Perodua Myvi Review

Perodua Myvi 1.3

Perodua Myvi 1.5

Introduction

The Perodua Myvi is a popular hatchback in Malaysia. It was first launched in Malaysia back in May 2005,the five-door B-segment hatch quickly became the best-selling car in the country, a position it held for nine consecutive years before the Axia took over the mantle in 2015.

Exterior of the Myvi

In terms of the exterior of the all new Myvi’s one of the major improvement is that is now comes equipped with LED headlamps which is standard across its range.

This technology offers brighter light, uses less power, and should last longer than halogen bulbs. There’s still no LED DRLs though. It’s fitted with aeroblade type wipers, a first for Perodua, together with an acoustic windscreen for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) aspects.

At the back, the Myvi’s usual vertical taillamps are now two piece horizontal units – LEDs feature, though the signal and reverse lights are still bulbs and there’s no rear foglamp. The 1.5 litre models add on a bigger rear spoiler, and the 1.5 Advance gets a reverse camera, neatly integrated into the grab handle.

In terms of wheels, 1.3 litre models comes equipped with 14-inch wheels as standard, whereas the 1.5 model has 15-inch dual tone alloys wheels. Despite the increase in size, weight has been kept in check. The 1.3 litre model is still under a tonne, and the top 1.5 Advance tips the scales at 1,015 kg, which is just 35 kg more than the old one.

Performance of the Myvi

The Perodua Myvi comes equipped with Dual VVT-i engines, which is a technology that is availabe in Toyota Models as well. The 1.3 litre engine is the same engine that can be found in is sedan variant Bezza. The engine produces 94 hp and 121 Nm of torque.

The new Dual VVT-i engine is 4 hp and 4 Nm more than the previous generation Myvi 1.3, and peak torque is delivered at lower rpm, 4,000 instead of 4,400 on the previous outing.

The 1.5 litre Dual VVT-i engine is new to Perodua, but the 2NR-VE has been seen before – it’s the same engine that’s used in the Vios (though the Toyota’s 2NR-FE unit is rated with higher outputs), assembled at the Perodua factory in Negeri Sembilan. Claimed output numbers are exactly the same as the old engine at 102 hp and 136 Nm, though peak torque comes in at lower revs.

Myvi’s Driveability

The throttle response in the all new Myvi is much more responsive as compared to the previous generation Myvi. This is mainly because throttle isn’t as jumpy, and the brakes feels more linear and easier to modulate.

The steering feels lighter and not as tightly wound as the old car, but the big difference for me is the lack of vibration coming off the steering and pedals compared to the old Myvi. It really is a night and day sort of difference, and makes the new Myvi feels far more relaxing and less tiring to drive.

For day to day driving I would say that it is just about alright. The car isn’t fast, but it isn’t underpowered either, though you can’t really feel the torque being delivered lower down the rev range, as the gearbox will shift down to very high revs when you try to accelerate hard.

In that sense, the drawback of having a four-speed automatic becomes apparent immediately, and having more ratios would have helped in this regard. I would personally prefer if Perodua would have opted for a CVT transmission for the all new Myvi as it would help ensure a smoother operation of the car in terms of day to day driving.

Perodua Myvi 1.3 Interior

Perodua Myvi 1.5 Interior

Interior of the Myvi

One of the major changes of the all new Myvi would be the instrument Panel design. It now features a conventional two dial design. This helps to make the interior of the Myvi look more mature and classy at the same time.

However I would say the most consumer would personally prefer the needle of the speedometer to be of a much smaller size as when the car is cruising through the highways it almost covers the number in Km/h seen in speedometer which is a major cause of concern. The overall look of the new speedometer looks more appealing as compared to the previous generation Myvi, this is mainly because the colour scheme of the speedometer has change from blue to red, which gives is a more refreshing and modernize look.

In addition, the leather used that is available on the 1.5 variant Myvi on the steering wheel and seats feel far better as compared to the previous generation Myvi. On the whole, in terms of trim and material viewpoint, it gets very close to the perceived quality levels that is offered by its rivals such as the Toyota Vios and Honda Jazz in Malaysia .

Major Improvements that are Found in the Myvi

In Terms of Interior one of the biggest improvement would be the seating and driving position. You would now be able to sit much lower in the new car as compared to the MPV-like high seating position of the old Myvi, so you feel like you’re sitting in the car, rather than on it. The steering – adjustable for tilt – is also angled straighter, and on the whole the new Myvi feels far more comfortable to sit in and drive. The gearbox is also reachable for most people as compared to the 1^st generation Myvi that was introduced whereby you have to reach out your hand just to get a hod of the gearbox which is a major inconvenience.

Rear passengers of the Myvi would tend to be disappointed as there is no rear air-con vent that are available. Therefore, they would be bound to be sweaty cause by the scorching heat of the sun. 

However, there are a few convenience features that are present, including two teh tarikhooks, which is convienent for takeaways. An anti-snatch handbag hook at the left passenger seat, which helps drastically reduce the risk of snatch thieves in Malaysia. 

There are also two Isofix anchors for child seats which are standard for all models.

The new Myvi also has the safety of all its passengers in mind as it comes equipped with seat belt reminder for all its passengers which are standard for all models as well.

Boot Space of the Myvi

The boot space of the myvi has now been expanded to 277 litres, which is 69 litres more than the old car. The rear seats can be folded with a 60:40 split, this means with the seats down, you now get over 800 litres of space. Perodua claims that you would be able to place 4 large luggages with the rear seats folded down which is a major improvement as compared to the previous generation Myvi. 

Summary 

If you’re a type of consumer that is looking for a car that is practical usage, look no further as the Myvi would be the right choice for you.

With standard features such as keyless entry, push start sop button as well as seat belts reminders for all of its passengers ,it is a car that is value for money as compared to its other competitor such as the Proton Iriz or Kia Picanto in the market.

Adding to it, the best-in-class fuel efficiency figures further makes it the top choice for family oriented buyers. This come to no surprise that the Myvi manages to be one of the best-selling car for 9 nine consecutive years in the Malaysian market.