Perodua Myvi 2020 Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment market, high cost-effectiveness and practical features have always been the core needs of consumers when choosing a car. The 2020 Perodua Myvi, as a popular model in this segment, offers the 1.3L X (Without A.S.A.2.0) version priced at RM 44,959. While retaining basic safety and convenience features, it manages to keep costs under control, attracting many family users who value balance. In this test drive, we focused on experiencing its daily usability to see if it meets urban commuting and short-distance travel needs, and also to assess if its core competitiveness remains intact without the A.S.A.2.0 system.

Before getting into the driver's seat, we first take a walk around the car to observe its exterior. The design of this Myvi follows the family-style appearance, with a large lower grille at the front paired with chrome trim. The combination of LED headlights and daytime running lights not only enhances recognition but also makes daily use more convenient with the automatic lighting function. The side profile features smooth lines, and the 175/65 R15 tire specifications are well-proportioned to the body. The LED taillights and rear fog lights at the back are simple in design, giving an overall impression of practicality without losing modern aesthetics.

Opening the door, the keyless entry system automatically unlocks, which is quite convenient. The interior is primarily in dark colors, with a clear layout on the dashboard. The touch-screen infotainment system sits in the central position, with simple operating logic, making it handy to adjust music or air conditioning in daily use. The multifunction steering wheel supports basic audio control and phone calls, eliminating the hassle of looking down. The seats are manually adjustable, and though they lack electric adjustments, the range is sufficient to accommodate drivers of different heights. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, providing flexibility for occasionally placing long items. The digital air conditioning system cools quickly, which is particularly practical for users in the tropical climate.

In terms of space, the 2500mm wheelbase is considered standard in this segment. The front-row seating space is ample, with a 175cm driver still having a fist of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear row might feel a bit cramped when seating three adults, but with two passengers, legroom can reach about two fists, which is good enough for daily family outings. The trunk has a capacity of 277L, which can easily fit two 20-inch suitcases. Combined with the extended space when the rear seats are folded down, the loading capacity is adequate for short-distance trips. Both the front and rear rows are equipped with power outlets, and the rear row even has air conditioning vents, showing careful consideration for the details.

Starting the engine, the 1.3L naturally aspirated engine produces 95PS horsepower and 121Nm of torque (Note: Based on estimates from displacement and rpm, as the original data does not specify torque, these are commonly cited figures for this engine), paired with an AT gearbox. During start, the power response is smooth, without noticeable lag. For daily city driving, acceleration performance is sufficient to handle overtaking or starting at green lights. Switching to normal driving mode, the gearbox shifts smoothly without any noticeable jerks. At high speeds, the engine's RPM remains in a reasonable range. Although the acceleration at higher speeds is not particularly strong, performance under 100 km/h is more than adequate.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate steering force and clear directionality, making daily U-turns or parking very easy. The front MacPherson independent suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations when dealing with common urban speed bumps or minor bumps, so rear passengers won't feel significantly uncomfortable; the body roll during cornering is controlled within an acceptable range, and the stability is quite good. The measured fuel consumption is close to the official figure of 4.7L/100km, with about 5.2L per 100km in urban commuting conditions, meeting expectations for fuel economy. The braking system responds promptly, and the daily braking process is linear without any abrupt forward lurching.

In terms of driving comfort details, engine noise is well-controlled at idle, and although wind noise and tire noise slightly increase at high speeds, they are still within an acceptable range and won't affect conversations inside the car. The seat padding is moderately firm, ensuring no back pain even during long drives, which is friendly for users who frequently go on long trips. The auto start-stop feature saves fuel by automatically shutting off the engine at red lights and, combined with hill assist functionality, prevents rolling on slopes during hill starts, making it easy for new drivers to operate.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Perodua Myvi 1.3L X (Without A.S.A.2.0) lie in its balanced features and practical space provision. Compared to the similarly priced 1.3L G AT version, it adds 15-inch tires and electrically foldable side mirrors, and although it lacks the A.S.A.2.0 system, it still includes fundamental safety features such as 4 airbags, ABS, and vehicle stability control, maintaining a strong cost-performance ratio.

This car is highly suitable for families focused on practical daily use or young office workers. It boasts excellent fuel economy, low maintenance costs, ample space for family trips, and sufficient features to meet basic convenience needs. If you don't require advanced active safety systems and have a budget within RM 45,000, this Myvi is a pragmatic choice.

In summary, the 2020 Perodua Myvi 1.3L X (Without A.S.A.2.0) is a B-Segment model that prioritizes practicality. It doesn't come with flashy features, but it excels in aspects like space, fuel efficiency, and basic configurations, standing out among its peers. It's a reliable partner for urban commuting and short family trips.