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.
π° 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 β RM 49,500 | RM 43,980 β RM 49,980 |
| Standard Manufacturer Warranty | 5 Years / 150,000 km | 5 Years / 150,000 km |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 2,600 β RM 3,000 (Perodua ProCare) | ~RM 2,800 β RM 3,200 (Perodua ProCare) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 20 (998 cc) | RM 70 (1,329 cc) |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | 3.65 β 3.95 L/100 km (~25.3 β 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%β3.5%) | ~RM 408/mo β ~RM 525/mo | ~RM 465/mo β ~RM 530/mo |
π 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 |
| 0β100 km/h Acceleration | ~13.5 seconds | ~12.2 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (ECE / MDC Mode) | 25.3 β 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 β 890 kg | 925 β 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) |
β‘ Key Differences Breakdown
π 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.
π‘οΈ 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).
π¨ 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.
π 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.
β οΈ 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.
π 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.
