Daihatsu Ayla Review

In Malaysia, the A-segment market has always been a battleground for economical and practical small cars. Consumers value affordability while also hoping for decent features. The 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT, as the mid-level automatic model in the series, enters the market with a price tag of RM 50,500. Its key selling points lie in balanced features and the hassle-free CVT transmission. This time, we got a chance to test the actual vehicle to see if its performance in daily commuting and short family trips can truly meet mainstream needs.

At first glance, the Ayla 1.0 X CVT has a round and cute overall design, which corresponds to the typical positioning of A-segment small cars. At the front, the large lower grille is paired with halogen headlights on both sides. While the design isn't overly aggressive, the car remains recognizable. The body lines extend from the front to the rear, with a less pronounced waistline, but the 175/65 R14 tire size is wider than the base model's 155/80 R13, offering a more balanced visual appearance. The rear design is relatively simple, with vertically arranged tail lights that appear distinct when illuminated. However, the overall design follows a practical rather than flashy style.

Opening the door, the interior features a predominantly dark color scheme. While hard plastics are largely used, the seams at the joints are fairly even. The layout of the center console is clear, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the center supporting basic audio playback functions and offering moderate responsiveness. Below it, physical buttons for AC adjustment are retained, making blind operation quite convenient. In terms of features, this car comes equipped with keyless entry/start, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding side mirrors. These features are quite user-friendly for this price range, especially the power-folding side mirrors, which are very practical when parking in tight spaces. The seats are made of fabric and can be manually adjusted in the front. The backrest and cushion provide average support but are still comfortable for long rides. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 configuration, expanding the trunk space when needed. This makes it suitable for carrying a stroller or small-sized luggage for daily use.

As for the car's size, the Ayla measures 3760mm in length, 1665mm in width, and 1515mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2525mm, placing it in the mid-range of the A-segment. The front row provides adequate space, with about a fist's amount of headroom for a 175cm-tall passenger. The legroom in the rear is around two fists, with about one fist of headroom. While seating three adults in the rear may feel a bit cramped, it's fine for short trips. Regarding storage, the door panels can accommodate two water bottles, though the center armrest box is small and can only hold some scattered items. The trunk offers a regular storage capacity of about 260L, sufficient for daily shopping or short trips. Additionally, the car is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet for passengers to charge their devices conveniently.

In terms of performance, the Ayla 1.0 X CVT is powered by a 1.0L naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 67PS and a peak torque of 90N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the power output at the start feels relatively smooth, requiring a harder press on the accelerator to achieve noticeable acceleration. When driving at low to medium speeds, the transmission performs quite smoothly with no obvious jerking. However, due to the limited power reserve, overtaking at high speeds requires ample planning. The car only offers a standard driving mode with no sport mode, and the overall tuning leans towards comfort.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a relatively light steering effort, with average precision and a slightly large dead zone, but it is flexible enough for daily commuting. The suspension adopts a combination of front MacPherson strut suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, which is tuned on the softer side. It absorbs most minor bumps when crossing speed bumps or uneven roads; however, the body roll is quite noticeable when cornering at high speed. Nevertheless, this is a common trait of A-segment small cars. The brake pedal feels soft, and the braking effect in the initial phase is not very apparent, which requires some adaptation.

Fuel consumption is one of the highlights of this car. We drove 50km each on congested city roads and highways, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 5.8L/100km. Based on the 36L fuel tank capacity, the full-tank range can reach about 600km, making it very fuel-efficient for everyday commuting. In terms of noise control, the engine noise is not noticeable at low speeds, but once the RPM exceeds 3000, the engine roar can be heard inside the cabin; at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are also quite apparent. However, this is within the normal range for cars in the same price segment.

Overall, the 2023 Daihatsu Ayla 1.0 X CVT's core advantages lie in its balanced configuration and impressive fuel economy. Compared with the similarly priced Perodua Axia 1.0 AV, Ayla's suggested retail price is about RM 2,000 higher, but it comes with electric folding mirrors and rain-sensing wipers, giving it a slight edge in features. Compared with the Proton Saga 1.3 Standard, Ayla has relatively weaker power, but its smaller body size makes it more suitable for urban commuting. This car is ideal for buyers with a budget of around RM 50,000, who value fuel efficiency and basic configurations, and mainly need it for daily commuting and short family trips. It is especially suitable for young people who have just started working or for a family's second car. If you are looking for more power, the 1.2L version may be worth considering, but if it is just for daily commutes, the 1.0 X CVT is more than adequate.