It appears that Perodua will be reducing the number of manual-equipped models in the near future, as sources familiar with the matter have hinted that the next-generation Perodua Axia would be automatic-only.
At the moment, the outgoing Perodua Axia gets the choice of a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual, the latter is only offered on the base 1.0 E variant.
Upon the introduction of the D74A Axia, the line-up will most likely be a CVT-only affair, mirroring Perodua’s recently-launched models, including the D51A Myvi, D27A Alza, and D55L Ativa.
While the D74A will be getting a new transmission, the source also mentioned that the new A-segment hatchback will retain its naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine. Codenamed 1KR-VE, this 3-pot engine that does 68 PS and 91 Nm.
Also Read: Indonesia could debut D74A Perodua Axia turbo in 2023, but Malaysians don’t too excited just yet
Why no new engine for the D74A Axia?
The D74A Perodua Axia’s Indonesian cousins, the Toyota Agya and Daihatsu Ayla, have been tipped to receive not one, but two new engines. The first is the Ativa’s forced-fed 1.0-litre 3-pot unit, while the other is a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre unit.
The turbocharged engine makes sense for Indonesia because it will be a step up from the 1.2-litre unit, but over in Malaysia, our Axia uses a much smaller 1.0-litre engine, so the gap in cost may be too big for the Ativa’s turbocharged engine to bridge.
That said, for Malaysians, these engines are unlikely to be offered here as Perodua needs to keep the cost of the D74A Axia down and by maintaining the same engine as before, Perodua can pass these savings to its customers.
Also Read: Next-gen D74A 2023 Perodua Axia: Feb debut with DNGA platform, 6 airbags, D-CVT
What else do we know?
Sources also mentioned that the D74A Axia is lower and longer than the outgoing model. The current Axia is 3,645 mm long, 1,620 mm wide, and has a 1,510 mm height. Its wheelbase is 2,455 mm long.
Seeing that trial production of the D74A Axia is already underway at Perodua’s plant in Rawang, the little hatchback could debut sooner than later.