Should you wait for the 2023 Perodua Axia or buy the Proton Iriz?

The decision to choose between the Proton Iriz and the Perodua Axia has always been a difficult one for buyers looking for an entry-level car in Malaysia. Both vehicles are relatively affordable compared to other cars in the segment, offer a range of features and great fuel efficiency, and are known for their low maintenance costs. Well, this hatchback fight has just been levelled up with the teaser release of the next-gen Axia.

Perodua has opened the registrations for the new Axia and also released its preliminary specs and estimated pricing, making it all the more lucrative than the ageing Iriz. In today’s story, we are going to compare the upcoming 2023 Perodua Axia and the ongoing Proton Iriz, to know whether the upgraded Axia is worth waiting for or not.

Price 

Proton offers the Iriz in three variants - Standard, Executive, and Active, while Perodua offers the upcoming Axia in four variants - G, X, SE, and AV. Here’s the variant-wise pricing of these Malaysian-born hatchbacks -

2023 Perodua Axia	Price (Tentative)	Proton Iriz	Price
G	RM 38,600	Standard	RM 42,800
X	RM 40,000	Executive	RM 50,300
SE	RM 44,000	Active	RM 57,300
AV	RM 49,500

Engine specifications 

The Proton Iriz is offered with two engine options - 1.3-litre four-cylinder and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. The former is capable of churning out a maximum power of 95 PS and a peak torque of 120 Nm while the latter generates 109 PS and 150 Nm. The fuel efficiency is estimated at 15.15 kmpl.

The upcoming Axia, on the other hand, is powered by a 1.0-litre EEV (energy efficient vehicle) mill which is most likely to be the one found on the outgoing model. That’s the 1KR-VE three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit producing 67 PS of max power and 91 Nm of peak torque. However, what’s new here is the gearbox. 

The second-gen hatchback benefits from a new dual-mode CVT unit that’s also available on the new Alza. This new system comes with a belt drive functioning combined with a gear drive and provides enhanced levels of quietness, acceleration, and mileage. The D-CVT hooked with the Eco Idle auto start/stop feature takes the fuel consumption to 27.4 kmpl.

Features

In terms of features, the range-topping variants of both hatchbacks offer an impressive range, be it comfort, convenience, safety, or infotainment. 

The Proton Iriz Active comes equipped with LED headlamps with auto on/off and follow me home function, LED daytime running lights,16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof finish, electronically-adjustable side mirrors with auto-fold, and rear combination lamps. Inside, the occupants get an 8-inch floating infotainment head unit capable of streaming online music, navigation, and weather forecasts. It supports smartphone, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity options.

Adding to the comfort are armrests with additional storage space, a TFT metre panel, 6 USB ports, an N95 cabin filter, intelligent entry with a push start button, a voice-command system, sports pedals, leatherette seats, and a reverse camera. The safety pack comprises six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, traction control system, and parking sensors. 

Coming to the 2023 Perodua Axia features, the hatchback hosts several new and advanced features in comparison to the Iriz. It is kitted with new LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, power-adjustable side mirrors with an auto retract system, a new 7.0-inch digital multi-info display, a new 9.0-inch infotainment system, key free entry, a power mode drive, semi-bucket type front seats (with separate headrests for back seats) and two-tone semi-leather upholstery.

The new Axia will come equipped with six airbags and the Perodua Smart Drive Assist advanced-driver assistance suite, which is exceptionally amazing at this price point. Along with ongoing systems (Pre-Collision Warning and Braking with pedestrian detection, Front Departure Alert, reverse camera, Pedal Misoperation Control, and parking sensors), the upgraded hatchback is likely to come with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

Verdict

The upcoming Perodua Axia promises to be a game-changer in the compact car segment. It offers more advanced features and exceptional fuel efficiency at an unbeatable price point, compared to the Iriz. However, it lags when it comes to power. Nonetheless, if you are okay with moderate power levels, you should wait for the 2023 Perodua Axia. 

Also read: Perodua aims to achieve bigger numbers in 2023; targeting 314k sales