Malaysia - Perodua Axia garners over 3,500 bookings in less than a week

Expected to launch by next month.

The Perodua Axia budget car has clocked over 3,500 bookings since the opening of order books last Friday (August 15), according to the company's president and CEO Mr. Datuk Aminar Rashid.

The new hatchback which derives its roots from the Indonesian Daihatsu Ayla will be positioned below the Perodua Myvi hatchback. Scheduled to be launched anytime soon, the Axia is available in four trim levels with prices starting from RM 24,900 (around INR 4.76 lakhs).

The Hyundai i10 rival is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder all-aluminium petrol engine that is capable of 65.71 bhp (49 KW) and 90 Nm of torque. Customers can choose from a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the Perodua Axia comes with two different front fascias depending on the variant. The top-end Axia Advance dons a more aggressive front and rear bumpers with wider front air dam while the rest of the variants adopt a relatively understated appearance.

Check out the variant-wise equipment list and pricing of the Axia

The interior stays true to that of the Perodua Global Model A Segment Space concept that was previewed at last year's Kuala Lumpur Motor Show.

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

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

Launch Date: August or early September 2014 in Malaysia

[Source: Paultan]