Last updated: January 2024
Owning your own private vehicle that would get you anywhere you need tends to be a part of necessity in Malaysia, due to the poor public transport connectivity.
The hassle that the current commuters encounter each time they travel via a public utility vehicle suggests the practicality of attaining privacy and comfort by having an auto.
Not to mention that theafter COVID-19, every realises it's quite dangerous to have more physical interaction with people during the commute on public transport.
Therefore, it is needless to say that obtaining a car would help you practice social distancing more and help you avoid exposure to different viruses.
However, having the goal of wanting a car requires a strenuous job due to its high price and the multiple automobiles one may find throughout Malaysia that could give you hundreds of options.
There’s no need to worry–as the next few segments of the article will show you the curated list of the cheapest cars that you can have in Malaysia.
Why are cars expensive in Malaysia?
Due to the excise duties applied on foreign cars wherein some went up to 105 percent, cars in Malaysia appear to be expensive.
These imposed excise duties on cars that were imported paved the way for the prices to go high by about three times more or 300 percent more compared to the initial prices.
Malaysians tend to buy foreign cars mostly that are intensely unaffordable–despite being in other countries–because of the effects of excise which is a kind of tax applied on specific goods created in Malaysia.
The good news was announced last 2014 by the revised National Automotive Policy which reiterates that imported car prices will be eventually lessened by 20 to 30 percent by 2018.
But, this has been imposed merely on imported cars that were assembled locally.
And incentives have been granted to decrease the amount of the excise duty payable to corporations that produced cars and got involved in local value-added automotive components.
Recommended: Cheapest Car Rental in Malaysia
Top 10 Cheapest Cars in Malaysia
1. Perodua Bezza 2020
Perodua Bezza 2020 - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Perodua Bezza of 2023-2024 comes in 4 variants, i.e., 1.3 AV Automatic, 1.3 X Automatic, 1.0 G Automatic, and 1.0 G Manual; and its price ranges from RM 34,580 to RM 49,980.
The Perodua Bezza’s base model is the 2020 Bezza 1.0 G Manual which costs approximately RM 34,580–one of the cheapest variants–while the top variant is the Bezza 1.3 AV Automatic which costs RM 49,980.
Moreover, the Perodua Bezza is considered an A-Segment and has a Sedan body type, 69-96 PS horsepower, and an AT/MT transmission.
Also, the Perodua Bezza can occupy up to 5 people and has a 1.0 to 1.3 L capacity.
Lastly, almost all variants of the Perodua Bezza have the 4 E-AT transmission, except for the Bezza 1.0 G Manual which has the 5 MT.
2. Perodua Axia
Perodua Axia - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Perodua Axia is an A-Segment car with a body type of Hatchback, CVT Transmission, and a horsepower of 68 PS.
Moreover, the Perodua Axia can occupy up to 5 people and has a capacity of 1.0 liter, and is being offered in 5 variants i.e., 1.0 G, 1.0 X, 1.0 SE, 1.0 E, and 1.0 AV.
The 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 G can cost approximately RM 38,600 while the Axia 1.0 L can cost around RM 40,000.
Also, the 2023 Perodua Axia 1.0 L X can cost also around RM 40,000 while the Axia 1.0 L SE can cost RM 44,000.
The cheapest variant of the Perodua Axia is the Axia 1.0 L E which only costs around RM 22,000 and is the only variant that has the 5 MT transmission.
User Review
“Overall, the new Axia is a much-improved car, and some aspects such as the stunning FC, shared DNGA cabin content, and better performance with just a gearbox change are things that will delight owners daily.” - Danny Tan on paultan.org
Related: How much does a Toyota Vellfire cost in Malaysia? - Malaysia Vellfire Price
3. Proton Iriz
Proton Iriz - Malaysia Cheapest Car
Proton Iriz is a B-Segment car that has a hatchback body type, CVT transmission, and horsepower from 95 to 109 PS.
Moreover, the Proton Iriz has a capacity of around 1.3 to 1.6 L and can occupy 5 people, not to mention that it is being offered in 3 variants i.e., 2021 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT, 1.6 Executive CVT, and 1.6 Active CVT.
The 2021 Proton Iriz 1.3 Standard CVT costs RM 42,800 (RM 431 per month), while the 2021 Proton Iriz 1.6 Executive CVT costs RM 50,300 (RM 507 per month).
Also, the 2021 Proton Iriz 1.6 Active CVT costs RM 57,300 wherein the monthly payment has a price of RM 577.
Lastly, one great feature of the Proton Iriz is that all of its models have an engine composed of 4 Cylinders In-Line, 16 Valve DOHC, and VVT.
User Review
“The CVT is now consistent enough to be unintrusive in daily driving and the changes also made the Iriz more fuel efficient.” - Shaun on wapcar.my
4. Proton Saga
Proton Saga - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Proton Saga is an A-Segment car that has a Sedan body type, AT / MT transmission, and horsepower of 95 PS.
Moreover, the Proton Saga has a capacity of 1.3 L and can occupy up to 5 people; also, it is currently offered in 4 variants, i.e., 2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Standard MT, 1.3 Standard AT, 1.3 Premium AT, and 1.3 Premium S AT.
The 2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Standard MT costs RM 34,800 (RM 350 a month), while the 1.3 Standard AT costs RM 38,800 (RM 391 a month).
Also, the 2022 Proton Saga 1.3 Premium AT costs RM 41,800 (RM 421 a month) while the 1.3 Premium S AT costs 44,800 (RM 451 a month).
There are tons of features that Proton Saga can showcase including the LED Daytime Running Lamps, Front and Side Skirtings, 15” Alloy Wheels, and many more!
User Review
“The design philosophy is simple. The front reminds you of the 2006 Corolla. The back is impressive with a sporty bumper. Alloy rims are beautiful. The interior is decent and the button quality is superb. The seats are really comfortable. The door panels and dashboard are of good plastic material. The speed-o-meter has a splendid look with glowing lights. The fuel economy is fair enough. It gives 11-12 with AC and 13 in winter. I get 17-18 on motorways with 110-120 km/h. It is a great addition to your garage especially when you have school-going kids to be dropped off and weekend road trips planned to different places.” - Hassan Adnan Malik on pakwheels.com
5. Perodua Myvi
Perodua Myvi - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Perodua Myvi is a B-Segment type of car that has a hatchback body type, CVT transmission, and horsepower of around 95 to 103 PS.
Moreover, the Perodua Myvi has a capacity of around 1.3 to 1.5 L and can occupy up to 5 people, not to mention that it has 5 variants, i.e., 1.3 G w/ PSDA, 1.3 G, 1.5 X, 1.5 H, and 1.5 AV.
The 2022 Perodua Myvi 1.3 G with PSDA costs RM 46,500 (RM 468 per month), while the 2022 Perodua Myvie 1.3 G costs RM 48,500 (RM 489 per month).
Also, the 2022 Perodua Myvi model 1.5 X, model 1.5 H, and model 1.5 AV cost RM 50,900 (RM513 per month), RM 54,900 (RM 553 per month), and RM 59,900 (RM603 per month), respectively.
User Review:
“The new gearbox may be just one bullet point on the brochure, but the CVT completely changes the Myvi’s driving character, while boosting performance and economy for a win-win. As for safety, the G3 was already unchallenged in its price bracket (and beyond); with ACC and LKC – supported by ASA 3.0, BSM, RCTA, AHB, and LDW/LDP – the Myvi is now on a completely different plane. And it now has LED daytime running lights! So many people cannot be wrong. The no-brainer has gotten better.” - Danny Tan on paultan.org
6. Proton Persona
Proton Persona - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Proton Persona is a B-Segment car that has a Sedan body type, CVT transmission, and a horsepower of 109 PS.
Additionally, the Proton Persona has a total capacity of 1.6 L and can occupy 5 people; it is currently offered in 3 variants, i.e., 2021 Proton Persona model variant 1.6 Standard CVT, model 1.6 Executive CVT, and model 1.6 Premium CVT.
The 2021 Proton Persona model variant 1.6 costs RM 47,800 (RM 481 per month), model 1.6 Executive CVT costs RM 53,300 (RM 537 per month), and model 1.6 Premium CVT cost RM 58,300 (RM 587 per month).
There are also tons of features that the Proton Persona can showcase such as the Intelligent Entry with Push Start Button, 8” Floating Infotainment Head Unit, etc.
User Review:
“This is a compact car that is winning hearts all over Malaysia. With its innovative technology and outstanding safety features, the Proton provides me with a smooth driving experience. My purchase of this four-wheeler has also pleased my family. I am so pleased with its purchase and adore its personality's dynamism. It captures my heart and the attention of others on the road by maneuvering through the sharp corners of the road and holding its ground in style. My choice of vehicle and how it looks are often praised.” - Awang on zigwheels.my
7. Perodua Alza
Perodua Alza - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Perodua Alza is a B-Segment type of car that has an MPV body type, CVT transmission, and horsepower of 106 PS.
Also, the Perodua Alza has a total capacity of 1.5 L and can occupy up to 7 people; not to mention that it is currently offered in 3 variants, i.e., 2022 Perodua Alza model 1.5 X, model 1.5 H, and model 1.5 AV.
The 2022 Perodua Alza model 1.5 X, model 1.5 H, and model 1.5 AV, cost RM 62,500 (RM 630 per month), RM 68,000 (RM 685 per month), and RM 75,500 (RM 761 per month), respectively.
The Perodua Alza is packed with amazing features such as modern restyling, a spacious 7-seater cabin, an all-new 360 degrees Panoramic View Monitor, and many more!
User Review:
“Unlike its predecessor, which was essentially a stretched and enlarged second-gen Myvi hatch, this new Alza underpins the DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture) platform – the same as the Ativa, as well as the Alza’s upcoming Toyota Veloz twin. Unlike the Ativa though, the new Alza ditches said crossover’s 1.0-liter 3-cyl turbo heart, favoring a tried-and-tested 1.5-litre DVVTi naturally aspired 4-cyl petrol mill instead. This isn’t bad news entirely considering just how bulletproof and economical said mill is.” - Thoriq Azmi on caricarz.com
Learn too: How much does a Mazda cost in Malaysia? - Malaysia Mazda Price
8. Kia Picanto
Kia Picanto - Malaysia Cheapest Car
Kia Picanto is an A-Segment type of car that has a hatchback body type, AT transmission, and horsepower of 84 PS.
Moreover, the Kia Picanto has a total capacity of up to 1.2 L and can occupy up to 5 passengers; also, it is being offered in 2 variants, i.e., the 2019 Kia Picanto variant 1.2 EX AT, and model 1.2 GT-line AT.
The 2019 Kia Picanto variant 1.2 EX AT costs RM 49,888 (RM 503 per month), while the variant 1.2 GT-Line AT costs RM 59,888 (RM 603 per month).
The Kia Picanto is also full of amazing features including the 8” infotainment system, daytime running lights, alloy wheels, and many more to mention!
User Review:
“Well, the Picanto gives you five doors as standard, and two petrol engines to choose from, with manual and automatic gearboxes available. Kia also makes an SUV-esque version called the X-Line, which has rough-and-tumble looks but probably won't get you very far off-road” - Neil Winn on whatcar.com
9. Proton Exora
Proton Exora - Malaysia Cheapest Car
Proton Exora is a C-Segment car that has an MPV body type, CVT transmission, and horsepower of 140 PS.
Additionally, the Proton Exora has a total capacity of 1.6 liters and can occupy up to 7 passengers.
The Proton Exora is being offered in 4 variants, namely, the 2022 Proton Exora variant 1.6T Executive CVT which costs RM 62,800 (RM 633 per month); variant 1.6T Premium CVT which costs RM 69,800 (RM 703 per month).
Moreover, the 2019 Proton Exora variant 1.6 Executive CVT costs RM 59,800 (RM 602 per month), while variant 1.6 Premium CVT costs RM 66,800 (RM 673 per month).
Needless to say, Proton Exora is packed with cool features including the 1.6 L Turbo Engine, 7” Infotainment Head Unit, Leather Steering Wheel with Switches, and many more!
User Review:
“With cars and any device nowadays, a warranty is just a joke. Six months warranty on a device; what is supposed to happen within 6 months? And if something does happen, why was that sold as a product in the market in the first place? This Proton car is, however, different. It has some flaws in terms of the build quality. But a 5-year warranty makes up for it. So, you can basically get your money’s worth with this car, and it incentivizes the owners to keep the car for that long or at least sell them at a better price. I am not looking to sell my car, I am quite happy with it and their service. I will recommend Proton to others.” - Qistina on zigwheels.my
10. Perodua Ativa
Perodua Ativa - Malaysia Cheapest Car
The Perodua Ativa is a B-Segment car that has an SUV body type, CVT transmission, and horsepower of 98 PS.
Also, Perodua Ativa has a total capacity of 1.0 liter and can occupy up to 5 passengers–not to mention that it is currently offered in 6 variants.
The variant 1.0L Turbo X, variant 1.0L Turbo H, and variant 1.0L Turbo H Special Metallic, cost RM 62,500 (RM 630 per month), RM 67,300 (RM 678 per month), and RM 67,800 (RM 683 per month), respectively.
While variant 1.0L Turbo AV, variant 1.0L Turbo AV Special Metallic, and variant 1.0L Turbo AV 2-Tone cost RM 72,600 (RM 732 per month), RM 73,100 (RM 737 per month), and RM 73,400 (RM 740 per month), respectively.
Lastly, the Perodua Ativa has fantastic features including the Smart Drive Assists, 9” Infotainment, Versatile Utility, and the like.
User Review:
“Even though the Ativa’s interior build quality and other aspects could be improved upon, it is important to note that the Ativa’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Thus, for RM73,000, no other new vehicle on the market comes close to matching the Ativa.” - Agnes on glitz.beautyinsider.my
Guide to Cheap Cars in Malaysia
How much to afford a car in Malaysia?
It is recommended that the price of the car you should buy with a loan should be equal to your monthly payments that do not go beyond 15 percent of your monthly earnings.
It is also important to take note that the period of loan repayment shouldn’t be longer than 5 years.
For instance, you’re aiming for the cheapest BMW 3 Series which is approximately RM 250,000.00 and its 5-year repayment period costs RM 4,791 per month.
And let’s say you earn only RM 10,000 a month, it then concludes that buying the BMW 3 Series isn’t practical because its monthly repayment period (RM 4,791) is 47%of your monthly salary (RM 10,000) which exceeds 15%.
In conclusion, one of the best practices to check if you can afford a car is to take into consideration all your expenses including housing, food, savings, investments, etc.
After taking all commitments and expenses into account, you should divide the remaining balance into two and the quotient is the amount of money that you can use for your monthly car payments.
The other half of the remaining balance should be dedicated to car maintenance including tolls, fuels, and the like.
Malaysia Cheapest Car
The COVID-19 pandemic makes the option to commute and expose yourself to numerous people more dangerous–not to mention the hassle brought about by the public utility vehicle.
Therefore, obtaining a car tends to be a practical decision as it can minimize the aforementioned harms and also it benefits your overall well-being by its contributed safety and comfort.
However, due to some reasons related to the country’s taxing systems, Malaysians are faced with car prices that seem unaffordable.
But, with proper planning and financial practice, it is said that obtaining a car in the country wouldn’t be as hard as reaching for the stars.
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