By September this year, the
Perodua Axia will be four years old. It has sold in great numbers since it was
launched in 2014, but will it do any better if it had a more forward-looking
design like that seen on the new Myvi?
Well, here’s one for the imagination, courtesy of
rendering whiz Theophilus Chin. As you can clearly tell, the entire design
element has been lifted off the new Myvi, more specifically the Myvi 1.3
Premium X. However, details such as the headlights and front grille are
perceptibly different, with the former being sleeker and more proportionately
styled for the A-segment hatch.
The grille takes on a more understated look with a
two-piece element – the bottom part in gloss black and the top part in chrome.
Below that you’ll find the familiar chromed fog lamp that’s accented by
encasing chrome trims, albeit more dramatic than those on the Myvi. Elsewhere,
the alloy wheels and side panel mouldings are pretty much a carbon copy of the
Myvi, and the chromed door handles provide a decent contrast to the overall
profile.
The back is where things get a whole lot more
exciting. First of all, the C-pillars aren’t as chunky as the Myvi, so it makes
do without the rear quarter window, giving it a cleaner look. The sloping roof
also adds a touch of athleticism – just like the Myvi, it’s capped off with a
shark fin antenna.
The rear windscreen is a little less steep compared
to the Myvi, and it guides the eyes down to the tail lights. Nothing fancy
here, but the shape and simplicity works rather well for a supermini. The
tailgate design and rear bumper may divide opinion. Overall, it’s quite a
decent looker, but to execute this look on a diminutive A-segment footprint may
prove to be a real challenge – almost impossible without sacrificing some form
of practicality.
