Malaysia - Daihatsu Ayla-based Perodua Axia budget car teased

The Perodua Axia is powered by a 1.0-litre engine that delivers 66 PS (65 bhp) and 87 Nm of torque.

Perodua has started teasing its soon-to-be-launched Axia small car which is a rebadged version of the Indonesia-spec Daihatsu Ayla.

The Malaysian carmaker has posted the hatchback's image in its Facebook page. The photo appears to be taken on the final inspection section of the manufacturing plant, hinting that the production could have commenced. Recent spyshots revealed that the Perodua Axia will come in three variants - G, SE and Advance.

Numerous spyshots of the Axia have surfaced online in the past two months, fully revealing the exterior and interior. The car gets a different front fascia compared to the Ayla. The sportier top-end Advance variant features projector headlights, larger secondary airdam and aggressive bumpers.

The dashboard is significantly different from the donor car and was previewed by the Perodua Global Model A Segment Space concept which was unveiled at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013.

Powering the Axia would be the 1.0-litre three-cylinder aluminium petrol engine that also powers the Indonesian Ayla. The power and torque outputs stand at 66 PS (65 bhp) and 87 Nm respectively and transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.

The Perodua Axia is the first car to be made at the automaker's second manufacturing unit which is located near its existing unit at Rawang, Malaysia.

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

Launch Date: Anytime soon