Daihatsu Ayla Remains Top Budget Car in Indonesia at RM35k
What Is the Daihatsu Ayla?
The Daihatsu Ayla is a budget city car manufactured by Daihatsu Motor Co., a Japanese automaker with strong ties to Toyota and Perodua in Malaysia. It competes in the ASEAN entry-level hatchback segment, designed to offer affordable personal mobility for urban commuters. In Malaysia, no official distributor exists, but its platform is shared with the Perodua Axia, making it relevant as a benchmark for local budget car comparisons.
The Daihatsu Ayla is Indonesia’s top-selling budget car at approximately RM35,000 (converted from IDR 120 million), targeting first-time car buyers and households seeking low running costs in congested city environments.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Price (as tested, Indonesia) | RM35,000 (approx. IDR 120 million, conversion based on 1 MYR = 3,430 IDR as of March 2025) |
| Manufacturer | Daihatsu Motor Co., Japan (produced under license in Indonesia by Astra Daihatsu Motor) |
| Segment | Entry-level city hatchback (A-segment) |
| Engine | 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol (approx. 65 hp), fuel economy ~20 km/L |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3,660 mm x 1,600 mm x 1,520 mm |
| Release year (current generation) | 2023 (facelift) |
| Safety equipment | Dual front airbags, ABS, ISOFIX (no ASEAN NCAP rating for Malaysian market) |
| Warranty (Indonesia) | 3 years / 100,000 km |
| Malaysian relevance | Platform shared with Perodua Axia; no official import but comparable to RM35k–RM45k local models |
The Daihatsu Ayla uses a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine that delivers approximately 20 km/L under real-world conditions in tropical Southeast Asian cities.
Why Does the Daihatsu Ayla Remain a Top Budget Car in Indonesia?
The car remains popular due to its low entry price, efficient fuel consumption, and Daihatsu’s extensive dealer network across Indonesia’s archipelago. According to data from the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo), the Ayla consistently ranks among the top three best-selling cars in the country, with over 30,000 units sold in 2024 alone.
“The Daihatsu Ayla continues to dominate Indonesia’s affordable car segment because it delivers the essential features for city commuting at a price point that many first-time buyers can afford.”
— Careta.my, “Daihatsu Ayla Kekal Jadi Pilihan Segmen Kereta Mampu Milik Indonesia Harga RM 35 Ribu”, 2025
The Ayla’s fuel efficiency, at 20 km/L in mixed driving conditions, can save a typical Malaysian commuter approximately RM 600 per year compared to a 1.5L sedan.
How Does the Daihatsu Ayla Compare for Malaysian Users?
Malaysian buyers cannot purchase the Ayla directly, but its platform sibling, the Perodua Axia, offers similar dimensions and engine specs. The Ayla’s strengths—compact footprint, low maintenance, and high fuel economy—are directly relevant to Malaysian urban drivers who face traffic congestion, narrow streets, and rising fuel costs.
| Feature | Daihatsu Ayla (Indonesia) | Perodua Axia (Malaysia) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (RM) | ~35,000 | ~38,000 (2025 model, depending on variant) |
| Engine | 1.0L 3-cyl | 1.0L 3-cyl (same Daihatsu platform) |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 20 | 18–19 |
| Boot space | 180 L | 200 L |
| Safety (ANCAP / ASEAN NCAP) | No star rating for Indonesia | 4 stars (ASEAN NCAP, 2024) |
| Warranty | 3 years/100k km | 5 years/150k km |
For Malaysian buyers seeking a budget city car, the Perodua Axia offers a local warranty and better safety rating, while the Daihatsu Ayla remains a cheaper but unimported alternative.
Who Is This Car For in Malaysia?
The Daihatsu Ayla (or its Perodua equivalent) targets first-time car owners, students, and small families living in compact urban spaces such as KL condos or Penang apartments. Its small turning radius and low maintenance parts make it suitable for narrow streets and limited parking. The car runs on RON 95 petrol, which is widely available and subsidised in Malaysia, further lowering running costs.
Malaysian users who drive less than 15,000 km per year and prioritise low ownership expenses over performance will find the Ayla concept ideal, though they must buy the locally-assembled Perodua Axia to enjoy official after-sales support under tropical humidity conditions.
Common Questions
Can I buy a Daihatsu Ayla officially in Malaysia?
No. Daihatsu does not operate a direct consumer sales channel in Malaysia. However, the mechanically identical Perodua Axia is sold through Perodua’s nationwide network with full warranty and local service centres.
How much does it cost to run a Daihatsu Ayla in Malaysia if imported?
An imported Ayla would incur excise duties, import taxes, and compliance costs, raising the final price to approximately RM 55,000–RM 65,000, making it less economical than the local Perodua Axia.
Does the Daihatsu Ayla have enough power for Malaysian highways?
The 1.0L engine produces about 65 hp, adequate for city driving at speeds up to 90 km/h. On highways like the PLUS, it struggles with overtaking above 100 km/h, especially when carrying passengers or luggage.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the Careta.my report titled “Daihatsu Ayla Kekal Jadi Pilihan Segmen Kereta Mampu Milik Indonesia Harga RM 35 Ribu”, published in 2025. Additional data on fuel economy, pricing, and safety ratings were cross-referenced with Gaikindo sales figures, Perodua’s official specifications, and ASEAN NCAP results. Currency conversion from Indonesian Rupiah to Malaysian Ringgit uses the rate 1 MYR = 3,430 IDR (approximate as of March 2025). Malaysian unit pricing and warranty terms reflect publicly available information from Perodua. This article was last updated on 28 March 2025.