Perodua Myvi 2022 Review

In Malaysia's B-segment hatchback market, consumers generally value "balance and practicality"—seeking fuel efficiency for daily commuting without compromising on safety features. The 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA, as the entry-level model of the series, includes the PSDA (Perodua Smart Drive Assist) active safety system at a price of RM 46,500, which is uncommon in vehicles of the same price range. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its "high cost-performance ratio" lives up to its name, as well as whether its overall performance in daily use can meet the needs of family users.

From the exterior, this Myvi continues the family design of the series, featuring smooth yet non-bulky lines overall. The front features a moderately sized front grille paired with an L-shaped chrome trim that connects to the LED headlights on both sides, enhancing the visual width. The side of the car maintains the compactness of a hatchback, with a waistline extending from the taillight to the front fender. Although the 175/65 R14 tire specification leans towards a utilitarian design, it is proportionate to the car's body. At the rear, the taillight set adopts a horizontal design with integrated LED lighting, while the black plastic surrounds on the lower rear bumper add a touch of practicality. Its overall recognizability in the same segment is above average.

Sitting inside, the interior theme uses dark tones, and the dashboard is made of hard plastic, yet the seams are well controlled, leaving no obvious sense of cheapness. The multifunctional steering wheel supports volume adjustments and call handling, with a clear operation logic and a comfortable grip. The instrument panel features backlit analog gauges for the tachometer, speedometer, and fuel level, making information easy to read during daily driving. Below the center console is a manual single-zone air conditioner equipped with digital control and memory functions. The adjustment knobs have a clear damping feel, enabling easy use even while driving. Notably, the front row is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is particularly useful for users needing to connect external devices. The seats are fabric-covered with manually adjustable front-row seats. The headrests are set at a suitable height, and back support during long drives is moderate. The rear seats support 60:40 split-folding, expanding the trunk space to occasionally accommodate larger items.

In terms of space, the car dimensions are 3895mm/1735mm/1515mm in length, width, and height, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2500mm, which is standard in the B-segment. When a 175cm tall passenger is seated in the front row, there is a one-fist clearance for headroom and adequate legroom. For two passengers of the same height in the rear, legroom measures approximately two fists, and headroom one fist. The slight bulge in the central floor does not pose a significant issue for short-term middle-seat occupants. The trunk has a default capacity of 277L, sufficient to accommodate two 20-inch suitcases and some smaller items, meeting the needs of short family trips. The back seat is equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors, a necessary feature for families with children.

In terms of performance, this car is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum output of 95PS, with peak torque available at 4000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the initial acceleration response is relatively linear with no obvious lag, making the car suitable for following traffic in crowded urban areas. When accelerating to 60km/h, the power output remains smooth, but overtaking requires a deeper throttle press. The transmission mimics gear shifting by increasing the RPM above 4000rpm, which noticeably enhances power. However, at high speeds (e.g., above 100km/h), power reserves for further acceleration are average, making it more apt for low to mid-speed conditions. There are only economic and normal driving modes. Under the economic mode, the throttle response slightly softens, making it suitable for daily commuting to reduce fuel consumption.

In terms of handling, the front suspension uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. When driving on urban roads, the suspension can filter out most vibrations when passing speed bumps and small bumpy surfaces, so passengers inside the car will not feel significant jolts. During cornering, body roll is kept within an acceptable range, the steering wheel is light with minimal slack, and the steering is precise enough for everyday driving. The braking performance is average, with the brake pedal having a moderate travel distance, a linear release of braking force, and a stable body posture during emergency braking.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 4.5L/100km. During our test of mixed road conditions, consisting of urban traffic (about 30%) and highways (about 70%), the actual fuel consumption was about 5.2L/100km. Considering the use of air conditioning and loading during actual driving, this result is as expected. With a fuel tank capacity of 36L, the full tank range is approximately 690km, which is enough to meet one week's commuting needs.

In terms of driving comfort, the vehicle's noise control performs well. Below 60km/h, tire noise and engine noise are not noticeable, while at highway speeds (100km/h), wind noise enters through the A-pillars but does not affect normal conversations. The fabric seat material has good breathability, so it doesn't feel stuffy even during long summer journeys. The rear seats are equipped with fixed headrests, which provide basic neck support. However, it should be noted that this car does not come with a reversing camera, only rear parking sensors, which may require some adaptation for beginners.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA lies in its "value for money" — with a price of RM 46,500, you can get a model equipped with active safety systems (such as forward collision warning and vehicle stability control), which is rare among B-segment hatchbacks in the same price range. Compared to the 1.3 G model of the same series (priced at RM 48,500), it lacks lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking, but it's RM 2,000 cheaper, making it more appealing for budget-conscious users.

This car is suitable for families who prioritize practicality and safety, especially in scenarios of daily commuting and short family trips. It offers adequate space for small families, economic fuel efficiency, and reassuring safety features. If you don't require advanced driver assistance systems and your budget is between RM 45,000-50,000, this car would be a good choice.

In conclusion, the 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA is a family hatchback with "no significant shortcomings." It offers impressive safety features and practical performance at an entry-level price, making it one of the most value-for-money choices in the B-segment market.