Checking out the new Perodua Axia

Perodua Axia is a new compact car by Perodua which replaces the outgoing Perodua Viva. My friend and I was able to test drive the highest spec Perodua Axia which is dubbed the Perodua Axia Advance. The car was powered by a 1.0 litre engine from Daihatsu. It has safety features like ABS, EBD as well as BA (that's a whole leap of safety features if compared to the Kancil and the Viva which have none).

Source: paultan.org

Despite the amazing experience (mind you the experience that I have been comparing to is only subjective as I am comparing to the Kancil, Viva and Myvi), these features are only available for the SE version and above (as of 2014). Personally, the only dislike I am experiencing from the car is that the steering feels rather plasticky and flimsy (as if it's toy car's steering wheel), not solid. Another woe that I'm experiencing from the car is that it's gas pedal feels too light and soft whereby there is no tightness when pressing on the gas pedal. This is a bit of a boon personally as I can't feel the amount of gas I put on the Axia. Another problem would be that because the engine is just 1.0 litre and that it's an automatic transmission, the gear shifting feels a bit off and inaccurate (occurs only once during my first test drive with Axia).

Nevertheless, the car performs well and powerful enough for me to bring along 3 adults including me (during the test drive). I find it very impressive with the front sensor being installed, it really helps me to maneuver the car in tight spots when parking or bringing the car out for the test drive. The cabin as well as the seating arrangement of the car is reasonably comfortable as well as spacious despite being an A-segment car and is comparable to the Perodua Myvi experience. The rear passengers does have enough legroom even when the front seat is positioned all the way back! Best buy indeed! Handling of the car has never been easier and lighter since the car is equipped with Electronic Power Steering (EPS). It really feels light compared to those days when I was learning how to drive on a Viva 850 manual.

Although this is only my first test drive with the Perodua Axia, I'd say I'm very impress with the build quality and the driving experience for the young and still single drivers that the Perodua Axia has to offer. I'm looking forward to what Perodua has to offer in the future and hopefully provide better cars for the Rakyat to be proud of.

P/s: The experience driving Perodua Axia can never beat the 1st gen Toyota Vios I've been using to pick up my siblings from school though hehe.