You Can Book A Safer 2019 Perodua Axia Now

Perodua has just opened order books for the 2019 Axia and much like Proton has done with the facelifts of its core models, you’re about to get plenty of bang for your buck. This includes the introduction of stability control, Active Safety Assist (ASA) and even an SUV-inspired “cross” version.

You’ll probably notice that all the Axia variants now share the same face with only trim pieces splitting them. There’s an extra trim level now, bringing the total to five; E, G, GXtra (new), Style (new), SE and Advance.

Fret not, there’s still a five-speed manual available but it’s been limited to the bare-bones E that also doubles up as the driving school special. Fun fact, the Axia E is still the cheapest new car sold in the country.

Under the hood, the 1.0-litre inline-three remains untouched with 67hp and 91Nm of torque. Fuel consumption remains at 22.5km/l for the driving school special and 21.6km/l for the four-speed automatic everywhere else. Interestingly, the Style trim gets a lower 20.8km/l.

ABS and EBD is still standard in all but the E while stability control is now available but as always, is limited to certain trims. Axia GXtra and up will all have stability control but more importantly, the flagship Axia Advance will now pack the ASA

As a quick recap, ASA 2.0 comprises Pre-Collision Warning (PCW), Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA) and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC). The 2.0 means the addition of pedestrian detection. Operational speed range for PCW has spread wider from 4-100kph while pedestrian detection is now 4-50kph.

Even with the addition of active safety, the airbag count doesn’t grow and remains at two in front. This also means the four-star Asean NCAP rating doesn’t grow.

Apart from stability control, the GXtra is shaping up to be the most popular trim as it has plenty of bells and whistles. It brings to the table driver’s seat height adjustment, electric side view mirrors + auto folding, rear + front parking sensors and four speakers.

Step up to the SE and you get some nicer toys such as safety tint, keyless entry and push start. Apart from ASA 2.0, the Advance is almost identical to the SE with a touchscreen head unit and reverse camera.

Now if you’re wondering why the Style trim has the lowest fuel consumption, it’s a simple larger wheel + higher side profile tyre combo. That’s the sole reason behind the thirstier fuel figures.

Essentially, Style is a cross-version of the Axia with larger rolling stock and black plastic cladding around the lower body to mimic an SUV. Mimicking an SUV is all it does as the off-roading ability is still as effective as a fish out of water.