2023 Perodua Axia Official – 27.4km/l, 1.0L D-CVT, ASA 3.0, From RM38.6k

After much teasing, the 2023 Perodua Axia is finally official. Not only is it a bigger, sleeker-looking A-segment hatchback now, it also gains some nice creature comforts, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and six airbags – the previous model maxes out at two airbags.

Of course, given the upgrades, the asking prices of the new Axia are also higher now. There are a total of four variants: the base G model is priced at RM38,600, while the X goes for RM40,000. Next is the SE at RM44,000, followed by the range-topping AV variant for RM49,500. These are on-the-road prices without insurance.

Naturally, the highest-end Axia AV gets all the bells and whistles. These include the aforementioned six airbags, ASA 3.0 – consisting of AEB along with lane departure warning and prevention – a reverse camera, as well as LED headlights with auto high beam.

Beyond these differences, all variants of the 2023 Axia are powered by the familiar 1.0L three-cylinder engine (67hp/91Nm), but it is now paired to a D-CVT. This improves the performance and fuel efficiency of the hatchback to an impressive (up to) 27.4km/l. According to Perodua, you can get from KL to Penang with less than RM28 of fuel. Very impressive, especially for a non-hybrid.

Curiously, every trim of the updated Axia features 14-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/65 Toyo Proxes CR1 tyres – yes, even the base G variant gets the same set of wheels.

The 2023 Perodua Axia is now available for booking in Malaysia, and deliveries are set to start today. Retailing from RM36,800, it’s certainly priced higher than its predecessor, but it is also a more complete, larger hatchback now.