Hi guys I am a newbie here (not really new, as i had been following the treads..but lazy to register lol)
Well I had been following a few threads - zth as well as other forums. The question of Myvi vs. XXX car is very berry common. Perodua Myvi is often compared to many other local cars of same range and as well as imported cars. With the 1.5litre myvi on the road, the comparisons get wilder and wider.
As far as I can see, Myvi is often compared with:
1. Proton Saga
2. Proton Persona/Gen2
3. Suzuki Swift
4. Hyundai I10
5. Kia Picanto
6. Satria Neo
I currently own a 1.5liter Myvi and I bought the Extreme 1.5l Manual Variant. Well for sure there will be many (unless nobody reads this
) would disagree on the Extreme variant and also "why buy manual" thingy, bcoz extreme only has more accessories at a price that is considered high to most of the people. And also buying a manual to drive in the city sounds ridiculous, bcoz 10 out of 10 of my friends asked the same thing.
Ok. All the bullshiets above isnt really important to the topic. What I was trying to say is that buying a car depends merely on your preferences when you have the budget. Well I had tested a few cars mentioned above before decided to go for Myvi. Let's roll..
1. Proton Saga FLX : The first batch of Saga BLM did not really impressed me a lot. Well I admit it does look quite fine - like an ordinary car. But when the facelift (FL) model was out, I gotta admit I kinda like the front of it. It blends well. So I checked on one and had a go in it.
a.
Exterior :- It is quite a sporty looking car to me and if you have some budget for body kits, rims, etc. It will make the car look great.
b.
Interior :- Sorry to say and no offense, the interior of the car is what turned me down. It like sitting in a box surrounded by plastics! The finishes are so simple. I dont quite understand why Proton does not put a little more effort into finishes for example, aluminum linings, fabric panels, etc. I personally do not think it would cost a lot to add in. (Mind you, I wasnt sitting in the basic variant). Space in the car is quite ok though. Doesnt feel like a small car.
c.
Performance :- The saga I tried is a 1.6litre Auto. The engine is smooth (to me) and the acceleration is kinda good thanks to the bigger engine. I did not push too far bcoz it is my friend's brother's car and it is neeeeww..so I gotta be polite and smile when my brain was like "aw potong stim". FC wise, I have no idea. The figures claimed by Proton is merely a reference. But as today's cars are build with Green thought in mind, I do not think there will be a big contrast in the models mentioned above.
d.
Handling :- New car...brother's car...so I couldn't spin the car like my grandma's. But the overall ride is comfortable and firm. When I say firm it doesnt mean it's stiff. It just doesnt go like rattling when u riding on a sea of holes. Brakes, well..it works.
e.
Conclusion :- For a price dat is around 40k it is actually quite a bargain. With ABS, EBD and Air Bags and Lotus Ride and Handling
2.
Suzuki Swift :- Its hot hatch! Suzuki Swift came into my mind bcoz of the reduced price. They are having this basic variant which cost around RM65k.
a.
Exterior :- I like Swift. Especially with big set of rims and hikari bodykits.
b.
Interior :- Potong Stim. And this time, shredded in pieces. Bcoz of the reduced price, you get all around plastic interior (saga is better), no handle for passengers (the 1 above your head), the rear seat head rests are removed and replaced by small caps to cover the holes, and even the papan separating ur passenger cabin and luggage cabin is omitted !! Oh my lady gaga! Yes, all these can be installed at most accessory shops out there. But how much will it cost to have it installed at the first place? Space is quite cramp, especially for those who sits at the rear.
c.
Performance :- It is good. Responsive, smooth, powerful and fun to drive. It is after all, a small car with 1.5liter engine.
d.
Handling :- I couldnt agree more when many people who drives Swift praised its handling. For a hatchback/compact car, this little guy can really smoke you around corners. I was driving in zig zag with speed of 50km/h on the highway (no traffic at all lol) and the car feels nimble. The brakes are good,too.
e.
Conclusion :- I did not choose the Swift because I love driving in a car that feel comfortable in the inside, yet i can have some fun. It feels great when you are driving a Swift up to Genting, but you feel boring when it comes to a halt in the traffic. If you love to drive fast around corners and traffic, this car might be one of your option.
3.
Perodua Myvi :- I had driven the 1.3 and also the 1.5 variant. Well..I actually agrees what Jeremy Clarkson said on his comment to Myvi. Ride..rubbish..brake..rubbish...seats...rubbish...this (knocking the door panel)...rubbish..(and the scratch the door lol). Despite this, myvi is the choice of malaysians - being on the top of the sales list.
a.
Exterior :- The new Myvi looks better than the previous one (my vry own opinion). Now with the SE and Extreme, they look even better. Thank god Perodua did not follow exactly the design of Toyota Passo for their new myvi. Its freaking girl-ish.
b.
Interior :- For the 1.3 variant, you get two-toned dash board and door panels. On the other hand, its all black for the 1.5 variant. Although it still has the plastic feel, its not as strong. Moreover it is actually quite nice with the Multimedia DIN in it. In a myvi, it is actually quite spacious at the passenger cabin. Well this of course, sacrificing the arse and the space in its arse. However, the speakers...change it, or u will be deaf in less than a month.
c.
Performace :- The 1.3l myvi is already quite a powerful car (when i say powerful, do not think of 0-100 in 5.7secs). It has no problem going uphill, no problem overtaking another car or mat rempit in highway, or rushing home to release your diarrhea. The 1.5l really is lagi power, lagi best i would say. The acceleration is brilliant. Initially I thought that the 1.5l Myvi will never have the power and responsiveness of a Swift, I admit I was wrong.
d.
Handling :- Rubbish. Not only that the suspension is stiff, the body roll is obvious because of its centre of gravity. The 1.5l has a stiffer suspension system (probably perodua is going to diversify its business into Spine fixing) to take care of the larger engine. The brakes are rubbish too. I personally think that Perodua should lower the car by 10mm and soften the suspension a bit. This would make the ride more comfortable. The first thing that came into my mind when i decided to get a Myvi is deal with the handling. At least some of it. A week after getting my car, I had installed Rear Lower Arm, Rear anti roll, and front strut. The results? It's worth it. The body roll is tremendously reduced and the ride is firmer. Aiming for front anti roll
, bigger and lighter rims, and better brake pads. But all these gonna wait them wear out first..new car still. :rolleyes:
e.
Conclusion :- Being in it is quite comfortable. The 1.5l variant certainly worth more. Unless you want better FC and doesnt know what is anti roll bar or what suspension system actually does, then get 1.3l variant.
I had only tried 3 cars mentioned in the list above. I had driven a Kia Picanto before but it was the old model. So no point comparing it with the new guys. Other cars..I'm only a passenger
. Please feel free to correct me and share your wise opinions and experiences ^^
Of course, other than the few criteria I used above, there are more things to consider when choosing a car. Quality, reliability, resale value, operating cost, etc.
Cheers ~
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