It's no surprise when you consider that its predecessors were Malaysia’s top-selling car models until the Perodua Axia was launched in late 2014.
More than a million Myvi units have been produced since its launch in May 2005, making it the top manufactured Perodua car.
It's notable that bookings for the new 2017 Myvi have hit 13,000 units as of November 24, making it another runaway success for Perodua.
Exterior
The test drive unit here is the flagship Myvi 1.5-litre Advance variant, and it stands out with LED headlamps (has Follow Me Home function, and manual levelling), chrome finish for the front grille and fog lamps, chrome outer/inner door handles, a rear spoiler and a 2-tone rear bumper.
Headlamps with Follow Me Home function remain lighted for 30 seconds after the engine is shut down.
Compared with its predecessor, the new Myvi looks sleek, sportier and more aerodynamic, especially with a sloped rear roofline.
Performance
The 1.5-litre Myvi has a new 4-cylinder aluminium block, dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligence) engine that produces 102hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 136Nm at 4,200rpm.
Just like before, this is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
Power output is similar with the previous 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE engine with DVVT (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing).
However, with the previous engine, peak torque is produced at a slightly higher 4,400rpm.
In terms of performance, the new Myvi is not the most exciting of creatures but it gets the job done competently in moving from point A to B.
Fuel Consumption
Regarding fuel economy, Perodua data says the 1.5-litre powertrain fitted with the Eco Idle engine start-stop feature can deliver 20.1km per litre.
The Eco Idle feature allows the engine to automatically shut off when the car is stopped, and restarts when the brake pedal is released.
Interior
This is the flagship Advance variant, which means you get goodies like leather seats, a multimedia system with Navigation and Smart Link, and an Android-powered touchscreen.
The leather seats feel solid, firm and comfortable.
However, we found that the front seats do not provide much thigh support and this results in more fatigue, especially when driving long distances.
There are nice kit like digital display for air-conditioning, audio volume control and telephone buttons on the steering wheel and a toll card reader - which means we do not need our SmartTag device any more.
There are also 3 USB ports (including one on the side of the driver's seat - useful for rear passengers).
Practicality
The new Myvi has amazing legroom; out of proportion to its compact size.
It feels almost as if we are in a D-segment car.
Rear headroom is decent, although when we compared it against a 10-year old predecessor, there is less rear headroom due to its sloping rear roof line.
Storage options are not too bad, with front seat-back pockets as well as shopping bag hooks, and four door bins.
Regarding rear cargo space, the new Myvi has more storage room with 277 litres (previous Myvi had 208 litres).
Ride & Handling
Ride and handling quality is not the new Myvi's strength.
Our test drive unit was fitted with Goodyear Assurance TripleMax tyres sized 185/55 R15.
The ride feels floaty and boat-like especially on poorly maintained and uneven roads around Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.
The suspension is not outstanding at soaking up road bumps and irregularities, and rear passengers will feel some bounciness on rough roads.
We also heard the occasional clunking sound, from the rear, when we drove over bad potholes or road bumps at some speed (we have pointed this out to the Perodua people, and they say it will be checked out).
There is also a fair bit of tyre roar and engine noise penetration into the cabin.
The electric power steering is precise and responsive.
On the highway, we noted that the tachometer needle was at 2,000rpm when driving at 80kph.
At 90kph, the needle hovered around 2,200rpm. At 100kph, the needle was at 2,500rpm. At 110kph, the needle hovered around 2,700 to 2,800rpm.
The Eco Idle function works well enough, and we never found the engine start-stop function to be irritating.
We also found braking, with its front disc brakes and rear drums, to feel soggy and not quite inspiring.
Safety
- 6 airbags
- ABS (anti-lock brake system)
- EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- ISOFIX child seat points
- Seat belt reminder - all seats
- Reverse sensor
- Reverse camera
- Security tinted film
- ASA or Advanced Safety Assist
The integrated toll-card reader is powered by the Myvi engine and features a back-lit display.
Yes, you can turn off the engine idling stop-start function and Pre-Collision Warning (part of ASA).
We have written quite a fair bit about the ASA and also, tried the Pre-Collision Warning and Braking assist at a preview in Rawang.
READ MORE:
Perodua Myvi: A Malaysian joy
Perodua Myvi gets cert confirming 5-star Asean NCAP safety rating
2017 Perodua Myvi launched: All you need to know
2017 Perodua Myvi: Automatic braking, Advanced Safety Assist
Equipment
- LED headlamps with Follow Me Home function, and manual levelling
- Auto off headlamp
- Acoustic windshield
- 3 USB ports
- 2 shopping bag hook
- Anti-snatch theft hook
- 60:40 folding rear seats
- Smart entry with push-start ignition
- Seat height adjuster (driver only)
- Electric power steering
- Leather seats
- Multimedia system with Navigation and Smart Link
- Touchscreen with Android
- Built-in toll reader
- Eco Idle engine start-stop
- Leather steering with audio and call receiver controls
Reliability
5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty
Price (On The Road Price without insurance)
RM55,300
Summary
The new flagship 1.5-litre Myvi Advance variant offers a lot of practicality and functionality, and very impressive cabin room for a compact car.
It also has the segment-first ASA safety features, although there are many limitations in its operations.
The roomy cabin impressed us. So did the Auto off headlamps, the 3 USB ports, smart entry with push-start ignition, built-in toll reader and audio controls on the steering wheel.
In summary, we think the new Myvi Advance offers more value than ever, with lots of nice comfort and safety kit.
You definitely can't go wrong with the new Myvi Advance in terms of practicality, and good product packaging.
However, we were not impressed with the lack of thigh support for the front seats, the noise penetration in the cabin and the soggy feel of the brakes.
You might want to think twice if you are buying with your "sporty motoring" heart, rather than your "ringgit and sen" head.
This guy is more than 6 feet tall and could fit into the rear bench seat without trouble. Legroom is there at the expense of less thigh support.
The red Perodua Myvi is the latest third-generation 1.5 Advance. Alongside it is the second-gen Myvi.
