Malaysia - Perodua Axia bookings open, prices starting from INR 4.77 lakhs

Available in 4 variants - Standard E, Standard G, Special Edition (SE) and Advance. The Perodua Axia, the Malaysian automaker's new budget small car, is days away from its launch and bookings will commence from Friday (15th August).

The company says that the name is to be pronounced as "A-zee-a" (derived from Asia) and the letter 'X' in the name represents 10, signifying the fact that the Axia is the 10th model by the brand which came into existence in 1993. Coming to the car in question, the hatchback is essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Ayla which is available in Indonesia. The front fascia has certain design changes, the taillights get clear lens treatment and the interior is completely new and designed by Perodua. The car which has been spied quite a number of times will be available in 4 variants - Standard E, Standard G, Special Edition (SE) and a sportier Advance (with aggressive body kits and projector headlights).

Power is courtesy of a 1.0-litre all-aluminium three-cylinder petrol motor borrowed from the Ayla. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed AT while the power and torque outputs stand at 65.71 bhp and 90 Nm respectively. Perodua has revealed that the Axia's boot which is shaped to accommodate travel bags has a volume of 260 litres. For the first time, Perodua will offer a 5-year warranty.

Check out spy images of the new Perodua Axia

Positioned below the Myvi hatchback, the Axia is made at the carmaker's new manufacturing unit near the existing one at Rawang, Malaysia. Bookings can be made across Perodua's 180 outlets across Malaysia.

Competitors: Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Beat (Spark)

Starting Price: RM 24,900 (around INR 4.77 lakhs)

Launch Date: August 2014