A few months ago a satire from Funny Malaysia lamented on young Malaysian’s choice of wheels in a rather amusing article on the top 10 most popular cars for young Malaysians, where unsurprisingly the list was filled with entirely, the Perodua Myvi. It is not that young Malaysians in their twenties prefer the Myvi over anything else, but perhaps it is the most logical vehicle purchase when their earning power is low.
Perhaps that explains given a sample size of 10 young Malaysians (assuming to earn an average monthly pay of RM2K-5K), eight of them will drive home the brand new Perodua Myvi. Well, to be honest, it is not a bad choice as after all, it excels as a point A to point B car. That, however, translates to car enthusiasts as boring with a capital “B”.
However looking at the bigger picture, there are plenty of new cars that young Malaysians or those with a tight budget can afford at the price of a Myvi. A Perodua Myvi starts at RM46K to RM60K so we set the max benchmark of RM60K. Let’s roll shall we…
DO YOU MIND A PROTON?
Understandbly with sub-RM60K budget, your choices are pretty limited, however, there are a few decent Proton cars you can look at, such as:
1. Proton Saga:
Starts at: RM34K – RM50K (for 1.6 FLX SE)
Fact: There nothing wrong owning the next most common car apart of the Myvi. It fact it is a decent successor to the first generation Saga, which may have ferried their parents when they were that age. At roughly the size of the ever popular Toyota Vios, it isn’t that bad.
Pros: Bigger boot space than the Myvi, seats 3 people well in the back. Handles better than Myvi
Cons: Coarse engine. Fuel Consumption of a 2.0L car (for the 1.3L engine)
Our pick: 1.6 FLX SE.
2. Proton Persona
Starts at: RM45K (for SV manual) – RM51K (standard auto)
Fact: The Proton model that saved the company from possible oblivion. Basically it’s a Gen-2 with a boot, do not overlook this car as this is one of the few new cars under RM60K with rear independent suspension.
Pros: Good boot space, ride and handles well.
Cons: Less than average fuel consumption. Starting to look aged.
3. Proton Preve Executive Manual
Starts at: RM59K for the Executive manual
Fact: It may be reaching the RM60K budget but for that you get a well specced saloon car with six air bags, ESC, ISOFIX and a 5-star ANCAP rating. The “Milo Can” body stereotype normally associated with older Proton is now history.
Pros: One of the best specced saloons under RM60K. Handles pretty good. Safest new car on this price range.
Cons: Underwhelming engine.
Note: Despite the CVT transmission for the Preve executive is a little above the RM60K budget, do not forget the sales advisor can always give discounts or rebates up to RM1,000 and above. In that case, it is achievable to get a Preve Executive with CVT transmission for less than RM60k.
WAIT, I WANT A NEW CAR BUT I DON’T WANT A PROTON or PERODUA
Don’t worry, there is hope (although not much)…
1. Hyundai i10:
Starts at: RM52K (for 1.1L) – rm57k (for 1.25L)
Fact: The days when your parents told you that Korean cars are crappy are over. In some ways, the Koreans can make better cars than the Japanese. Case in point, the i10, where this little Korean city car is one of the best handling cars in the segment.
Pros: Surprisingly good handler and fun to drive which should make keen drivers smile.
Cons: Starting to look aged, and the next generation i10 has already appeared in Europe.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage GL
Starts at: RM55K for manual and RM60K for auto
Fact: The little Mitsubishi hatchback makes a return. Good to look at and has a class leading fuel consumption figures in the segment.
Pros: The best Japanese car under RM60K. Brilliant fuel economy as well.
Cons: Does not “hoon” like a Satria (after all, the first generation Proton Satria was derived from a 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage)
3. Kia Picanto
Starts at: RM54,888 (M/T) & RM59,888 (A/T)
Fact: A brilliantly specced A-segment supermini. The Picanto’s generous equipment list has put a few B-segment saloons to shame.
Pros: Six airbags, ESP, ISOFIX disc brakes at each corner, Hill Start Assist, keyless entry/push start, LED DRLs and Bluetooth. Where can you find these in a Myvi?
Cons: Naza’s after sales service remains an afterthought.
HANG ON, HOW ABOUT USED CARS?
This is where things get more interesting. If you can spot a good unit and depending your negotiation skills, you can get something way more satisfying than the Myvi. Come back again for our next installment for used cars for a price of a new Myvi!
