UMW Toyota has finally unveiled the 2nd generation Avanza. This new Avanza has been selling in Indonesia since 3rd quarter of last year and in India and South Africa since 4th quarter of 2011. As usual Malaysians get it later. At launch it is tagged as a 2nd generation model which means it is supposed to be all new, however after a quick look around the exterior and interior we feel that this is just a major facelift and are a little disappointed that not more has been done to this popular MPV. Well, the 1st version sold some 140,000 units since its introduction in late 2004. This was then the cheapest MPV money could buy until the Alza and Exora arrived in the market.
So what is new about this Avanza. Well it still uses the same rear wheel drive platform. The headlamps mimic the Prius and the rear lamps look like they have been lifted from the current Prado TZ SUV. Its basic shape is still the same and most casual observers would assume it is the previous Avanza with some added kit. Dimensions look the same but this new Avanza is 20 mm longer and 30 mm wider and is still a rear wheel drive.
The previous 1.5-litre VVTi engine sits under the hood but this time it produces only 103 PS and 136 Nm of torque. A shade less from before because the engine is now tuned for EURO4 fuel which is what the other nations are using unlike us with jurassic EURO2 fuel at all our stations. There is also a 1.3-litre Avanza which produces 91 PS and 117 Nm of torque. The base model Avanza 1.3-litre VVTi engne is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Fuel consumption is said to be better since this new model comes with improved aerodynamics, lower weight and an Electric Power Steering (EPS). ABS, EBD and dual airbags are also included and the cabin gets multi info display, tilt steering with audio buttons and a 2-DIN head unit with AUX, USB and six speakers. This Avanza still comes with roof mounted air conditioning.
Pricing gives the Avanza and edge over the rest with the base 1.3 manual starting from RM64,590, the 1.5E at RM72,590, the 1.5G at RM77,290 and the 1.5S at RM79,590.
