On 26 August 2013, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak announced that the replacement model to the Viva will launch in 2014 as the cheapest new car on the market.

[8] The new model will be built at Perodua's all-new RM1.3 billion, 65,000 sq ft second manufacturing plant, located adjacent to the company's original factory in Rawang, Selangor.

[10] Perodua has since announced the construction of a new engine manufacturing factory in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan at cost of RM600 million.

[11] Perodua showcased the Global Model A Segment Space (GMA) concept at the 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show in November.

[14] The more expensive Axia SE and Advance variants sport a more aggressive and sporty exterior, whereas the cheaper Standard E and G trim lines offer a more modest and basic package.

Other features such as retractable side mirrors, reverse sensors, driver seat height adjuster and anti-snatch hook are fitted for GXtra variant and upwards also.

The Style, together with SE and AV variants have keyless entry, push start button and white-illuminated meter panel as additional standard features.

The range-topping Advance variant now features the Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) which debuted in the Perodua Aruz, which includes Forward Collision Warning with pedestrian detection, Automatic Emergency Braking (operative from speeds of 4–80 km/h), Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert, which alerts the driver of the vehicle in front has proceeded ahead, e.g. from a traffic light.

It is Perodua's first engine to be made with aluminium parts, which are lighter than their cast iron equivalents and it is the first to use drive by wire technology.

[11] Unlike the 1KR-FE engine, The 1KR-DE2 in the Axia is not equipped with Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) technology.

[25] The Perodua Axia became the first car to qualify under Malaysia's 2014 National Automotive Policy (NAP) Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) fuel-efficiency standards on its late 2014 launch.

[26] The facelift versions of the Perodua Axia gained Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) in the form of the 1KR-VE engine.

[28] Vehicles with camouflage stickers are shown to the media on 8 February 2023, while in the same day Perodua released teaser images.

[32] Advanced driver-assistance systems branded as Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) is also available, albeit only limited to the range-topping AV variant.

According to Daihatsu, the inside lining of the front seat door was improperly modified with a "notch" to prevent the part from breaking into pieces with sharp edges that could injure occupants during a side airbag deployment.