the rear, the LED taillights are connected by a chrome strip running across the top, while the lower bumper includes black anti-scratch cladding. Overall, the style leans towards youthful sportiness, while maintaining the compactness typical of B-segment models.

Stepping inside, the interior features a predominantly black color scheme. The dashboard is a combination of soft-touch plastic and piano black trim. While the materials are not luxurious, the craftsmanship is more consistent. The top of the dashboard houses a 6.9-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone mirroring, offering decent operational smoothness. The instrument panel is an electroluminescent analog display, which is clear and directly shows information such as RPM, speed, and fuel consumption. In terms of features, the 1.5 AV version comes standard with keyless entry/start, automatic LED headlights, manual front air-conditioning (with digital control and memory function), rear air vents, six airbags, adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, among other safety features. These safety configurations are quite comprehensive for models in the same segment.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 3895mm in length, 1735mm in width, and 1515mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2500mm, which fits the standard dimensions for the B-segment. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having a fist’s worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear row space is moderate, with passengers of the same height getting two fingers of knee room and one fist of headroom, which is adequate for daily family use. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, and when folded down, the trunk capacity can be expanded from 277L to accommodate larger suitcases or baby strollers. In terms of storage space, both the front and rear door panels have cup holders, there is a phone storage slot below the dashboard, and the front central armrest box has moderate capacity, offering good practicality.

The 2023 Myvi 1.5 AV is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 76kW (103PS) and a peak torque of 137N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. During actual driving, the start is relatively quick, and the low RPM torque output is sufficient for urban commuting. Acceleration is smooth and the CVT transmission avoids obvious jerks. When switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and during overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply raises the engine speed above 4000rpm, making the power delivery more direct. However, during high-speed acceleration, the limitations of the naturally aspirated engine become apparent, as the power reserves in the higher range are not particularly strong.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension is tuned for comfort. During daily driving on smooth roads, the chassis performs well in filtering out bumps. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations without noticeable residual tremors. While cornering, the steering is adequately precise with minimal dead zones, and the body roll is within the normal range for B-Segment models. The overall driving experience is stable. The braking performance is standard, with a combination of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes. The brake pedal travel is moderate, and the braking force is released linearly, which is sufficient for daily use.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 4.7L/100km. During actual test drives, urban congestion saw fuel consumption at around 5.5-6L/100km, while highway drives ranged between 4.2-4.5L/100km. The overall fuel efficiency meets expectations, making it economical for family usage.

Regarding ride comfort, the interior noise control is decent. Below 60km/h, wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable. At highway speeds above 100km/h, wind noise increases gradually but does not affect normal conversation. The seats are made of fabric with moderate support and wrapping, ensuring no significant fatigue during long rides. The ACC adaptive cruise control is particularly convenient for highway use, as it automatically follows other vehicles, reducing the burden of long-distance driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV lie in its comprehensive safety features, smooth power output, and economical fuel consumption. Its space offerings meet the needs of routine family usage. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium, the Myvi 1.5 AV has more extensive safety features and a more competitive price (the RM59,900 price tag is on the lower-middle side within the B-Segment).

This car is suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and safety features, or for young professionals who have just started working. It meets the needs of daily commutes and weekend family outings, while its low fuel consumption and the 5-year/150,000 km warranty help reduce long-term maintenance costs. If you don’t require particularly strong performance and place more importance on balance and cost-effectiveness, the Myvi 1.5 AV is a solid choice.

In summary, the 2023 Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV is a well-rounded car with no particularly obvious shortcomings. Its safety features and practicality are its key highlights, making it one of the most worth considering models in the B-Segment market.