The 2015 Perodua Myvi facelift has just been launched in Malaysia. The best-selling car in the nation – for nine years in a row – is now in its second-generation, having first been launched way back in 2005. First things first, the entire range has now been rebranded with four variants on offer.
Things kick off with the 1.3 Standard G, followed by the 1.3 Premium X – both of which replace the Myvi 1.3 XT and 1.3 SE, respectively. Further up, the 1.5 SE remains while the 1.5 Advance takes over the 1.5 Extreme variant. The most glaring difference between both the 1.3 and 1.5 are the front grille design as well as an eight-spoke wheel motif on the 1.3 – the 1.5 gets spiral-themed wheels. All are 14-inch alloy wheels.
Several new additions, standard across the range, include a two-motion remote control with a red and black button. Clicking the black button once unlocks the driver’s door while two clicks opens all four, the red button locks all doors with a single click while holding it down for three seconds triggers the alarm.
Key interior changes on the inside now include a multi-info display with service info. The passenger airbag now has a cutout compared to the pre-facelift’s dash in which the airbag assembly was flush against the dash. Control knobs for the air-conditioning system now feature chrome highlights while the hazard light button has been moved from the left to the right.
The colloquially-popular tapau hooks now come in pairs behind each front seat. A tissue holder embedded into the rear of the front passenger seat and the rather brilliant anti-theft hook from the Axia make an appearance here. Additionally, a retractable cup holder can be found under the driver’s right air-con vent with a multi-purpose compartment located directly beneath it.
Another feather in Perodua’s cap comes courtesy of a four-star ASEAN NCAP rating, which improves on the pre-facelift’s three-star rating. “We have enhanced the vehicle structure to better withstand frontal impacts in line with global standards,” said Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, president and CEO of Perodua.
Tech specs remain the same with the 89 hp and 117 Nm K3-VE 1.3 litre and 102 hp and 136 Nm 3SZ-VE 1.5 litre four-cylinder engines continuing on. Transmission options comprise of a five-speed manual and a new four-speed 4 E-AT automatic. Fuel consumption on the 1.3 litre models are quoted as 18.1 km/l with the manual, 16.7 km/l with the auto. On the 1.5 litre models, the figures for the manual and automatic are 16.4 km/l and 15.4 km/l, respectively. The 1.3 Standard G and 1.5 SE can be ordered with either choices while the 1.3 Premium X and 1.5 Advance receive only the automatic option.
Aesthetically, the 1.3 Standard G looks the part with body-coloured window frames and door handles. Further indication of its entry-level roots are evident with the absence of front fog lights and an uninterrupted rear end, devoid of a spoiler.
Standard equipment include reflector headlights (projectors were standard on the pre-facelift models), fabric seats and a double DIN radio/CD player, which loses USB and Bluetooth connectivity previously available on the pre-facelift 1.3 XT. Don’t be fooled by the front corner parking sensors – they’re merely cosmetic on this variant.
Further interior changes include an all-black dashboard while the door cards and upholstery are finished in beige. Prices begin at RM41,500 on-the-road (OTR) with insurance for the manual-equipped variant while the automatic starts at RM44,500. Metallic paint commands an additional RM400 premium on every single Myvi variant.
Step up the range and the 1.3 Premium X comes with (working) front corner parking sensors – which can be disabled. A rear spoiler, chrome door handles, front fog lamps and blackened window frames mark it out as a more premium variant from the outside.
Inside, the 1.3 Premium X carries forward everything there is from the Standard G but adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a more premium audio system with MP3/WMA, USB and Bluetooth capabilities. Safety count goes up as well with ABS, EBD and brake assist included on this variant and above. Prices begin at RM47,500 OTR with insurance.
On the 1.5 SE variant and above, projector headlights with LED guide lights and clear taillights, a contoured rear spoiler plus a different grille and wheel design help differentiate the 1.5 and 1.3 range. Inside, the 1.5 SE adds on semi-bucket seats trimmed in fabric and the same head unit from the 1.3 Premium X – effectively losing the touchscreen system found on its predecessor.
Also different from the previous 1.5 SE is the adoption of “brushed aluminium” accents over the piano black treatment on the centre console. Prices for this variant begin at RM50,500 for the manual and the auto at RM53,500, both OTR with insurance.
No discernible exterior features can be found on the range-topping 1.5 Advance. Instead the brunt of the change happens inside with its semi-bucket seats trimmed in leather with red highlights instead of fabric. The steering wheel is also trimmed in leather with contrasting red stitching while a leather gearknob and white-faced dials further mark it out.
A touchscreen multimedia infotainment system with navigation and reverse camera replaces the head unit found on the 1.5 SE and 1.3 Premium X. Prices for the 1.5 Advance variant begins at RM58,500 OTR with insurance. Also, factory-fitted solar/security window film come as standard on all 1.5 variants.
Two new colours make their debut on the facelifted Myvi – Electric Blue for the 1.5 SE and 1.5 Advance variants and Cosmic Gold for the 1.3 Standard G and 1.3 Premium X. In addition, the current palette of Mystical Purple, Glittering Silver, Ivory White and Ozzy Orange remain.
Perodua Myvi 1.3 Standard G
