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Wow....less than $10K Singapore dollar? Malaysia really boleh...I don't mind driving one for marketing and simple outing when I retire there.... http://www.peroduaaxia.com/ http://www.mysinchew.com/node/100878 Perodua Axia opens for booking Friday 2014-08-14 13:04 KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Axia, Malaysia's first energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) – with a tentative starting price of RM24,900 (for Peninsular Malaysia) - will be open for booking at all Perodua sales outlets from tomorrow, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) said. In a statement, Perodua said the latest model is its most fuel efficient car that could travel up to 21.6 kilometers per litre, spacious, packed with unique Malaysian features, and boasted an overall low-cost ownership. Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the deal is the all-in-one package for every Malaysian. "The car will not only be able to fit four travel bags as it has a 260-litre boot capacity but also very flexible to ensure maximum comfort and usage," Aminar said. Slated to be launched soon, the Axia is Perodua's 10th model produced via Perodua's modern and ecologically-friendlier new manufacturing plant. "We believe that the Perodua Axia is competitive in the region, which explained why the word 'Asia' was incorporated into the name," he added. The Perodua Axia comes in four variants, namely Standard E, Standard G, Special Edition and Advance. It also comes with a five-year warranty – another first for Perodua. Booking fees are RM250 and RM300 - depending on the variant. In conjunction with the month of Syawal, Perodua is holding a nationwide open house at all its sales and service outlets on Aug 16 and 17 to usher in the festival and provide more information on the Perodua Axia to the public

Perodua reveals the Axia, its replacement for the Viva and also Malaysia's first energy efficient vehicle (EEV). To qualify as an EEV, it has to achieve an average fuel consumption of more than 20km/l for its 801kg-1000kg kerb weight class. Based on the Daihatsu Ayla which is on sale in Indonesia, it is 65mm longer, 145mm wider and 20mm shorter than the Viva which has been on sale since 2007. Perodua has packaged the Axia so well that it is even 50mm longer when comparing interior length with its bigger brother, the Myvi. The Axia is only available with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and will be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. The aluminium twin-cam unit produces 66bhp and 90Nm of torque. Average fuel consumption for the manual is quoted at 21.6km/l while the automatic version does a-still-impressive 20.6km/l Priced from $9,600 (RM24,600) to $16,700 (RM42,530) in malaysia, the Axia has four different grades. Standard E, the basic grade, is obviously aimed at the budget conscious ones, judging from the amount of empty slots and buttons inside the car. The steel wheels reinforces the fact. At least, it does come with coloured bumpers and handles unlike its predecessor. The next grade, Standard G, is the cheapest you can go if you want an automatic Axia. It adds an much-welcomed audio player that plays CDs, alarm system and alloy wheels. Next up is Special Edition (SE) grade. It gets a sportier front and rear bumper, different head and tail lights and a rear spoiler. Fog lamps are now included. Other added highlights include, ABS, EBD and brake assist, 'sport' seats, brighter dashboard and a better audio system. For those who want the best, the Advance grade is the range-topper in the lineup and is only available in automatic. Leather seats, leather steering with audio controls and a multimedia touchscreen audio system is now standard. Will the Axia make it here? We are not sure to be honest but unless the COE subsides to a more manageable level, it is unlikely we will ever see it here.

Back in 2005 when the prices of the COE were low, small cars like the Kia Picanto and the Perodua Kelisa thrived as they were cheap to buy and run. These cars were popular as they allowed almost everyone who has a average paying job to be able to afford a car as their yearly depreciation amounted to less than $4,000 a year. Fast forward to the present, COE prices have not been kind to most of us and have remained on the high side. With Category A price hovering around the 50 plus grand mark, small basic cars have not been selling well as they are deemed too expensive and not worth the price. But with the COE supply expected to rise next year, Perodua has faith that its new city car, the Axia, which we just tested, will do well when COE prices fall. As mentioned, the angular-looking Axia is city car hence its compact size. It is actually smaller than a Suzuki Swift but don't let that put you off though. It will still sit four with ease and five at a slight squeeze. Space up front is very impressive for its size. Being a basic car, do not expect much in terms of standard equipment. No, there is no auto climate control nor auto headlights. That said, you do get a decent navigation system. According to the brochure, these are 'Sports Seats' and they actually hold my torso better than expected. Interestingly, there is an Eco indicator that you can toggle on and off to show whether you are driving it economically or not. Unfortunately, it does not alter the driving experience at all. While most of the cabin feels well put together, some parts of it do betray its budget roots. A good example is the flimsy rear-view mirror which looks like it came from the 90s and feels like it won't last. On the road, the electric power steering feels heavy but accurate. Obviously, it is nowhere near a hot hatch's level of sharpness nor does provide a constant stream of info on the roads you are on but it is good enough for a city roundabout. Riding on 14-inch wheels, the drive is a comfortable one most of the time but it can feel slightly firm when driving at low speeds. So does it handle alright? Yes it does. Body roll is well controlled and it will happy resist understeer well. Keeping to its friendly cornering attitude, sudden throttle lift-offs will not bring the rear of the car out. As for the engine, the 1.0-litre natural aspirated engine pumps out a respectable 66bhp and 90Nm of torque. Yes, it is no fireball but it is enough to power the sub-900kg Axia up to speed without sounding strained. In fact, it is surprisingly perky at speeds below the national limit and it emits a nice three-cylinder soundtrack when pushed. On the whole, the Perodua is decent effort from the Malaysian manufacturer but faces quite a big challenge when the starting price for the car is more than S$80,000. Many will find it more worthwhile to fork out slightly more for a bigger and better built car.