The highly anticipated 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift is here, and it is the best iteration of the B-segment hatchback yet. After all, the refreshed Myvi has received over 4,000 bookings in only nine days, and deliveries have already started yesterday.

If you’re thinking of getting the new Myvi, consider going for the range-topping AV variant. It is worth every single sen, and we’ll outline exactly why it offers the best value for your money in this article.

So…how much does the top-of-the-line AV trim of the 2022 Myvi cost? Well, it is priced at RM58,800, and for that kind of money, you’re getting quite a number of attractive features, including the full suite of Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system.

This really is one of the best reasons to get the AV variant. With the full PSDA system, the Myvi AV meets the criteria for level 2 autonomous driving, thanks to the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control (throttle operation) and Lane Keep Control (steering).

See, level 2 autonomous driving at this price point is unheard of, and Perodua is rightfully highlighting this particular aspect of the new Myvi. “This is the first time in Malaysian history that a car company is offering a car with autonomous level 2 technology priced under RM60,000,” said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Now, do keep in mind that other variants of the Myvi – except for the base 1.3L G model – are equipped with PSDA too, but it is limited to Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control, Front Departure Alert, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Only the AV variant gets ACC and LKC.

While we’re on the topic of safety, it’s worth noting that the AV and H variants of the updated Myvi – the two highest-end offerings, naturally – get six airbags, so that’s another reason to go for the AV (or H) model. The G and X trim levels only get four airbags, omitting the curtain airbags.

In the event of a side impact crash, curtain airbags are essential to protect an occupant’s head. Needless to say, it can literally be a lifesaver, even if the likelihood of a side impact crash is lower than that of a front or rear-end collision.

Aside from safety, the Myvi AV is also the only variant to get a number of creature comforts. These include bright red and black leather seats, an integrated dashcam – so you don’t have to install one on your own – a reverse camera, and a more pleasant-looking instrument cluster finished in red.

Given that you’re getting all of these upgrades from the H variant (RM53,900) for only RM4,900 more, it’s almost a no-brainer to get this AV trim. Plus, when this price difference is put into a five-year or seven-year loan, it doesn’t increase the monthly commitment too much either.

As for the facelifted Myvi as a whole, it’s a markedly improved hatchback over its predecessor. It finally gets daylight running lights – though this is limited to the H and AV variants – 5% better fuel efficiency, as well as improved acceleration despite still being powered by the same 1.5L engine that outputs 102hp and 136Nm of torque.

This is thanks to the new D-CVT gearbox of the facelifted Myvi; the very same one found in the Perodua Ativa. Compared to the previous model, the 0-100km/h acceleration of the hatchback has improved by 20%. It takes only 10.2 seconds for the 1.5L variants to do the century sprint, and 11.5 seconds for the 1.3L models.

Oh, as for fuel efficiency, the 1.3L variants of the new Myvi can return up to 22.2km per litre, while the more powerful 1.5L models can do 21.1km per litre, which is still quite respectable.

Of course, while I personally believe the range-topping AV variant of the Myvi facelift offers the best value for money, other trim levels of the B-segment hatchback are still worth considering. This is especially the case if the AV’s RM58,800 price tag doesn’t quite fit your budget.

If so, I’d say the Myvi X (RM49,900) is the next best option if you’re looking at sheer value for money. After all, for only RM2,200 more compared to the 1.3L G variant with PSDA, you’re getting a more powerful 1.5L engine, not to mention larger 15-inch alloy wheels and automatic LED headlights.

But is it worth paying extra RM8,900 to upgrade to the AV variant over the X trim? In my opinion, absolutely.

Nonetheless, the new 2022 Perodua Myvi is a great facelift over the previous model. The extra upgrades definitely justify the higher asking prices, and to get level 2 autonomous driving below the RM60,000 price point – at least, while the sales tax exemption is still in place until 30 June 2022 – the new Myvi really does offer fantastic value for money.