2021 Perodua Myvi

Perodua Myvi 2020 Review

It is perhaps the most well-known car in Malaysia – the Perodua Myvi needs no introduction, but we’ll give you one anyway. First launched back in 2005, the Myvi was developed as a collaboration between Daihatsu, Toyota, and Perodua with the intention of producing a compact hatchback that caters to the everyman. Now in its third generation, the Myvi has seen improvements in powertrain, chassis, and functionality.

Available in six different variants, with two different engines and transmissions, the Myvi caters to an extremely wide range of owners. The most recent update for the Myvi range was in 2020, where the active safety systems were upgraded to ASA 2.0, and Electric Blue was added as a paint option.

The Myvi is largely considered for its value-for-money positioning, and the numerous active and passive safety systems that come as standard on the higher-end variants. On top of this, it has impressive packaging with legroom to accommodate larger passengers easily, and refinement that is unexpected at this price point.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Specifications

With the Perodua Myvi, you have the option of a 1.3-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, or a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The former makes 94 hp and 121 Nm of torque, while the latter makes 102 hp and 137 Nm of torque. Exclusively for the Myvi 1.3L G variant is a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox, while the rest of the variants in the range get a robust four-speed automatic transmission as the sole option. While the automatic unit is not as advanced as other options on the market, it is both reliable and refined enough for almost every situation.

Overall length stands at 3,895 mm, with a width of 1,735 mm, and a height of 1,515 mm. The wheelbase is a good 2,500 mm – a little shorter than current mass market models, but understandable for a hatchback of this size. Perhaps a bit of a sticking point is the small 36-litre fuel tank, down from 45 or so litres with the previous generation Myvi. Perodua’s justification for this is that the more efficient powertrain means owners would need less fuel to get to their destination.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Exterior

Compared to the more utilitarian, function-driven shape of the first two generations of the Perodua Myvi, the third generation Myvi is lower, longer, and sleeker. With the slightly lower roofline and wider track, the Myvi looks a lot sportier and more in line with other hatchbacks on the market. Lower end variants get body-coloured door handles and painted front grilles, while higher end variants get chrome instead.

All Myvi variants have LED headlamps and tail lamps, while the entry level Myvi 1.3L G does without front fog lamps. Naturally the higher end variants also have sportier trim items such as front and rear skirtings, a two-tone rear bumper, a rear spoiler, and both front and rear air spats to completely the look.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Interior

One of the most impressive aspects of the current generation Perodua Myvi is its interior – once again, a stark departure from the Myvi designs Malaysians were familiar with. The dashboard design is far sleeker and streamlined, integrating various design elements and higher grade materials that lend a more premium experience than you would expect at this price point.

Once again, we would be remiss if we did not mention the amount of interior space that the Myvi affords, even with taller passengers in both front and rear seats. While the boot space may be on the ample side of adequate, the positioning and packaging allows for occupant comfort while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The seating position is ever so slightly high for front occupants, though not nearly as bench-like as the previous generation Myvis.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Safety Features

When the third generation Perodua Myvi was launched, there was more demand than Perodua had anticipated – and a very different purchase proportion than what was expected. Many customers were selecting the top-spec 1.5L AV model due to its extensive class-leading suite of safety features, both active and passive.

The ASA system, now in its second generation for the Myvi, offers the lions share of safety systems. Where electronic stability control and traction control were common with other mass-market models at the time, the ASA provided Pre-Collision Warning and Braking (now up to 100 km/h and 80 km/h respectively, up from 30 km/h with ASA 1.0). There is also Pedestrian Detection, Front Departure Alert, and Pedal Misoperation Control.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Strength and Weaknesses

Of the many strengths for the Perodua Myvi, you can boil it down to value for money, interior space, and reliability. The first is self-explanatory – lots of functionality for much less money that you would normally pay. The interior space is expected as many who would purchase the Myvi are also doing so with the expectation of ferrying family members. The last comes from a long history with Perodua’s ability to make reliable vehicles with a strong service network.

That doesn’t mean that it is without its drawbacks. Sound insulation at the rear isn’t fantastic, especially on wet roads when the spray of water from the road hits the inner wheel arch. The boot space could be larger, although that would either make for a larger overall vehicle or compromise the rear legroom. The head unit, while an excellent piece, is somewhat dated when looking at aftermarket replacement options. Perhaps most of all is the fact that Perodua hasn’t yet considered providing the Myvi with a CVT-type automatic transmission for even higher efficiency and performance.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Price

As mentioned earlier, there is plenty of variation across the Myvi range. The cheapest model available is the 1.3G MT which goes for RM 41,292 with the ongoing government sales tax exemption. With that similar exemption, the automatic variant for the 1.3G goes for RM 43,029, and the price increases progressively as more features are added. The top-of-the-line 1.5 AV AT runs you RM 52,697 and includes that upgraded ASA 2.0 system.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Features

Beyond the safety features, the top-spec Myvi 1.5L AV is generously equipped. Most variants will get a Smart Entry with Smart Key (keyless entry and start), as well as a built-in toll reader. The top-spec variant gets ‘Smart Link’ for Android devices, as part of a touch-screen head unit that also offers Bluetooth connectivity and navigation.

Digital air conditioning with memory functionality is also present, as are electronically retractable side mirrors (for the higher-end variants). ISOFIX system for child seats come as standard across the range, though front-corner sensors are only present on the 1.3L X variant and 1.5-litre variants.

Perodua Myvi 2020 Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption will greatly vary depending on how you drive, and mildly vary depending on the variant. For the Myvi 1.3L G manual variant, consumption is a quoted 20.6 kilometres per litre. The Myvi 1.3L G automatic variant does slightly worse at 20.3 kilometres per litre.

The higher-specification 1.3-litre models that come with the Eco Idle system (Perodua’s version of automatic start-stop), are capable of a whopping 21.1 kilometres per litre, while the 1.5-litre models do slightly worse with 20.1 kilometres per litre. Real world driving, you are more likely to see 12 to 15 kilometres per litre depending on your driving habits, routes, and traffic.