Perodua Axia

The Perodua Axia is an entry-level A-segment five-door hatchback produced by Malaysia's second national carmaker, Perodua. The model made its official debut in September 2014 as the successor to the Perodua Viva. Sitting as the most accessible and affordable model in Perodua's line-up, the Axia is tailored for economical urban commuting, with key rivals including the Proton Iriz and its stablemate, the Perodua Myvi. As of July 2025, cumulative sales of the Perodua Axia in Malaysia have surpassed 790,000 units, cementing its status as one of the country's perennial best-sellers.

Design Language

The Perodua Axia is currently in its second generation (codename D74A). Officially launched on 14 February 2023, the second-generation model is built on Daihatsu's new DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) modular platform. Compared to its predecessor, the second-generation Axia has grown in every dimension—measuring 3,760 mm long, 1,665 mm wide, and 1,495 mm (or 1,505 mm) tall, with its wheelbase stretched by 60 mm to 2,525 mm, while ground clearance has been reduced by 20 mm. Styling-wise, the front fascia sports a hexagonal front grille accented by a chrome strip that bridges the LED daytime running light signatures within the headlamp clusters, creating an uninterrupted full-width visual stance. The X variant upwards gains matrix-style full-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights; the higher-spec SE and AV variants add LED front fog lamps as standard. The rear profile adopts sharper, more sculpted lines for greater depth, paired with conventional bulb-type tail lamps. 14-inch wheels come standard across the entire range. Five exterior colour options are offered: Granite Grey, Lava Red, Glittering Silver, Ivory White, and the newly introduced Coral Blue.

Powertrain & Performance

Across the range, the Perodua Axia is powered by a 1.0-litre 1KR-VE naturally aspirated inline three-cylinder petrol engine. The unit puts out 67 hp (approx. 67 PS / 49 kW) at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm. For the driveline, the second-generation Axia phases out the previous generation's four-speed torque-converter automatic (4AT) in favour of the D-CVT (Dual-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission) seen on the Perodua Ativa, Myvi, and Alza, while a five-speed manual gearbox remains available on the base variant. Fuel efficiency remains one of the Axia's headline USPs—rated under the Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC), the G and X variants return a combined fuel economy of 25.3 km/L (approx. 3.95 L/100 km), while the higher-spec SE and AV variants, aided by the Eco Idle auto stop-start system, boast an even frugal 27.4 km/L (approx. 3.65 L/100 km). By comparison, the first-generation model recorded 22.5 km/L for the manual and 21.6 km/L for the automatic.

Chassis & Handling

Underpinned by the DNGA modular platform, the second-generation Axia delivers markedly superior structural rigidity, resulting in improved high-speed stability and sharper handling, alongside a re-engineered suspension setup that enhances ride refinement. Suspension duties are handled by front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, a class-standard layout. The steering employs an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, retaining a tight 4.5-metre turning radius that ensures effortless manoeuvrability along congested city streets. Stopping power is provided by front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. In terms of kerb weight, while the overall figures have slightly increased in line with the expanded footprint, the entry-level derivative (such as the Axia E) still tips the scales at a featherweight 825 kg or so.

Cabin & Features

The second-generation Axia is available in four distinct trim levels: G, X, SE, and AV. Interior appointments vary considerably by grade: entry-level G and X variants are fitted with analogue instrument dials, manual rotary air-conditioning controls, and a standard MP3 audio unit; the SE and AV grades upgrade to a digital air-conditioning control panel. The range-topping AV variant exclusively commands a 7-inch TFT semi-digital instrument cluster alongside a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment display. In terms of seating, SE and AV variants are fitted with sport-contoured semi-bucket seats, with the AV grade uniquely receiving two-tone semi-leather and fabric upholstery. High-spec models also feature keyless entry with capacitive sensor handles, power-retractable door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and factory-fitted solar and security window tinting. A tilt-adjustable steering wheel is also introduced to the Axia for the first time. Boot space is rated at 227 litres, up by 5 litres compared to the outgoing generation.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety provisions on the second-generation Axia have taken a substantial leap forward. Standard equipment across all variants includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TCS), and Hill-start Assist (HSA). The flagship AV model is equipped with six airbags. Higher variants also feature Perodua's Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A. / ASA 3.0) suite, incorporating Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM). Evaluated under the stringent ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 testing protocol, the second-generation Axia (in 1.0 SE trim with dual airbags) scored a full four-star safety rating, with assessors noting that the vehicle performed "exceptionally well" under the demanding criteria.

Market Performance & Reception

Ever since its introduction in 2014, the Perodua Axia has remained a firm favourite among Malaysian motorists, driven by its exceptional fuel economy, attainable price tag, and fuss-free reliability. The second-generation Axia debuted in February 2023, priced between RM38,600 and RM49,500. It chalked up 6,611 deliveries in its first month, consistently maintaining monthly volumes of 6,000 to 8,500 units thereafter. Full-year sales reached 66,813 units in 2023; the tally rose to 84,291 units in 2024; and annual registrations held strong at 84,291 units in 2025. As of September 2024, cumulative sales of the second-generation model had surpassed the 130,000-unit milestone. Total historical Axia sales across all generations reached 794,760 units as of July 2025. In Malaysia's 2025 vehicle sales charts, the Axia finished as the second most popular car overall, trailing only its stablemate, the Perodua Bezza. Widely regarded as a quintessential Malaysian "people's car", the Perodua Axia continues to assert its commanding presence in the entry-level automotive sector on the back of minimal running costs and proven dependability.