The Toyota Avanza finally gets the revolutionary change it deserves.
The compact MPV class has long been popular in South East Asia. One of the first to the market was Toyota with the Avanza but the game has changed and the 2nd generation Avanza is already a decade old and struggling to compete. Entries like the Mitsubishi XPANDER, Perodua Alza, and Suzuki Ertiga have shown that a front-wheel-drive, monocoque chassis can do the job of people-moving just as well. As such, the third-generation Toyota Avanza has just been revealed in Indonesia, completely revised from top to bottom with a new ‘Veloz’ variant for those looking for a more aggressive look and more equipment.
The first major change is its underpinnings. The new Avanza sits on the Daihatsu New Generation Architecture (DNGA), the same chassis that is used for the Perodua Ativa. This new Avanza also gets much larger. It is 205mm longer, 70mm wider, and has a 95mm longer wheelbase. Daihatsu have also launched a new Xenia based on this Avanza and it’s rumoured that this Xenia will form the basis on the all-new Perodua Alza.
New Mechanicals For The Avanza
This unibody chassis replaces the ladder frame of the 2nd generation Avanza and mounts the engine transversely for a front-wheel-drive setup. The new DNGA Avanza gets a torsion beam suspension at the rear and MacPherson strut style suspension in front.
In Indonesia, a 1.3L 1NR-VE petrol engine returns in the base model with a 5-speed manual transmission. This motor comes with Dual VVT-i and double overhead cams. It produces 98PS at 6,000rpm and 121Nm of torque at 4,200rpm.
A 1.5L 2NR-VE petrol engine is also available with power figures at 106PS and 137Nm of torque with peak figures coming in at the same revs. This option is available with both a 5-speed manual and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT replaces the 4-speed conventional automatic previously offered.
New Equipment
The Avanza comes with the following equipment:
- 15″ or 16″ alloy wheels
- fabric seats
- 7″ or 9″infotainment screen
- USB ports
- ABS, VSC, EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist
- 2 to 6 airbags
- seatbelt warning for all seats
- rear parking sensors
- 4.2″ digital multi info display
- keyless engine start
- telescopic steering adjustment
- Toyota Safety Sense suite
New Styling
The new proportions have been exploited to give the Avanza a fresh new look with design cues from the RAV4 and Corolla Cross. The new Avanza features a large trapezoidal grille on the lower half of its face with a slimmer grille flanked by LED headlights on top.
Around the sides we see a strong crease line and a floating roof effect created by a little plastic cladding on the rear windows. The rear of the Avanza features horizontally aligned taillights with LED graphics.
Inside, the new Avanza gets a floating-type display for the infotainment unit and a much more modernised interior overall.
Toyota Avanza and Veloz
Toyota has also launched a sportier version of the Avanza called the Toyota Veloz which is only available with the 1.5-litre engine. This version has a different front grille and bumper.
Here, the top section of the grille is large and hexagonal shaped with a Y-shaped mesh. The headlamps take on a different shape and are styled to integrate themselves into the A-pillar. Besides the 17″ rim design, the Veloz looks identical to the Avanza from the side. There are a number of differences at the rear though.
On the Veloz, the taillights are almost conjoined by an LED strip. The rear bumper has also been given a more aggressive design.
The interior of the Veloz gets a fair amount of attention. The upholstery takes on a black-on-white look with subtle changes to the dashboard steering wheel design and a colour palette. The biggest difference comes in the form of a completely redesigned centre tunnel with more storage space in the Veloz and an integrated handbrake handle in the centre box. The Veloz also gets other equipment like ambient lighting, an automatic climate control system and an all-around monitor and more.
