2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3L G vs 2022 Perodua Axia AV - Save The RM7k Or Is It Money Well Spent?

We duke out the Perodua Axia AV against its bigger brother the Myvi 1.3L G in an attempt to find out what does an additional RM7000 buy you? 

Choices, choices, buying a new car is exciting but at the same time stressful, especially if you're undecided on which one has the best value proposition for your needs. 

For some who do not have budget constraints, this is obviously not a problem as they can go for the highest specced vehicle of their choice, but for those who are trying to get the best bang for buck, and save as much as they can, considerations and compromises have to be made.

This is especially true if you wish to buy a Perodua for around the RM40k - RM50k mark because you can either go for a top-spec Axia (1.0 AV at RM41k) or a top-spec 1.3L Myvi (1.3L G at RM48k). Ok, there is a cheaper Myvi under the 1.3L G (1.3L G without PSDA at RM46k), but we prefer cars with extra safety features, which the bottom spec Myvi does not have. 

To determine whether the RM7000 savings are worth it, we must first compare its specifications. The best way to have oversight over them both is to put them in a side-by-side comparison table as below:

Obviously, the first question that has to be answered is how much the cars would cost their owners monthly. If we make a general calculation of a typical seven-year loan tenure with a 10% deposit and at 2.5% p.a., the Myvi would cost RM604, and the Axia would cost RM516. 

Although the difference of RM88 might not sound like much, with the rise in the cost of living, it can go a long way for some. This is especially true if you clump it up into a yearly figure, as RM1056 can get you many things, including a much-needed holiday. 

The second most obvious question that has to be answered is whether you need the extra space? because this is one of the most significant differences between the 2022 Myvi and Axia. 

We're not saying the 2022 Axia is cramped because it's relatively spacious for a small car, but the Myvi has bags of room on the inside. For a family with one child, the Axia should suffice, but any more kids than that and the car will feel a bit tight. Likewise, we're not saying it won't fit two kids and the baggage that comes with it, but it is something to consider. 

But when it comes to entertainment, the Axia AV wins hands down as it comes with a touch screen multimedia system with navigation, 'Smart Link', USB, Bluetooth and HDMI. The Myvi 1.3L G, on the other hand, has a basic entertainment system with digital audio with USB, and that's about it. With smartphones being the entertainment epicentre of most people's lives these days, you have to ask whether you can live without a basic entertainment system with practically zero connectivity.

Safety-wise, the Myvi 1.3L G does come out on top of the Axia AV, but only just. It has more airbags but the same amount of advanced safety assistance (ASA) features. What the Axia AV does not have is the Myvi G's driving assist features which gives its drivers that bit more protection. While it's great to have these advanced driving assist features, one can live without them as it's the ASA that is most important. 

We're not going to touch too much about their outputs because they are both just okay and nothing to shout about. They both have enough power to get you places relatively quickly. However, there is the transmission to consider as the Myvi comes with a D-CVT transmission while the Axia comes with a 4-speed automatic. For those who prefer the conventional automatic feel, where you can feel gear changes then the Axia's 4-speed AT will be better, but for those who are indifferent in this department then the Myvi's D-CVT should be fine. It's not as quiet as the 4-speed AT, but it does give the Myvi great fuel economy. 

To sum it up, both cars have their pros and cons over each other, but there's no denying that the Axia AV is a heck of a bargain. Yes, it might not have the Myvi's extra driving assist features, but we feel it is more of a complete car than the Myvi 1.3L G, mainly at what it offers fresh out of the factory. If the Myvi 1.3L G had been equipped with a better infotainment system, then yes it would have earned more brownie points. 

It really is a close call but the tipping of the scales really does rely heavily on how much space you need. If space is not needed then go for the Axia as it comes with great features at an extremely affordable price. With the money saved, you can always splurge on other things, or even perhaps put money into the bank, saving it for a rainy day.