WHEN Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) finally gave the third-generation (3rd Gen) Myvi a sportier and more modern makeover, it proved to be a huge draw.
With its performance having long been proven since its introduction a decade earlier, no one was really expecting the 3rd Gen to blow minds and come packed with top-end performance, especially in a car priced at the RM40,000 to RM60,000 mark.
That's not to say its features were hand-me-downs. And if the Myvi was too basic previously, it certainly isn't now with the 2022 model.
MYVI 1.5L H VARIANT
Cars, Bikes and Trucks recently tested the 2022 Myvi 1.5L H variant during a media drive down to Johor Baru.
Sitting just one range below the top Advance (AV), the H has everything the other variants have to offer except for the full Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system that is only available in the AV.
Easier to list out what it lacks from the AV,
Compared to the AV variant, the H lacks only the red interior design finishes, a TFT colour multi-info display, additional steering buttons and certain driving assist and safety features, such as the front dashcam, reverse camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep control and blind spot monitor.
What it does have over the other variants bar the AV are the LED daytime running lights, gloss black front grille, front lip and side skirts, two-tone rear bumper, a rear spoiler, chrome door handles, front parking sensors and six airbags.
The interior sees honeycomb-like design fabric seats, detachable and adjustable rear headrests, built-in toll reader, a 6.9-inch touchscreen head unit (with USB, Bluetooth, SmartLink and HDMI), leather-wrapped steering, voice recognition control and the X variant's Power mode.
As with all variants, the H features a new dual mode continuous variable transmission (CVT) that replaces the previous four-speed transmission. Paired to a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine (2NR-VE) with Eco Idle, the car produces 102hp at 6,000rpm and 136Nm at 4,200rpm.
Fuel efficiency is estimated at 4.7 litres per 100km and it can go from zero to 100kph in supposedly 10.2 seconds.
Lightweight and compact in size, the new transmission is said to provide a powerful and smooth acceleration at low speeds and will make the vehicle quieter while increasing fuel efficiency (a five per cent improvement or an additional 1km for every litre of fuel) as well as a 20 per cent improved acceleration over the pre-facelift model.
The colour choices are Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Lava Red, Granite Grey, and Electric Blue.
The new Cranberry Red option is only for the AV variant.
THE DRIVE
There are two ways (three if you want to get technical) to look at the experience the 2022 Myvi delivers, especially the H variant. Both more or less lead to a similar conclusion.
Short of qualifying as a full-Autonomous Level 2 technology car (only the AV variant is considered as such), it will still spoil you if you have never before driven a Myvi.
It comes with many of the latest quality-of-life features and can be considered a great entry level car.
Back to the drive, the initial acceleration in low gear felt rather rough, although it eventually smoothened out at higher gears and speeds. Acceleration and handling was zippy and responsive so there was truly no ground to complain there.
The long journey, however, did highlight some drawbacks, such as a short-base and upright seat that proved a bit challenging for long drives and audio speakers that were a little on the soft side that forced you to turn the volume up.
Regardless, the drive was still very much enjoyable and the H's performance was a pleasant surprise. For better or for worse, it drove better above 100kph than it did below. Not advisable for anyone and purely for our test, the car's responsiveness was manageable even at 150kph.
Meanwhile, those who have owned or driven a Myvi can still find new things in the 2022 model.
Yes, it's still a Myvi at its core but most noticeable is a punchy drive with the new transmission and all the new features only add to its appeal and experience.
For those who have owned a pre-facelift 3rd Gen, there's a certain charm that comes with the new, more prominent X-shaped front and the newly designed LED daytime running lights strips. Somehow it feels sportier, if only a little.
Throughout the three days we had with the 2022 Myvi, we only refuelled three times - once each during the Klang Valley-Johor Baru drive and back (at high speeds the entire journey), and once as we toured the city for a full day.
To spare you the figures, we would vouch that the entire drive was sufficiently economical fuel consumption-wise.
VERDICT
There's something new in the 2022 facelift Myvi for everyone new or returning. There's nothing insanely radical but the car is no mere image touch-up.
Call it the current "Best of" in the series, if you prefer. If you have felt the Myvi already gave you enough at its price point previously, then the 2022 model is a bargain.
And if you have never understood the Myvi's appeal, then this one is a good place to start.
So, should you pony up for the RM58,800 AV variant? Our answer is not unless you insist on the complete PSDA system, front and rear cameras, and the red leather finishing.
Do you see fit to spend an extra RM4,900 for the additions? The H variant is priced at RM53,900 and the performance is the same between the two range-topping variants. In fact, the only variant that may differ in performance significantly is the 1.3L G.
Regardless, there is no loss whichever variant that you decide to go for.