Zakirin
The Perodua Axia (RM 38,600 to RM 49,500) is built on the modern Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, offering superior body rigidity, a smooth Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT), fuel economy up to 27.4 km/L (MDC), and advanced safety features like 6 airbags and Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA Level 2 ADAS on the AV trim). The Perodua Bezza 1.3 (RM 43,980 to RM 49,980) counters with a larger 1.3-litre 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine (95 PS / 121 Nm), a proven 4-speed automatic transmission, a classic sedan profile, and a class-leading 508-litre boot.
Quick Verdict:
- Choose the Perodua Axia if:You want a modern DNGA chassis with refined ride comfort, better fuel efficiency (up to 27.4 km/L), up to 6 airbags, a digital 7-inch cluster with a 9-inch touchscreen, and full Level 2 semi-autonomous ADAS (Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Keep Control on the AV).
- Choose the Perodua Bezza 1.3 if:You need a massive 508-litre boot for luggage/family gear, a stronger 4-cylinder engine (95 PS / 121 Nm) that provides effortless highway overtaking and hill-climbing power, and an enclosed 4-door sedan body style.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | Perodua Axia (1.0 G / X / SE / AV) | Perodua Bezza 1.3 (1.3 X / 1.3 AV) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, Peninsular) | RM 38,600 – RM 49,500 | RM 43,980 – RM 49,980 |
| Standard Manufacturer Warranty | 5 Years / 150,000 km | 5 Years / 150,000 km |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 2,600 – RM 3,000 (Perodua ProCare) | ~RM 2,800 – RM 3,200 (Perodua ProCare) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 20 (998 cc) | RM 70 (1,329 cc) |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 3.65 – 3.95 L/100 km (~25.3 – 27.4 km/L) | 4.5 L/100 km (~22.0 km/L with Eco Idle) |
| Luggage Space (Boot) | 265 Litres (Hatchback) | 508 Litres (Sedan Boot) |
| Est. Monthly Loan (9-Yr @ 3.0%–3.5%) | ~RM 408/mo – ~RM 525/mo | ~RM 465/mo – ~RM 530/mo |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Perodua Axia (2nd-Gen DNGA) | Perodua Bezza 1.3 (1NR-VE) |
| Segment / Body Style | A-Segment 5-Door Hatchback | A/B-Segment 4-Door Sedan |
| Underpinning Platform | Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA-A) | Legacy Daihatsu Global A-Segment Platform |
| Assembly | CKD (Local Assembly, Rawang, Malaysia) | CKD (Local Assembly, Rawang, Malaysia) |
| Engine Type | 1.0L 3-Cylinder 12V DOHC VVT-i (1KR-VE) | 1.3L 4-Cylinder 16V DOHC Dual VVT-i (1NR-VE) |
| Displacement | 998 cc | 1,329 cc |
| Transmission Type | Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) | 4-Speed Conventional Automatic (4E-AT) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Max Power Output | 68 PS (67 hp / 50 kW) @ 6,000 RPM | 95 PS (94 hp / 70 kW) @ 6,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 91 Nm @ 4,400 RPM | 121 Nm @ 4,000 RPM |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | ~13.5 seconds | ~12.2 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (ECE / MDC Mode) | 25.3 – 27.4 km/L (with Eco Idle) | 22.0 km/L (with Eco Idle) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3,760 mm x 1,665 mm x 1,495 mm | 4,150 mm x 1,620 mm x 1,510 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,455 mm |
| Turning Radius | 4.5 metres | 5.0 metres |
| Kerb Weight | 850 – 890 kg | 925 – 940 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm | 160 mm |
| Luggage Capacity | 265 Litres | 508 Litres |
| Wheels & Tyres | 14-inch Alloy Wheels (175/65 R14) | 15-inch Two-Tone Alloys (175/60 R15) |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog (G/X/SE) / 7.0-inch TFT Digital Display (AV) | Analog Gauges with Multi-Info Display (MID) |
| Infotainment Screen | Standard 2-DIN / 9.0-inch Touchscreen (AV) | Standard 2-DIN / Touchscreen with SmartLink (AV) |
| Airbags | 2 Airbags (G/X/SE) / 6 SRS Airbags (AV) | 2 SRS Airbags (Standard across all trims) |
| Active Safety (VSC / TRC / HSA) | Standard across all automatic variants | Standard on both 1.3 X and 1.3 AV |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA Level 2 on AV) | Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A 2.0 on AV) |
| ASEAN NCAP Rating | 4 Stars (DNGA Crash Structure) | 4 Stars (1.3 X) / 5 Stars (1.3 AV) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, Chassis & Driving Dynamics
- Perodua Axia: Powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder 1KR-VE engine (68 PS / 91 Nm) paired with a modern Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT). Its DNGA chassis provides a wider track, lower center of gravity, and noticeable stability in corners, while the split-gear CVT keeps engine revs low at highway cruising speeds (up to 27.4 km/L).
- Perodua Bezza 1.3: Powered by a larger 1.3-litre 4-cylinder 1NR-VE engine (95 PS / 121 Nm) paired with a traditional 4-speed torque-converter automatic. With 27 extra horsepower and 30 Nm more torque, it provides effortless acceleration, lower cabin vibrations at idle, and stronger overtaking power under full passenger loads.
🛡️ Safety Architecture & Driver Assistance
- Perodua Axia (AV): Offers segment-leading passive and active safety with 6 airbags (front, side, and curtain) and full Level 2 Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA), including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Control (LKC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
- Perodua Bezza 1.3: Both 1.3 trims come standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). However, passive safety is strictly capped at 2 airbags, and the top-spec AV is limited to A.S.A 2.0 (Pre-Collision Warning/Braking, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control without cruise control or lane centering).
🎨 Cabin Space vs Boot Practicality
- Perodua Axia: Offers an extended 2,525 mm wheelbase and a wider 1,665 mm cabin, providing better rear knee room and shoulder room for passengers. However, as a hatchback, boot capacity is limited to 265 Litres.
- Perodua Bezza 1.3: Features a 4,150 mm long body with a class-leading 508-litre boot. It easily accommodates multiple large suitcases, baby strollers, or boxes, making it vastly superior for cargo-heavy family travel.
🌟 3 Things We Love
Perodua Axia
- Modern DNGA Platform & Refined Ride: The stiff chassis, wider track, and well-damped suspension absorb road undulations significantly better than previous-generation models.
- Level 2 ADAS & 6 Airbags (AV Trim): Having Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control, BSM, and 6 airbags under RM 50,000 represents class-leading safety value.
- Class-Leading Fuel Economy: Easily delivers 25.3 to 27.4 km/L, resulting in ultra-low running costs for daily city and highway commutes.
Perodua Bezza 1.3
- Massive 508-Litre Boot Capacity: Capable of swallowing luggage that rivals mid-size D-segment executive sedans, offering unmatched day-to-day practicality.
- Refined 4-Cylinder Performance: The 95 PS / 121 Nm engine runs noticeably smoother at idle than a 3-cylinder unit and handles highway inclines with ease.
- Proven 4-Speed Automatic Durability: Simple, robust mechanicals mean straightforward servicing and low long-term maintenance costs.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
Perodua Axia
- Modest 265-Litre Hatchback Boot: Carrying bulky sports gear, large strollers, or airport luggage requires folding down the rear seat.
- Lower Engine Output (68 PS / 91 Nm): While nimble in town, the 1.0L engine requires heavy throttle when overtaking at highway speeds.
Perodua Bezza 1.3
- Capped at 2 Airbags Across All Trims: Lacks side and curtain airbags, even on the top-tier 1.3 AV variant.
- Older Cabin Ergonomics & Legacy Platform: The narrower cabin track (1,620 mm) and older suspension design show their age with more body lean in corners compared to DNGA vehicles.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The Perodua Axia (especially SE and AV trims) is the smarter choice for safety-conscious commuters, urban drivers, and single professionals. For the same budget (RM 38,600 to RM 49,500), the Axia delivers modern DNGA ride quality, a seamless D-CVT transmission, class-leading fuel economy (up to 27.4 km/L), up to 6 airbags, and full Level 2 semi-autonomous ADAS. If you don’t regularly haul large luggage, the Axia provides a substantially more modern driving and ownership experience.
The Perodua Bezza 1.3 (1.3 X / 1.3 AV) remains the undisputed choice for drivers who demand engine muscle and cavernous boot space. Priced at RM 43,980 to RM 49,980, its 95 PS 4-cylinder engine cruises with greater refinement, and its 508-litre boot easily handles family road trips, airport transfers, and commercial gig duties that a hatchback simply cannot manage.
