PETALING JAYA: Perodua launched its all-new Axia today, setting a new benchmark in safety, fuel efficiency and features.
It comes in four variants of G, X , SE and AV priced at RM38,600, RM40,000 RM44,000 and RM49,500 respectively.
The new generation sees an increase in prices of between RM4,000 and RM5,000 from the previous generation.
However, Perodua still retained the manual variant of the first-gen Axia mainly to cater to driving schools.
Among new features offered in the top model variant are auto high beam with LED lights, semi-leather seats, six airbags, multi-function steering wheel, blind spot detection, 9-inch LCD touchscreen, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert.
At the launch, the first three buyers of the model were presented a mock number plate to their new cars.
Perodua was at pains to emphasise that the D74A Axia was not a cheap car but a "cost-optimised car" that had set a new standard for entry-level cars and offers the best value for money in its price range. The new Axia has been awarded a 4-star Asean NCAP rating.
Perodua president and CEO Datuk Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the model's annual production target has been set at 82,000 units and the company expects to sell 5,700 units a month.
The production run of the previous generation Axia, which was among the best-selling cars in Malaysia, ran from September 2014 to last month, with 582,728 units sold.
Perodua president Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the new model was aimed at young buyers and those looking for an affordable and stylish first car with advanced features.
"The all-new Axia was not only designed by Malaysians for the Malaysian market but also for export to Asean countries," he said.
The front of the Axia bears a strong resemblance to Perodua's current family line-up.
At the rear, the light assembly is the bulb-type, away from LEDs previously.
The new Axia has also grown in size, making it bigger compared with the previous generation model.
It has an overall length of 3,760mm and is 115mm longer than the older vehicle.
The new model is also wider at 1,665mm (+45mm) and has a longer wheelbase at 2,465mm (+60mm) in comparison.
To provide a sleek proportion and better aerodynamics, the new Axia gets a 15mm lower height at 1,495mm and a lower ground clearance of 150mm (-20mm).
The turning radius for the new Axia is also the same as the outgoing model at 4.5m to allow the same level of manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
However, the new Axia is 20kg to 30kg heavier depending on the corresponding variants.
The RM546mil project to build the second generation Axia started in October 2019 under the codename D74A with development requiring some 300,000 man hours including assistance from Daihatsu Motor Co.
Built on the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, the new Axia promises higher levels of handling stability and drivability.
While the 1.0-litre three-cylinder DVVT engine (1KR-VE) with 69hp and 90Nm of torque is carried over from the previous Axia, the new model gets a dual mode continuously variable transmission (D-CVT) for smoother performance and enhanced fuel efficiency.
The new Axia has an 8% higher fuel efficiency of 23.3km per litre compared with the previous generation model's 21.6 km/l under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
Aside from having higher quality body sealing, the new Axia also comes with an air intake with a labyrinth pathway placed at a higher position to improve wading performance over light flash floods.
Available colours are Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Ivory White and the newly introduced Coral Blue.
Standard items across all variants include anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability control, keyless entry, reverse sensor, and ISOFIX child seat restraints. The boot can fit 4 suitcases.
The entry-level G variant comes with two airbags, speed-activated power-door lock, 14-inch wheels, halogen headlights, fabric seats and a monotone instrument panel.
The next X variant gets improved items such as LED headlamps with automatic switch-on and manual levelling features, tilt steering, follow me home light, front corner sensors and smart entry with push start button.
The SE version comes with more upgraded equipment, among them LED daytime running lights, Power Mode steering switch, digital air-conditioner control, front and side skirting, semi-bucket seats and a chrome front grille.
The top-of-the-range AV is the most well-equipped, featuring six airbags, 9-inch LCD touchscreen with HDMI, 7-inch TFT multi-info display, steering switches for Power Mode, Multi-info display and audio, automatic high beam, lane departing warning and prevention, blindspot monitor, rearcross-trafficc alert, reverse camera, leather steering wheel and Advance Safety Assist (ASA) 3.
A week earlier before the launch on Tuesday, Perodua arranged for several Axia units in camouflage for the media to test drive briefly around the Sepang area.
The dashboard layout in the AV variant which we drove is more refined and current, featuring a dark interior with bright metallic inserts along with the large freestanding centre display and an all-electronic instrument panel.
The centre console is also slightly angled towards the driver to mimic a cockpit-like feel.
The semi-leather seats along with the leather steering wheel combination provided a nice tactile feel and a more upmarket appearance.
As the 1.0-litre engine is tuned for efficiency, we had to work the accelerator to wring out full power as we drove with three persons on-board.
Revving the engine to 6,000rpm would raise the sound level in the cabin but Axia buyers are likely to drive at a slower pace where it would be quieter.
Once the Axia has picked up momentum, driving the little car was more enjoyable as we could easily zip around trunk roads that had gentle curves.
Running on 14-inch wheels with suspension tuned towards comfort and equipped with responsive electric steering, the Axia delivered good handling and manoeuvrability.
Whether it's a vehicle for the first-time car buyer or used as a second vehicle, the new Axia is expected to find plenty of buyers with its sub-RM50,000 price tag.
