2023 Perodua Axia D74A spec-by-spec comparison – 4 1.0L CVT variants; G, X, SE, AV; RM38.6k to RM49.5k

It’s only February, but we’ve already unveiled our Car of the Year 2023 Perodua Axia. The second-generation cheap hatchback bearing the Axia badge is an all-new Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) model, bigger and better in terms of safety and features, but also slightly more expensive than before. It’s also noticeably better to drive, as detailed in our first drive report.

The 2023 Axia comes in four variants – G, X, SE and AV. G starts range at RM38,600The price of X is RM40,000SE cost RM44,000while top-notch AV will make you cringe RM49,500on the road without insurance.

All four D74A variants share the same new powertrain combination, which pairs a carried-over 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine with a D-CVT automatic transmission for 67 hp/91 Nm.

First introduced in the Ativa, D-CVT stands for Dual Mode CVT, the world’s first split gear CVT system. Basically, the setup combines a belt drive with gears for improved FC, acceleration and quietness – you can read more about the D-CVT here. It replaces the long-running four-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

While the CVT changed the Axia’s driving character, its real mission was to improve fuel economy. The data Perodua claims is in the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC), which it says follows local road conditions and driving patterns. 25.3 km/l (G and X) or 27.4 km/l with Eco Idle stop-start (SE and AV).

P2 said that if you combine the maximum MDC FC with the current RON 95 price of RM2.05 per liter, you can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, which is 365km, for less than RM28 in fuel.

Axia’s body is bigger. At 3,760mm long and 1,665mm wide, the D74A is 115mm longer and 45mm wider than its predecessor; more than half of that extra length goes into the wheelbase, which measures 2,525mm and is 70mm longer. The outgoing Axia’s boot is generously sized – here, the 265-litre cargo area is five liters larger. Perodua has also worked on the driving position and ergonomics – the steering angle is now more upright (good) and for the first time there is tilt adjustment.

Which model gets what? That’s why for this post, we’ve generally listed each variant’s kit by spec comparison and separated them by category. Not everything is available from the spec sheet, so some snooping will be required.

Highlights include standard VSC across the range, all/six airbags for AV, driver assistance tech for ASA and AV (including auto high beams, but no ACC), Eco Idle, LED headlights and steering for SE/AV Tuning starts with the X (both new from Axia) and touchscreen head units/digital gauges for AV. Unusually, all variants ride on the same tire/wheel combination, but here it is – 14-inch monochrome offerings and Toyo Proxes CR1 rubber. Yes, there are no plus sizes or different rim designs for the range toppers.

Check out the full kit list, a gallery of each spec, and a walkthrough video below. How do you think the value the new Axia offers?