2019 Toyota Avanza: Variants explained

It’s now only a matter of time before the all-new 2019 Toyota Avanza hits showroom floors across Malaysia. So, for those of you who are interested and are weighing your options, let’s plunge straight through the smokescreen and figure out what’s what. Firstly, Toyota will be selling three variants of the new Avanza in our market - there’s the base 1.5E, then the mid-option 1.5S, and finally, the top-trim 1.5S+. And as for their prices, each of them is pegged at RM 80,888, RM 83,888, and RM 87,888, respectively.

Also, this new avatar of the Avanza looks far more promising and convincing than the model it replaces - bringing in better styling and more equipment along. While it may not boast a drastically altered exterior, it won’t be right to say that the Japanese automaker hasn’t done zilch. The most noticeable details to spring forth have to do with the new design of the headlights, front grille and bumper, taillights and rear bumper. In profile, you’ll also be able to pick up on the refreshed styling of the wing mirrors and alloy wheels, and that’s mostly about it. But for now, let’s get cracking with the explanation portion of this piece.

2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5E

This entry-level trim of the 2019 Toyota Avanza is priced at RM 80,888 and in many ways, is identical to its higher-priced siblings. For starters, all variants of the Avanza are powered by the tried-and-tested 2NR-VE petrol engine which comes mated to a 4-speed torque-converter automatic, and drives the rear wheels. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder mill cranks out 102 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of maximum torque at 4,200 rpm. Obviously, given the segment and its weak power-to-weight ratio, this MPV isn’t meant to smoke its rear tyres, at all. However, a top speed of 180 kmph and a combined fuel economy of approximately 13 kmpl are pretty decent numbers. Then again, the Avanza’s lethargic 13.5-second acceleration time to 100 kmph is a bit dull.

The 2019 Avanza (in the E trim) comes equipped as standard with full LED headlamps, front fog lamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically-operated door mirrors with side repeaters, rear roof spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. Furthermore, there’s also gets keyless entry, digital AC with rear air vents, fabric seating surfaces, split & tumble second and third-row seats, and a two-din audio rig with four speakers and support for CD, MP3, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth. The Avanza E variant’s safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX anchor points for the second row of seats.

2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5S

On top of all that’s mentioned above, the RM 83,888 S variant of the new Avanza adds to the exterior dual-tone alloy wheels (still 15-inches), power-retractable door mirrors, and a fancy chrome bar plus red reflector trim between the two taillights. In the meantime, the interior gains a multifunction steering wheel, sunglass holder, six speakers (instead of just four), chrome garnished inner door handles, and a sportier-looking driver’s instrument cluster with a multi-information digital display.

Rather interestingly, however, the mid-level S trim of the Avanza cannot be even optioned with extra goodies such as front & rear digital video recorders (DVR), a roof-mounted monitor, reversing camera, or a touch-infotainment head unit. Customers of the base E variant of the Avanza, on the other hand, can buy these separately from the dealership. But, all variants can have their windows treated with Toyota’s privacy and solar film coating, which of course, is sold as an optional.

2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5S+

Costing an additional RM 7,000 over the base E variant, the 2019 Toyota Avanza S+ is as high as you can go. Externally, you won’t be able to tell this one apart from its less expensive mid-option S variant, as both are splitting images of each other. On the inside, however, things are slightly more apparent. The most obvious way to identify the interior of the S+ variant is by the presence of its standard fit 6.75-inch touch-multimedia head unit. This infotainment system reels in support for voice command and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with the now obligatory Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the top-end variant of the new Avanza also features a front-facing digital video recorder as standard. Toyota has also been kind enough to throw in added safety measures such as a blind-spot monitor (BSM) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA).