Malaysian Motor Works

By this month, Perodua has received almost 40,000 bookings, and yeah, a very good response for the first energy efficient vehicle.We know, yet from the official launch of Axia, it will be one of the best selling compact car until the end of the year..maybe next year too. With the price, starting from RM24,600 to the highest spec RM42,530, it would be a good reason why peoples choose to buy despite of the fuel consumptions and ownership-economy factor.

Perodua started with Kancil in 1994 before doing better in the market with Kelisa, Kenari, Rusa, Kembara, MyVi, Viva, and Alza. Belive it or not, Perodua is well performed in Malaysian market compared to the ex big-brother, Proton.

As usual, Perodua promoting Axia with several variants due to sweeping all potential buyers’ preferences: Standard E, Standard G, SE and Advance. All of the variants shared same engine 998cc 1KK-DE2 DOHC 12-valve that’s capable of 66 hp @6,000rpm and 90Nm @ 3,600rpm. It using 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, depends on the variants.

From a good friend, we got the highest spec – Advance version which have ABS, EBD, Brake Assists and twin standard airbags.

From the design, we think it have modern shapes with latest trend and style. Yes, it cute, but for us, sorry to say, the front headlamp look too over-style. Not sure why Perodua deciding to use knobbly headlamp, maybe aerodynamic reason.

This unit comes with a chrome finished honeycomb grille, projector headlights, front fog lamps, electric retractable side mirrors with signal lights, and some other features to differentiate with the base model.

This spec comes with sporty body kit and alloy wheels, and it looks more cute rather the base one. While the interior, it has a very comfort leather semi-bucket seats, multimedia system with Navigation, DVD player, Bluetooth and USB port with charging function. Perodua claims Axia has a capacity of 260 liters boot, and it can be more when the rear seats folded down.

Then the first drive begins. Actually, our first experience, it felt like a Viva. We need to push harder to drive fast. The acceleration was linear and the gear shift still smooth along the test drive. However, the engine sound can be heard clearly when accelerating.

But, we were wondering why the gear knob was designed like a 10 years back van - with a longer stick and low sight of the gear positioning.

We know, this car is built purposely for the town drive. So, we did not want to ask more for speed and acceleration power. The EPS or electrical power-steering is light and we can maneuver around and turn easily when it comes into corners. The suspension is stiffer, better stability and it was better then the Viva. While, the brakes performance is good and more than adequate.

From the fuel consumption aspects, approximately it’s only used almost 5 liters for every 100km. After testing it, we conclude that Axia is value for money, economy and a really suitable for daily town drive.