For RM300 a month, you will be able to own a brand new car – the Perodua Axia E – which is priced at RM22,000. According to Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, this is the instalment amount as for a brand-new motorcycle on a hire-purchase loan.
Although revealed during the launch of the new generation of the Axia earlier this year, this low-priced variant targeted primarily at the lower income group, is only available this month.
Proven drivetrain
The Axia E comes with a proven 998 cc 3-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection and variable valve timing. With a kerb weight of 825 kgs, the output of 68 ps/91 Nm should be more than enough to give decent performance. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 22.5 kms/litre so the 33-litre fuel tank should be good enough for any balik kampung journey.
It is available only with a 5-speed manual transmission, which should interest those who are sad that there seem to be almost no more manual models in the market these days. The other reason that Perodua is offering the manual transmission is to cater to driving schools that may want it as well.
Previous generation
The Axia E is based on the previous generation but updated in minor ways. It therefore has an ASEAN NCAP 4-star rating and 2 front airbags as standard. Apart from seatbelts for all, there is also an ISOFIX point at the rear for a compatible childseat as Perodua wants to encourage their use (which is actually mandatory now).
The specs may seem basic and that’s true but bear in mind how much the car costs. In most respects, what Perodua gives should satisfy those who want a low-priced car that is, of course, built to the trusted quality standards of the carmaker.
How can it be so cheap?
The RM22,000 price – lower than even the Kancil when it first came out (which was around RM24,800) – surprises people who may wonder how Perodua can do it. Are there compromises? Well, for one thing, being of the previous generation, all the original development costs have been recovered and the cost to Perodua is really materials and labour. So it can be produced at a low cost – and rather than make extra money, the carmaker will just sell it at a low price.
Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more or to locate a showroom for a test-drive.