Perodua Myvi Review

In the local B-segment hatchback market, the Perodua Myvi has always been an unavoidable option—it understands the practical space needs of family users and also meets the basic configuration expectations of young buyers. This time, we tested the 2023 Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA, which is one of the most budget-friendly versions in the entire series, priced at only RM 46,500 while retaining many key features. We want to see if it can maintain Myvi’s consistent balanced performance while keeping costs under control, and whether the addition of the PSDA (Perodua Smart Drive Assist) system allows it to match the safety levels of higher-spec models.

Approaching the car, the exterior of the 2023 Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA continues the family-style design, with simple and clean overall lines, free of excessive decorations. The trapezoidal front grille paired with chrome trim connects to the LED headlights on both sides, creating a relatively refined visual effect; the side profile features a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, making the 4-door hatchback shape appear more elongated; the horizontally arranged LED taillights at the back offer decent recognition when lit. Although it uses 175/65 R14 tires and steel wheels, the overall proportion is balanced and doesn't appear too flimsy for daily commuting.

Opening the door and sitting inside, the interior is predominantly black, and the center console features a clear and intuitive layout. A multifunction steering wheel comes standard, integrating buttons for functions such as volume control and phone answering, making operation very convenient; the instrument cluster is a backlit analog type, clearly displaying information like speed, RPM, and fuel level, which remains visible even under strong light. The seats are fabric, with manual adjustment available for the front, offering moderate support and allowing for comfortable long drives without noticeable fatigue. In terms of configuration, keyless entry and start is a standout feature, making it convenient to open the door and start the vehicle without needing to take out the key; the front air conditioning is manually controlled with a single zone but includes digital display and memory functions, allowing you to precisely set the temperature. However, it is a bit disappointing that this version does not come equipped with a central touchscreen; nonetheless, the basic audio system with four speakers is sufficient for everyday music listening needs.

In terms of space performance, the Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA has a wheelbase of 2500mm. After adjusting the front seat to a comfortable position, a 175cm-tall passenger still has about a fist’s worth of headroom; for the same height passenger seated in the rear, there’s a two-fist gap for legroom and around four fingers of headroom, which is a decent performance for a B-segment car. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold function, allowing an expansion of the trunk space. The original 277L trunk can easily fit two 20-inch suitcases, and after folding the seats, it can even accommodate a baby stroller or a folding bicycle. As for storage spaces, the front door panels can hold two water bottles, the center armrest and glove compartment provide sufficient room for small items, and the rear door panels also have storage slots. These details are thoughtfully considered.

In terms of dynamic driving, the Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 95PS and a peak torque output at 4000rpm. Paired with a CVT transmission, the power response during acceleration is relatively smooth, making it suitable for following traffic in the city; pressing the accelerator harder for acceleration increases the engine speed above 4000rpm, at which point there’s a noticeable burst of power, allowing for easy overtaking with some anticipation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is cited as 11.5 seconds, which is average among models with the same displacement. It’s entirely adequate for daily commuting, though it’s not designed for spirited driving.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel feels lightweight, so even women drivers won’t find it burdensome, and the steering precision is satisfactory. When cornering, the direction of the front wheels can be felt distinctly. The chassis features a combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension absorbs most of the jolts, resulting in a smooth ride without jarring impacts. On the highway, the vehicle’s stability is also commendable, and it doesn’t feel floaty even at a cruising speed of 110km/h. One notable feature is the PSDA system. Although this version of the PSDA does not include lane departure warning or active braking which are present in higher-spec models, it retains the forward collision warning functionality. This feature alerts the driver when the distance to the vehicle in front becomes overly close, enhancing driving safety to some extent.

Fuel efficiency has always been a strong suit of the Myvi, with an official combined fuel consumption rate of 4.5L/100km. During our one-week test, mostly conducted on congested urban roads with occasional highway driving, the actual fuel consumption was approximately 5.2L/100km. This figure is very user-friendly for daily commuting, and with a full 36L tank, the vehicle can travel over 600 kilometers, reducing the hassle of frequent refueling. As for noise control, the engine noise is minimal at low speeds, but wind and tire noise gradually become noticeable when the speed exceeds 80km/h. However, it remains within an acceptable range and won’t hinder normal conversations among passengers inside the car.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA are very clear: it’s affordable, practically equipped, fuel-efficient, and offers a balanced performance in terms of space. Compared to competitors in the same price range, features like the keyless entry system, LED headlights, and PSDA forward collision warning are definite advantages. Although it lacks a central control screen and higher-end active safety configurations, its basic functionalities are sufficient to meet the needs of most users.

This car is most suitable for families on a budget who are looking for a balanced performer or for new drivers who’ve just obtained their licenses. It’s easy to drive and park, economical in fuel consumption, and has low maintenance costs. It is capable of handling daily commutes, school runs, or short weekend trips. If you’re looking for more advanced smart features, you can consider spending an additional 2,000 to upgrade to the 1.3 G variant, which includes lane departure warning and active braking. However, if your budget is tight, the 1.3 G with PSDA already delivers the core Myvi experience: practicality, reliability, and fuel efficiency.

Overall, the 2023 Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA remains a "balanced" choice in the B-segment market, with no obvious shortcomings. It offers the core advantages of the Myvi at the lowest price, making it a worthwhile option for users who prioritize value for money.