Hatchback Rental in Kuala Lumpur

What a hatchback gives you in KL

A hatchback is the right shape for Kuala Lumpur. Kerbside bays around Bangsar, Lucky Garden and Taman Connaught were laid out for cars this size, basement ramps in older condominiums are tight, and a short car turns around in one move where a sedan needs three. All three of ours are automatic, air-conditioned, fully insured and fitted with a reversing camera.

The other half of the argument is fuel. The Perodua Axia AV returns around 27 km per litre, the Proton Iriz Standard around 18 and the Perodua Myvi AV around 20, which means a week of school runs, office trips and mall parking usually costs less than one tank.

Choosing between the Axia, the Myvi and the Iriz

The Perodua Axia AV at RM90 a day is the smallest and the most economical, and the one to take if you are mostly driving inside the city. The Perodua Myvi AV at RM126 steps up to a 1.5-litre engine and ASA driver-assist safety, with 277 litres of boot space that opens to 830 with the rear seats folded — the all-rounder of the three.

The Proton Iriz Standard at RM90 is the handling pick: European-tuned suspension, a composed ride on the Federal Highway and 877 litres with the seats down, which is the largest load space of any hatchback we rent.

Deposits, mileage and what a month costs

All three carry a RM300 refundable deposit, returned once the car is checked at the end of the rental. Excess mileage is RM0.30 to RM0.35 per km, but mileage is unlimited on any rental from three to 30 days, and 1 to 2 day rentals include 200 km a day.

Discounts apply automatically with length: 10% at seven days, 20% at 14, 35% at 21 and up to 55% at 30 days or more with 4,000 km included per month. On a monthly package the Iriz comes to RM41 a day, delivery included, which is the cheapest way to keep a car in the Klang Valley.