Factors Shaping Malaysian Women Drivers’ Preferences for Local Cars: Affordability, Comfort and Family Needs

Women drivers constitute an increasingly important segment of automotive consumers, yet their vehicle preferences cannot be explained by a single economic or design characteristic. This exploratory study examined the factors shaping Malaysian women drivers’ preferences for five selected local car models—Perodua Bezza, Myvi, Axia, Ativa, and Proton Saga—with particular attention to affordability, comfort, mother-friendliness, child-friendliness, and size suitability. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered using Google Forms. Of 113 responses received, 106 valid questionnaires were retained and analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. Affordability was the most influential general factor (59%), followed by comfort (46%), mother-friendliness (30%), size suitability (27%), and child-friendliness (19%). Model-level comparisons showed different strengths: Axia recorded the highest affordability result (64%), whereas Ativa recorded the highest comfort result (54%). Bezza achieved the highest results for both mother-friendliness (42%) and child-friendliness (28%) and, together with Myvi, received the highest overall proportion of ratings at levels 4 and 5 (71%). Bezza also obtained the highest mother-friendly overall rating (73%). These findings show that Malaysian women drivers balance economic, comfort, practical, and family-related considerations rather than evaluating cars through a single dominant attribute. The study contributes an exploratory, user-centred perspective on women’s local-car preferences and highlights the value of recognising women drivers as a diverse consumer group. For Malaysian manufacturers, the results suggest that market positioning and vehicle development should respond to different combinations of affordability, comfort, size, practicality, and family needs. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended.

women drivers, car preferences, affordability, comfort, family needs

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