The Perodua Axia E is back, just as the carmaker promised when it launched the second-generation Axia in February this year. To be clear, the Axia E being introduced (or reintroduced depending on how you see it) today is of the first-generation model, albeit with some updates which we’ll get to shortly. Affordability has always been a key selling point of the Axia E, which is why it was popular with driving schools and car buyers who just wanted a basic runabout with four wheels, a boot and a roof. However, the second-generation Axia did not arrive with an E variant, with the G being the base option that is priced at RM 38,600 on-the-road (OTR) without insurance.

By comparison, the E variant of the previous Axia last sold at RM 24,090, making it the cheapest car you could buy new in Malaysia. As such, Perodua saw fit to ensure the “driving school spec” Axia E lives on to fulfil its role as the most affordable car in Malaysia as well as ensuring driving schools are catered to. The good news is the Axia E is even cheaper than before, retailing at RM 22,000 OTR without insurance (includes a five-year warranty), or RM 2,090 less than the previous one. This price is applicable in both East and West Malaysia, a first for a Perodua model, and the company is aiming to sell up to 1,500 units of the Axia monthly (includes individual owners and fleet sales). It should be noted the new Axia E is a lot like the version released in 2019, but with the face of the 2017 model. This is obvious when viewing the car from the front, as it features the 2017 model’s bumper that is less aggressive in terms of styling.


The accent trim on the grille of the 2019 Axia also swung upwards at the edges, which wasn’t the case on the 2017 Axia. As for the rear bumper, it is the same one found on the 2019 Axia with large faux corner outlets. We Asked Zainal why the older front bumper was chosen instead of just sticking with the 2019 version and were told that the tooling for the part has been fully amortised, so it was more cost effective to use the 2017 bumper. Another revision involves the colours offered. The previous E variant of the 2019 and 2017 Axia was only available in Glittering Silver and Ivory White – both of which make a return for the new one – but there’s now also a Granite Grey option so you have three hues to choose from. Given the car is based on the 2017 Axia, the E remains certified with a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

Inside, the previous Axia’s dashboard design that we’re familiar with is carried over, and the E continues to come with only the essentials. You get halogen projector headlamps, manual black side mirrors, 14-inch steel wheels (with 175/65 profile tyres), fabric seats, a polyurethane steering wheel, power windows, manual air-conditioning, two airbags, folding rear bench seats, ISOFIX child seat anchors, driver seatbelt reminder and an analogue speedometer with a small digital fuel gauge (no rev counter). Like before, the E doesn’t get a head unit, speakers, central locking, remote locking, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, ABS or EBD. If you’re looking for accessories, Perodua will sell you the Utility Package that includes door visors, coil floor mats and a luggage tray. There’s also the option of GearUp leatherette seat covers front and rear.

As for the mechanical bits, the Axia E keeps to the 1KR-VE 1.0 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder VVT-i engine with 67 hp and 91 Nm, which is also used for the second-generation Axia. This is paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels, so the only way you can get an Axia with a manual is the Axia E because all variants of the newer model are D-CVT only. Perodua lists a fuel tank capacity of 33 litres and a fuel consumption of 22.5 km/l (ECE mode).