For many people, especially the outgoing Perodua Myvi owner, the new Myvi 2011 represent a cosmetic update solely. While it is newer looking, has more pleasing interior, quieter inside and drives better, it is very hard to justify to upgrade to the new model from the outgoing one. For one, while the Japanese cousin has moved on to dual-VVT and CVT gearbox, the new Myvi soldiers on with old K3-VE engine paired with archaic 4 speed automatic transmission or 5 speed manual. Secondly, it is slightly smaller, evidence in tinier boot. Thirdly, the new styling is an acquired taste. Lastly, the whole world has heard that there's going to be a 1.5l variant, that even with archaic auto transmission 'box can potentially give the new Myvi a gutsier drive. The wait is now over!How does it drive?
The extra 12bhp and 19Nm of power and torque advantage over the 1.3l brother make its presence clear. The Myvi Extreme feels more powerful off the line, with more than enough power delivery. I have the chance to test the car over a straight road, punctuated by corner and speed bump and slight uphill road. The ride feels firmer than the old Myvi, but this is the same as the smaller capacity 1.3l model. At low to mid engine revolution speed, the engine sound and feels smooth. However, at higher rev, the noise is quite audible. There's no such opportunity to stretch the car top speed, but the salesman said the car has seen 185 km/h during testing. This is clear advantage over 1.3l automatic version, which struggle to get pass 160 km/h.
The model tested in automatic version. Other than better acceleration and higher top speed, the Myvi SE/Extreme is as per your 1.3l model. The handling is same, with no sport-oriented setup. The drive is great with the finesse steering feel (helped by bulge to rest your thumb on perforated leather wrap) that has optimum spoke thickness ( no different from 1.3). Noise intrusion is OK at mid-speed. Ride is slightly firm over bump. Despite this, body roll is still felt upon cornering. Handling is as per old Myvi too, which is OK to be pushed hard into steady state sharp bend, but any encounter with mid-corner bump or necessity to change direction in high-load mid corner will get it easily out of shape with inconsistent body movement. Brakes is however felt better than Perodua Alza.
Speaking on Alza, it is amazing how much engineering progress Perodua has made in the last two years. The steering design for example, is world better than Alza, and the steering feel has some finesse feel to it, compared to rude feel of power assisted steering of the old. Gear lever shift smoothly into designated slot, none of creaky, squeaky and stiffness of Alza gear lever movement.
Over the 1.3 version, the Myvi 1.5 SE was given a new front bumper design, which include the new upper grille too. Main radiator intake has been enlarged, with two fake side intake on each side, each housing the fog lamp at the centre. The upper grille is finish in contrasting grey with textured square pattern. The lower section of the bumper is slightly lipped, giving an impression of integrated skirting.
The rear end also sports new bumper. True to SE styled, it gained a fake air duct at outer edge on both side, complete with higher-mounted rear reflector. The exhaust tip is now exposed, pointed rearwards instead of down-pointed of 1.3 model. Enlarged spoiler is featured too, and the make-over is completed by SE 1.5 badging on tailgate panel.
The 1.5 Extreme model, as the name implies, gets more extreme exterior garnishing. Over the standard SE front bumper, slightly different side intake (with less bars) , additional contrasting lips and edge skirting have been added. On Majestic Yellow model, contrasting intakes, grille and lip really make it a menacing look.
