Perodua Axia 2023 Review

The A-Segment market has always been the core choice for entry-level consumers in Malaysia, with low fuel consumption, high practicality, and an affordable price being essential features. As the entry-level variant of the lineup, the 2023 Perodua Axia E 1.0 MT is priced at RM 22,000, directly hitting the lowest price point in its class while retaining a 5-door, 5-seat layout and basic safety configurations. In this test drive, our main focus is to verify: can it meet the core needs of daily commuting while maintaining extreme cost-effectiveness?

Approaching the Axia E, the overall exterior design continues the youthful style of the lineup, but the details lean more toward practicality. The front features a simple black plastic intake grille, paired with a combination of halogen and LED headlights. Although it lacks the chrome decorations of higher-end models, the illuminated light clusters provide sufficient recognition. The side profile of the car has straight lines, and its length of 3,645mm and width of 1,620mm make it highly maneuverable in narrow streets and parking lots. The 14-inch steel wheels paired with 175/65 R14 tires are simple in design but align with its entry-level positioning. The rear design is rounded, with horizontally arranged taillights and no complex lines, giving an overall impression of "practicality over excess."

Opening the doors, the interior is predominantly hard plastic, but the stitching workmanship is decent, without noticeable looseness. The center console layout is simple: on the left is a backlit mechanical instrument cluster, in the center is a basic audio control panel, and on the right are manual air-conditioning knobs. All functions can be operated via physical buttons, with a clear logic that allows beginners to quickly get the hang of it. In terms of features, the Axia E comes standard with driver and passenger airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, and ISOFIX child seat anchors, covering basic safety requirements. The front seats are manually adjustable, with firm padding but sufficient support. The backseat can be folded down as a whole; while it lacks a 60:40 split, folding it can expand the storage space and accommodate the transportation of larger items.

Space performance is one of Axia E's highlights. Its 2,455mm wheelbase is not particularly remarkable for the A-Segment, but the actual seating experience exceeds expectations. A 170cm tall passenger in the front row would have one fist's space above their head; in the back row, a 170cm tall passenger would have two fingers of legroom remaining and the same one fist of headroom. While not overly spacious, it’s sufficient for short trips with five adults without feeling too cramped. In terms of storage, the front door panels can hold two 500ml water bottles, there’s a small storage compartment below the center console, and the trunk offers 260L of space, which can easily fit two 20-inch suitcases, meeting the needs for daily shopping or commuting. Additionally, the car is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is convenient for charging devices for rear-row passengers.

Starting the vehicle, the idle noise from the 1.0L naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine is not too obvious. The clutch pedal has a clear biting point with a moderate travel, making it easy for beginners to handle. The engine offers a maximum horsepower of 69PS and maximum torque of 91N·m, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. During takeoff, you need to rev up past 2,000rpm to get sufficient power and avoid stalling. For city commuting in the 20-60km/h speed range, the power response is immediate. Although the gear shift feel isn't overly refined, the gear positions are clear, which suits the frequent shifting in congested traffic conditions. After accelerating to 80km/h, power reserves begin to reduce, and overtaking requires downshifting to increase revs. At highway speeds of 100km/h, the engine runs at around 3,000rpm; while the noise level increases slightly, it remains within acceptable limits.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is on the lighter side with little play, making it very agile for U-turns or parking in daily use. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam semi-independent suspension, tuned more for comfort. It absorbs most minor bumps when going over speed humps or uneven roads, but larger undulations may cause a noticeable bouncing sensation in the rear seats. The vehicle is not equipped with a stability control system, but the ABS anti-lock braking system responds promptly during emergency braking. The brake pedal travel feels moderate, and the braking force is released in a linear manner. Fuel consumption meets expectations, with actual fuel consumption of approximately 5.2L/100km in urban traffic and about 4.0L/100km on highways. Combined with the 33L fuel tank capacity, it can achieve a full-tank range of over 600km, which fully meets the needs of a week’s commute.

As for driving comfort, the Axia E's performance is fairly standard. Engine noise becomes noticeable in the cabin when the engine speed exceeds 3500rpm, though high RPM usage is rare during daily commutes. The tire noise is well-managed on asphalt roads, and wind noise at high speeds is noticeable but does not disrupt normal conversations. The seat support may feel slightly tiring after long drives, but it’s fine for short commutes. Notably, despite being an entry-level model, the cabin sealing is done reasonably well, with no significant sense of drafts.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2023 Perodua Axia E 1.0 MT lies in its "exceptional value for money"—a 5-door, 5-seater model from a joint venture brand at a price of RM 22,000. It is equipped with basic safety features, has low fuel consumption, and sufficient space, completely overshadowing second-hand cars or smaller brand models in the same category. Compared to the G variant within the same series (priced at RM 38,600), the Axia E lacks automatic transmission and a central control touchscreen, but the RM 16,600 savings is a huge attraction for budget-conscious buyers. It is most suitable for first-time buyers with tight budgets, urban commuters, or families looking for a reliable vehicle for daily use. Especially in cities where parking is challenging and traffic is congested, its agility and low running costs shine through.

The Axia E is not a car that makes a statement, but it is a car that works well. It addresses the core need of "getting from nothing to something" at the lowest cost. While it omits unnecessary features, it covers all the essential aspects of daily commuting reliably. If you need an affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicle, the Axia E 1.0 MT is an unmissable choice in the A-segment market.