Daihatsu Ayla 2023 Review

In Malaysia's A-segment compact car market, consumers' demand for value for money and practicality has always been the core, especially for young families and urban commuters who need a car that is flexible and easy to drive, while wanting features that are not compromised. The 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT, as the mid-range automatic version of the series, focuses on the combination of "entry-level price + class-leading features", such as keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers, which are typically found in higher-priced models but are included in its feature list. In this test drive, we mainly evaluate whether its power is sufficient for daily use, whether its space is practical, and whether these "class-leading features" truly enhance the user experience.

Looking at the exterior, the Ayla 1.0 X CVT retains the typical compact and flexible design of the A-segment, with dimensions of 3760mm in length, 1665mm in width, and 1515mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2525mm, making it easy to navigate through narrow urban roads and parking spaces. The front features a simple horizontal grille flanked by halogen automatic headlights, which, although not overly designed, give it a noticeable identity. The car's side profile is characterized by straight lines, and the 14-inch tires with a 175/65 R14 specification ensure basic grip while also balancing comfort. At the rear, the taillights are arranged vertically, blending naturally with the body lines, and the overall design follows a practical approach, devoid of excessive embellishments.

Opening the door, the interior predominantly uses dark tones. Although most of the materials are hard plastics, the seams are well-controlled, avoiding any significant sense of cheapness. The dashboard layout is clear, with a touchscreen infotainment display on top and physical air conditioning controls below, making operation straightforward without requiring too much attention. Notable features include a keyless entry system, which is very convenient as you can unlock the car without taking out the key; rain-sensing wipers automatically adjust their speed in rainy conditions, eliminating the hassle of manual adjustments; and electrically folding side mirrors can be retracted with a press of a button when parked, avoiding potential scrapes from adjacent vehicles. The instrument cluster is a digital multifunction display that clearly shows speed, fuel level, and engine RPM, making information easy to read. The seats are manually adjustable and made of fabric material with soft padding, making them comfortable even for long periods of sitting. The rear seats support a 60:40 split, allowing for expanded storage space when carrying longer items.

Regarding space, once the front row is adjusted to a comfortable sitting position, a 175cm-tall passenger still has about a fist’s worth of headroom and sufficient legroom. In the rear row, two adult passengers can sit with around two fists of legroom from the back of the front seats and one fist of headroom, without feeling cramped. If three adults sit in the rear, the slightly raised middle floor might cause some discomfort on long trips, but it's fine for short rides in a pinch. As for storage space, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, and there’s a small storage compartment below the dashboard for a phone. The armrest box isn’t very spacious but can store some small items. The trunk’s standard capacity can accommodate two 20-inch suitcases, and with the rear seats folded down, it can fit a stroller or a folding bicycle, meeting the needs of daily family shopping or short trips.

The powertrain of Ayla 1.0 X CVT is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 67PS and a maximum torque of 95N·m (Note: The torque value provided here is based on displacement and parameters estimation; actual values may vary). It is paired with a CVT gearbox. During daily city driving, the power response is quite swift during startup. At speeds below 60km/h, the acceleration is sufficient for starting and overtaking at traffic lights; however, when the speed exceeds 80km/h, further acceleration requires a deep press of the accelerator pedal, which causes the engine RPM to rise above 4000, resulting in significantly increased noise. That said, cruising steadily at 100km/h on the highway is still relatively stable. The gearbox provides a good level of smoothness, with no noticeable jerking, making it suitable for daily commutes.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of this segment. The steering wheel has a relatively light feel, making it easy for women to drive without much effort. The steering accuracy is decent, without significant dead zones. The front suspension uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsional beam non-independent suspension, which filters out most fine vibrations when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads. However, rear-seat passengers might feel slight bouncing. While cornering, the body roll is not overly noticeable, ensuring a stable driving experience during daily use. As for fuel consumption, we drove the car across equal distances on city roads and highways, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of approximately 5.8L/100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 36L, a full tank allows around 600 kilometers of range, which is favorable for daily commuters.

For driving comfort, the noise control of the Ayla 1.0 X CVT is average. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind and tire noise become noticeably audible inside the cabin, but at low speeds on city roads, the interior remains relatively quiet. The seats offer good support without noticeable gaps in the lumbar area, making long drives less fatiguing. Convenience-enhancing features like automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are practical in everyday use. Especially on rainy days, the rain-sensing wipers can automatically adjust their speed, eliminating the need for frequent manual operation.

In conclusion, the core advantage of the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT lies in its cost-effectiveness. For a price of RM50,500, you can get features like keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors, which are relatively rare in this segment. Compared to models like the Perodua Axia, Ayla offers richer configurations; and compared to the Proton Saga, its smaller size makes it more maneuverable for urban commuting. However, the power might feel inadequate on highways, and the interior is predominantly made of hard plastic, which are aspects to be aware of.

This car's target audience is quite clear: firstly, city commuters who value a compact body and agile handling to navigate traffic and tight parking spaces effortlessly; secondly, young families who need enough rear space for two children, a trunk that fits a stroller and daily shopping items, along with features catering to basic comfort needs. If your budget is around RM50,000 and you're looking for a practical, easy-to-drive, easy-to-park compact car, the Ayla 1.0 X CVT is definitely worth considering.

Overall, the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT is a practical small car with "no obvious shortcomings." It offers advanced features for an entry-level price, and its space and fuel efficiency can meet daily needs. While the power is not particularly strong, it is entirely sufficient for urban and short-distance highway use. For consumers who value cost-effectiveness and practicality, it is a pragmatic choice.