Perodua Myvi Road Test

Turn the key and the surprises keep coming. The ride is excellent. The way the suspension soaks up minor imperfections coupled with the nicely oiled feel of the steering system gives theMyvi an expensive feel. I'd go as far as to stick my neck out and say it rides more serenely than an Audi A4. The 1.3-litre engine features Dynamic Variable Valve Timing which helps to maximise both low end torque and top end power while keeping combustion as efficient as possible.

Double overhead cams and electronic fuel injection also help to give the Perodua a little pep although it's unlikely you'd plump for the Myvi if you're looking for the sharpest steer in this sector. We'd still recommend you keep saving for a Ford Ka in that instance but the Myvi is nevertheless a decent handler.The City Course at the Millbrook proving ground we used for our test aims to replicate the typical driving environment you'd find in any urban area.

It's littered with tight turns to show how the car jinks in and out of traffic and around obstacles, there are many stop and reverse features and nowhere can you attain much more than 30mph, even with the heaviest right boot. In other words it's a very good test of the real thing. There are even surfaces that mirror typically pot-hole speckled city streets and also a fearsome array of sleeping policemen to punish the suspension with. In lieu of testing it in the urban sprawl and crawl, this is the next best thing and the Myvi coped with the tests admirably.

There was a slight clanging from the rear suspension when subjected to rather brutal treatment over the biggest speed hump, but this sort of driving tends to be reserved for motoring writers, joyriders and paramedics, none of whom would represent the Myvi's target clientele. The gearbox doesn't appreciate being rushed into reverse gear but aside from that, the report card is favourable.

The steering rack is adequately quick, front end grip is up to snuff and engine refinement is very good. All round visibility and access to the rear seats is also excellent.