Perodua Myvi D20N (2017-Present) Expert Review
9 March 2018
Overall Rating
After one million units sold, the "love of the nation" received a full reboot for the third-generation. The homegrown effort betters the car it replaces in every aspect, but features - some unprecedented at this price point, some ingenious - are a particularly strong point. Still not the best driving or most refined B-segment hatchback, but unbeatable content and value for money means it's a sure winner.
Performance
New Dual VVT-i NR-series engines are powerful enough in this relative lightweight, but low end response could be better. Fuel efficiency is the main aim here - we recorded 15% better FC than the old Myvi 1.5L in our 400+km real world test. Four-speed auto is merely functional - it isn't the fastest and smoothest shifting, or the most calm at a cruise.
Ride & Handling
The new Myvi is a better drive than before. There's quicker steering and improvements in body control and stability; but if there's one thing the Proton Iriz does better, it's this. Ride comfort is noticeably firmer on the 1.5L's 15-inch rims (versus the 1.3L's 14-inch rims), and the Myvi lacks the satisfying damping of the Iriz and new Kia Picanto.
Comfort
Once again, improved from the low base of the previous Myvi, but not perfect. Noise from the road (tyre roar, pebbles hitting metal) and engine bay could be reduced further. The driving position is lower than before (better) and the seats are less flat, but there's still no telescopic steering adjustment. Still some way from the (much costlier) Honda Jazz in this department.
Safety
Five stars in the latest ASEAN NCAP crash test says it all, but don't tell the full story. We'd have applauded the six airbags (four in the 1.3L) and VSC, but Perodua threw in the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) pack that includes Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking (low-speed autonomous emergency braking), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control for the 1.5 Advance. The next cars to have AEB are more than double the Myvi's price.
Space
As part of the reboot, the Myvi's signature high-roofed body is gone, replaced by a footprint that's significantly larger. There's a lot more room for humans and cargo now, and although the Myvi will no longer accommodate your top hat, headroom is still more than adequate. There's also a full-sized spare tyre with matching rim and two-step reclining rear seats.
Value
The Myvi shocked pundits and rivals alike when it was launched with LED headlamps, keyless entry/push start, digital AC panel, four airbags and VSC across the range, which starts from RM44,300. RM11k more buys you the 1.5 Advance with the above-mentioned driver assistance tech and a cool integrated Smart Tag reader. The latter is just one of the Myvi's novel features - air con memory and in-seat USB charging are the others.