Here we go, then! Following several recent chatters from the rumour mill and a genuinely surprising lack of leaks, Perodua has now announced that the all-new 2023 Axia is now open for booking. First details of the second-generation a-segment hatchback, popularly referred to via its development codenamed ‘D74A’ in online communities, are now available on the company’s website.
Details on the second-generation model are understandably sparse right now, but based on the wordings on the cryptic brochure, we understand that (unfortunately) there won’t be a turbocharged engine underneath the bonnet of the all-new Perodua Axia – unlike what the rumours suggested.
Instead, it looks like the ultra-compact hatchback will soldier on with the existing 1KR-VE 1.0L three-cylinder VVT-i engine, making a total of 67 hp and 91 Nm. What’s new here is instead the Dual-mode CVT (D-CVT) gearbox, which will be the standard powertrain combo across all four variants of the all-new Perodua Axia.
Similar to the Perodua Myvi which was updated late 2021, the new split-gear CVT gearbox will help in both reducing fuel consumption, and improving the overall performance of the vehicle. On the former, Perodua claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 25.3 km/l (3.95 l/100 km) for the all-new Axia, jumping up to 27.4 km/l (3.65 l/100km) with the ‘Eco Idle’ auto start-stop feature enabled on the two range-topping variant.
The two range-topping variants, SE and AV, will also come with a ‘Power Mode Drive’ feature, which – like the Perodua Ativa and Myvi – helps tighten the engine and gearbox’s response for a more engaging driving experience.
While we still do not know how the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will look like (aside from the single photo of its front three-quarter view on the brochure), we do know that it’ll be equipped with LED headlights on the three higher-end variants of the model. They will be accompanied by LED daytime-running lights on the SE and AV variants, located in a T-shaped trim on the corners of the front bumper.
The side mirrors get electronic adjustments across all variants, but only the two higher end variants have auto retract functionalaties, along with LED turn signals on the housing. The brochure also mentions a “key-free entry” feature, which we’re guessing will only be available on the range-topping AV variant.
Inside, the AV variant of the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will come equipped with a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster with a digital speedometer readout, similar to what was introduced on the Ativa and Alza. This will be paired to a nine-inch touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system on the dashboard (hopefully with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like the Alza), but all other variants will have to be content with a standard non-touchscreen head-unit.
The range-topping AV variant also stands out with semi-leather two-tone upholstery on the seats, as opposed to the fabric material on the other variants, but both the SE and AV variants will get a “semi-bucket type” seat with a detachable headrest – we’ve seen Perodua throw around this name for a few models now, and should just mean a slightly more supportive backrest compared to their standard offering, the latter now paired to a “pillow heaadrest” on the two lower-end variants.
In terms of safety, the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will also come with a significantly upgraded kit over the outgoing model, with the range-topping AV variant coming with six airbags (front, sides, and curtains) vs two previously. ABS, traction control, and vehicle stability control systems are all standard across the board.
First introduced on the Axia back on the 2019 facelift, the Perodua Smart Drive Assist advanced driver assistance suite will also be included here, presumably also exclusive to the range-topping variant. The system includes features such as autonomous emergency braking and Pedal Misoperation Control, as well as the “Driving Assist” pack with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities – although we’re not too sure about the latter just yet.
The all-new 2023 Perodua Axia will be built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, costing over RM537 million for the development of the model, according to the carmaker. After making its debut here in Malaysia, it will likely be sold as the Daihatsu Ayla and Toyota Agya in other markets, similar to the third-generation Myvi which Perodua also took the lead in development.
Estimated prices for the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia are from RM38,600 for the G variant, rising up to RM49,500 for the range-topping AV variant. This represents a hike of around RM4k-RM6k depending on the variant, however the price of entry for the model is now increased by a significant RM14k, as the previously-available ‘kosong-spec’ E variant will not be available for sale at launch for the all-new model.
At its business briefing event today, Perodua mentions that the entry-level E variant will only be offered at a later date, and will be primarily sold to driving schools.
Five exterior colours will be offered on the all-new model – Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Ivory White, and a new Coral Blue colour.
