Verdict
The Ativa is the more complete family-car choice: its 97 hp and 140 Nm arrive against the Axia’s 67 hp and 91 Nm, while 369 litres of boot space gives it a useful 104-litre advantage. It is also 305 mm longer, with six airbags and autonomous braking with pedestrian detection rather than two airbags and no such system. The Axia keeps the same 2,525 mm wheelbase, 36-litre tank and five-seat layout in a far lighter 865 kg hatchback. For tight budgets, that matters; for regular highway or family use, the Ativa’s extra performance and safety equipment matter more.
The Ativa 1.0 AV CVT (RM72,600) sits above every Axia variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the Perodua Ativa if you need 97 hp, a 369-litre boot and six airbags with autonomous braking for regular family and highway driving.
Pick the Perodua Axia if a compact 3,760 mm hatchback and the lower purchase cost matter more than performance, boot space and advanced safety kit.
Key differences
- Price: Ativa RM62,500; Axia RM33,900.
- Power and torque: Ativa 97 hp and 140 Nm; Axia 67 hp and 91 Nm.
- Boot space: Ativa 369 litres; Axia 265 litres.
- Kerb weight: Ativa 1,020 kg; Axia 865 kg.
- Airbags: Ativa six; Axia two.
- Rated economy: Ativa 5.3 L/100 km; Axia 25.3 L/100 km.
Ativa
- 97 hp and 140 Nm turbo engine
- 369-litre boot
- Six airbags, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist
- Costs RM28,600 more
- Heavier at 1,020 kg versus 865 kg
- Rated at 5.3 L/100 km versus 25.3 L/100 km
Axia
- RM33,900 entry price
- 865 kg kerb weight
- Same 2,525 mm wheelbase and 36-litre tank as the Ativa
- 67 hp and 91 Nm trail the Ativa’s 97 hp and 140 Nm
- 265-litre boot is 104 litres smaller
- Two airbags and no autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
What the Ativa has over the Axia
What the Axia has over the Ativa
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The Ativa is 55 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Ativa: 369 litres against 265.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM62,500 | RM33,900✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20 | RM20 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM640/mo | RM345/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM1,873 | RM1,129✓ |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM2,109✓ | RM10,069 |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM10.55✓ | RM50.35 |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM20,011✓ | RM56,093 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged and Intercooled with Variable Valve Timing | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 996 cc | 998 cc |
| Horsepower | 97 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 67 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 140 Nm at 2,400 rpm✓ | 91 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 71 mm × 83.9 mm | 71 mm × 84 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 11 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | D-CVT | D-CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Akashi Kikai | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.3 L/100 km✓ | 25.3 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,065 mm | 3,760 mm |
| Width | 1,710 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,505 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 2,525 mm |
| Weight | 1,020 kg | 865 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 36 litres | 36 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 369 litres✓ | 265 litres |
| Front Tyre | 205/60R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/60R16 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 16" Alloy | Full Size 14" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 14" 8-spoke Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 14" 8-spoke Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors with Automatic High Beam | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con (Digital Controls with Memory Function) | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Four Speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up/Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used Ativa & Axia for sale
Our reviews & guides
Perodua Ativa
Ativa vs Axia FAQ
Is the Perodua Ativa or Perodua Axia better?
The Ativa is better for buyers who need stronger performance, a larger 369-litre boot and more safety equipment. The Axia is the better budget choice, retaining five seats, a 2,525 mm wheelbase and a 36-litre fuel tank in a smaller hatchback.
What is the price difference?
The Perodua Ativa costs RM28,600 more than the Perodua Axia. That gap brings 30 hp more power, 49 Nm more torque, 104 litres more boot space, four additional airbags and autonomous braking with pedestrian detection.
Which has the better safety equipment?
The Ativa does. It has six airbags, autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, collision warning, steering correction lane-keeping assist, automatic high beam and front departure alert. The Axia has two airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control and hill start assist, but lacks those driver-assistance systems.
