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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

CLOSE UP DRIVEN: PERODUA AXIA

In this blog entry I'm posting about a MEGA GALLERY CLOSE UP and a brief test drive report of Perodua Axia.


The Name AXIA is a deviation of Asia but with "X" in place.  "X" means 10 in Roman numerals.  Hence, the name AXIA.  This is Perodua's 10th model for Asian markets.

This is Perodua's 10th model in 21 years.  After 9 successful models and few billion ringgit plus investment in a world class energy efficient factory – the Perodua AXIA was launched yesterday night. Surprisingly, the compact car-maker announced a slightly lower pricing for all Axia variants.



The Perodua AXIA is the first car produced by Perodua’s modern and environmentally-friendly new manufacturing plant; Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB). Perodua’s latest offering is also the first EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicles) model made by a Malaysian company with support from its partner, Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan (DMC).

The Perodua Axia rewrites the history book with a new Pre-launch booking record for Perodua with 13,500 bookings and counting. 


“We are humbled by the overwhelming response from the public and we will honour that trust as well as support by giving you the best that we can offer,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said.  On the price difference, Aminar explained: “The previous price list was tentative and we are very happy to announce that we are able to give a better price to our customers, Because You Matter Most!”

“This standard can be categorised by 4 key highlights, or in short – the 4Es, which are Environmentally friendly, Extra spacious for a compact vehicle, Easy driving and Economical in terms of the overall cost of ownership,” Aminar said.


The Perodua AXIA comes in 4 variants; Standard E manual at RM24,600, Standard G manual at RM29,800 and auto at RM32,800, Special Edition manual at RM36,800 and auto priced at RM39,800 and lastly, Auto only Advance at RM42,530.  All price OTR with insurance. 
(sorry I rotated in the gallery but It's still like this when I post to Blogger. )

 It also comes with a 5-year warranty or 150,000km – another first for Perodua.  This represents a savings of RM2,000 to RM3,000  compared to pre-launch estimated price.

DRIVE TIME:

I had a brief 5km test drive courtesy of Motors Confidence.  The test drive car's 1.0 Advanced spec with Leather seats and AVN Touch screen player with Lokatoo maps (more on this later).  The test route consists of  Speed bumps, speed breakers, uphill, downhill and Brief Highway.  I came away somewhat impressed.  Soundproofing is great, so is the highway acceleration.  Turning radius 4.5m only.  Electric power steering is just nice.  

The downsides are FIXED Steering wheel (too low for my liking) and a bit lethargic going 5 degree gradient uphill.  But as the Salesman said, "It's not bad for a NA 3 cylinder 1.0".

Ride and handling is commendable.  But there's a bit of bodyroll at corners above 50km/h.  At least it's NOT Bumpy compared to my sister's Myvi 1.5SE. 

That's all I can comment.  The test drive is too short.

CONCLUSION:

This is a good buy A-segment Eco-car.   Waiting list as at 8pm today (16 September 2014).  1.0E - 9 months, 1.0G - 3 months, 1.0SE - 1 month, 1.0 Advanced - 2 months.  I would Rate this 6/10 for 1.0E, 7/10 for 1.0G, 8.5/10 for 1.0SE and 7.5/10 for 1.0 Advanced.  1 point deducted across the range for Lack of any form of Traction Control (TCS).  Ie. if the 1.0SE have TCS, it'll be 9.5/10.  It's THAT GOOD. 

 Obviously, my pick is the 1.5SE for most all rounded spec.  The disappointment of the Advanced spec's due to The AVN Touch screen player.  It is so UN-USER FRIENDLY, especially the sensitivity of the Touch screen and Slow loading and laggy Lokatoo GPS.  It's best AVOIDED.

PRODUCT VIDEO.  Source: Paultan Youtube Channel.

Well there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words.  There's 128 photos in the gallery.  Enjoy the photos...  DOUBLE CLICK TO ENLARGE.

EXTERIORS:
















































INTERIORS:

First 3 photos are 1.0G spec.




Next few photos are 1.0SE spec.

























 END OF SE SPEC.  Start of Advanced spec:












 ABOVE: Handbag hook.
Above and below: Teh Tarik Hook
















END OF ADVANCED SPEC INTERIOR.


LAUNCHING HIGHLIGHTS:










BROCHURE SCANS:





That's all folks! Thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  If you bought this car, please tell me your encounter with your salesman/dealer.  

My recommended Sales Executive/Dealer

JACKLYN TAN from Jln Universiti Branch 012-616-8801.  Experienced Sales executive.  Our family bought 2 Peroduas from her already.  

and 

EUGENE TEA from Motors Confidence SS2, 014-614-0008
eugenetea18@hotmail.com

Eugene is a Highly recommended Patience Sales executive.  He's the one accompany me for test drive.  Very sincere guy.

Jefferson Lim signing off...