Two Malaysian Cars Make Top Gear's Worst 43

What Are the Two Malaysian Cars on Top Gear's Worst 43 List?

The two Malaysian cars named in Top Gear's list of the 43 worst cars of the century are the Perodua Kancil and the Proton Savvy. These are budget hatchbacks produced by Malaysia's two national carmakers, Perodua and Proton, and were included for their substandard driving dynamics, dated safety, and poor build quality relative to global competitors of their era.

The Top Gear list, published by the BBC-owned motoring publication, identifies these models as notable failures of the 21st century, serving as a cautionary reference for Malaysian buyers considering used compact cars in the RM 5,000 to RM 15,000 bracket.

The Kancil (1994–2009) was Perodua's entry-level city car, while the Savvy (2005–2011) was Proton's attempt at a European-styled supermini. For Malaysian users, the list matters because these vehicles remain common on local roads, particularly as first cars for students and budget commuters in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Key Facts

Why Did the Perodua Kancil Make Top Gear's Worst 43 List?

The Perodua Kancil was included because Top Gear judged its crash safety, handling, and refinement as unacceptable even by early-2000s budget car standards. The Daihatsu-derived kei car was designed primarily for Japan's microcar market, not for Malaysian highway conditions, resulting in a vehicle that felt unstable at speeds above 90 km/h.

According to the original Careta.my report on the Top Gear list, the Kancil was criticised for its lack of basic safety equipment, including the absence of airbags in most variants sold in Malaysia. The car's lightweight construction and narrow track made it particularly vulnerable in collisions with SUVs and sedans common on Malaysian roads.

"Top Gear's evaluation of the Kancil highlighted its minimal safety features and its performance limitations, which were deemed unacceptable for a modern vehicle."

— Careta.my, "Dua Kereta Malaysia Masuk Senarai 43 Kereta Terburuk Abad Ini"

The Kancil's omission of dual airbags and anti-lock brakes, standard in global rivals by 2005, was a primary factor in its inclusion on the worst 43 list.

Why Did the Proton Savvy Make Top Gear's Worst 43 List?

The Proton Savvy was included due to its poorly calibrated automated manual transmission (AMT), which Top Gear testers found jerky and unpredictable. The Savvy's Renault-sourced 1.2L engine produced just 74 horsepower, requiring heavy throttle inputs to maintain highway speeds, while its ride quality was compromised by a stiff rear axle.

The Savvy was Proton's attempt to move upmarket, but its build quality and interior materials were judged as below par. The AMT gearbox, in particular, suffered from hesitation during gear changes, making city driving in stop-and-go traffic a frustrating experience. Proton sold the Savvy from 2005 to 2011, with total production of approximately 40,000 units, a fraction of the Perodua Myvi's volume.

The Savvy's AMT gearbox failure rate in Malaysia was reported by owner forums to be significant, with clutch actuator replacements costing between RM 2,000 and RM 4,000, a major expense for a car priced under RM 15,000 used.

How Do These Cars Compare for Malaysian Users Today?

For Malaysian users considering these cars in 2025, the comparison is stark: the Kancil remains a cheap, ultra-low-maintenance city runabout, while the Savvy offers better crash structure but far worse drivetrain reliability. Neither car is recommended for regular highway use on PLUS or LPT expressways, where 110 km/h cruising exposes their limitations.

For Malaysian buyers, the Kancil is acceptable only for city use below 80 km/h, while the Savvy should be avoided unless the AMT has been converted to a manual gearbox, a common RM 3,000 modification in local workshops.

What Problems Do These Cars Face in Malaysia's Tropical Climate?

Malaysia's tropical climate—high humidity, frequent rain, and average temperatures of 30°C—exacerbates the weaknesses of both cars. The Kancil's thin body panels and lack of anti-corrosion treatment make it prone to rust, particularly around the wheel arches and door sills, while the Savvy's electrical wiring harness is vulnerable to moisture ingress, causing intermittent sensor failures.

The Kancil's air conditioning system, a critical feature in Malaysia, is undersized for the climate; owners often report weak cooling after three to five years, requiring compressor replacement at RM 400–RM 600. The Savvy's cooling system, shared with the Renault Clio, is more robust but the engine bay runs hot, accelerating degradation of rubber hoses and plastic components.

In Malaysia's 240V power grid environment, neither car offers any electrical advantage; however, the Kancil's carburettor-based engine (pre-2003 models) is simpler for local mechanics to service, while the Savvy's engine management system requires diagnostic tools not always available in rural workshops.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

These cars are only suitable for budget-conscious Malaysian buyers in urban apartments or compact homes with limited parking space. The ideal user is a student or first-time driver earning below RM 2,500 monthly, who needs an A-to-B vehicle for short commutes of under 15 km daily, and who has access to a trusted mechanic familiar with Perodua or Proton parts.

These cars are not suitable for families, frequent highway travellers, or anyone who values modern safety features such as electronic stability control, which neither vehicle offers. Malaysian users living in landed properties with dedicated parking may prefer a Perodua Axia (starting RM 22,000 new) or a used Perodua Myvi (RM 15,000–RM 20,000) for better safety and refinement.

The only justifiable purchase of a Kancil or Savvy in 2025 is as a temporary, low-cost commuter car for a maximum of two years, with a contingency budget of RM 2,000 for immediate repairs.

Common Questions

Is the Perodua Kancil safe for highway driving in Malaysia?

No. The Kancil lacks airbags and ABS, and its narrow track makes it unstable above 90 km/h. Top Gear's list cited these exact deficiencies. Use it only for city driving below 80 km/h.

Should I buy a Proton Savvy with the AMT gearbox?

No. The AMT is the primary reason for the Savvy's inclusion on the worst list. If you must buy one, budget RM 3,000 for a manual conversion. A Perodua Kelisa offers better reliability at a similar price.

Are parts for the Kancil and Savvy still available in Malaysia?

Yes. Perodua and Proton service centres stock basic parts, and third-party suppliers in Jalan Pahang, KL, offer aftermarket options. The Kancil has better parts availability due to its Daihatsu lineage, while Savvy parts are rarer and pricier.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Careta.my report titled "Dua Kereta Malaysia Masuk Senarai 43 Kereta Terburuk Abad Ini," which summarised Top Gear's list of the 43 worst cars of the century. The original Top Gear ranking is the primary dataset, with additional context from Malaysian used-car market pricing data (2025) and owner-reported reliability statistics.

No currency conversion was required as all prices are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Technical specifications (engine output, dimensions) were cross-referenced with Perodua and Proton official historical data. Malaysian climate and road-condition assessments are based on general automotive industry knowledge, not a specific cited study.

This article was last updated on 18 November 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Careta.my source and current used-car listings on Mudah.my and Carsome.