The compact car has added variable valve timing (VVT-i) to its 1.0 litre 1KR-VE engine, endowing it with the ability to achieve better fuel economy at 22.5km per litre.
The engine also benefits from a slight increase in power and torque by 1hp and 1Nm respectively, and now produces 67hp at 6,000rpm and 91Nm at 4,400rpm.
The new Axia was unveiled at the MYPerodua Nation carnival, which is being held at Aeon Mall here from Jan 20 to Jan 23.
The Axia looks different now as it has undergone cosmetic changes to the front fascia with two different looks across its four variants.
The entry-level variants - Standard E and Standard G - features a newly styled front grille identified by the single silver bar running across it and a bumper design along with projector headlamps for a bold appearance. Another addition here is the tailgate handle at the rear for all variants.
The new facelifted Axia Standard G variant.
The Standard E comes with a manual 5-speed transmission only is priced at RM24,900 and the Standard G has a manual option at RM34,900 and automatic at RM36,900.
The pricier versions of the Axia, the SE and Advance, now features a completely new and slimmer grille with two chrome bars as opposed to the previous "open-mouth" look.
It also has newly designed projector headlamps and bumper and more chrome around the front foglamps and doorhandles. The SE and Advance also get side skirtings and 14in spiral design alloy rims.
Push start button on SE and Advance variants.
Both variants now comes with push start/stop button and smart entry system with smart key. While the top-of-the range Advance has the additional multimedia system with 'Smart Link' for Android devices.
The Axia SE (manual) is priced at RM37,900 while the automatic is priced at RM39,900. The Advance is available in automatic only is priced at RM42,900.
The interior of the Axia Advance.
All prices are on-the-road with insurance.
In a related development, the grand prize winner of Perodua's 'Test Drive and Win" SMS contest was announced at the event. Law Soon Hee, 26, received his prize of a new Bezza 1.3L Advance variant.
Present at the event were Datuk Dr Zahari Husin, Managing Director of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, Masanori Takahashi, President of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, President & CEO of Perodua, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Chairman of Perodua, Datuk Dr Nik Norzrul Thani Nik Hassan Thani, Chairman of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim, President of Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Vice President Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd.
The 1.0 litre engine now comes with variable valve timing, VVT-i.
