Toyota Avanza

Overview

With the blockbuster success of the Innova across the globe, it’s quite easy to understand that Toyota wants to take the MUV category quite seriously. With the all-new generation version of the Innova moving up the price and dimension ladder, the segment of entry-level MUV is now managed by the Toyota Avanza compact MUV. For the Malaysian market, the Toyota Avanza is offered in four different versions – 1.3 E MT, 1.5 E AT, 1.5 G AT, and 1.5 S AT. Only the basic variant gets a 1.3-liter petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox, whereas the rest of the variants are offered with a 1.5-litre petrol mill with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Color options for the Toyota Avanza are Silver Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Black Metallic, and White.

Interior & Features

The Avanza might have a safe approach in terms of exterior designing, but when it comes to the interior it seems to have taken the wrong turn. The overall cabin of the Avanza feels quite dated, both in terms of design as well as equipment level. Thus making one feel that it is truly entry-level MUV built to cost.

The three-spoke steering does get mounted controls and silver finish on its outer sides, however, the design is very basic. The analogue dials for the instrument console too look plain, and the monochromatic LCD unit for the fuel gauge and other drive data isn't of much help. Adding some more monotonous feel to the cabin is the basic layout for the centre console, which has got a 2-Din audio system as well as manual controls for the AC. The only special highlight on the dashboard is the silver finish for the centre console. The all black theme for the cabin further makes it look a bit gloomier in appeal.

When it comes to equipment levels, the Toyota Avanza feels a bit lackluster and covers up only the basics like a 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, power windows, central locking, and tilt adjustable steering.

However, the one area where the Avanza clearly trumps and overshadows its dull cabin design is the amount of space on offer. One does get a number of seating configurations, with ample space in all the three rows.

Exterior

Seldom there is a chance that an MUV has a desirable design destined to wow the audience. Sadly, the Avanza doesn’t fall in this category, and just like many other MUVs, it has a very generic design. However, there are a couple of design cues which give the Avanza its own identity.

For the Malaysian market, the Toyota Avanza gets two front fascia design. The top-spec S variant gets a thick chrome slat above an inverted trapezoidal grille, whereas the rest of the variants get a thick chrome slat above the three-slat grille. The short bonnet profile does accentuate its compact dimensions. The sweptback and curvy-from-the-outside headlamps might look a bit oddball in design, however, it does make the front end look different.

The overall side profile of Avanza looks a bit bland and misses out on character lines, save for a noticeable bulge above the rear wheel arch which makes the car look bulky. The alloy wheels are diamond cut units which are the only premium feature on the exterior.

At the rear, just like the front, the Avanza looks a bit quirky but has an individualistic appeal to it. The long vertical tail lamps do get the same kind of curve on its outer edges like the front headlamps. The roof spoiler, as well as chrome garnish above the number plate place, prevents the rear hatch from looking bland.

Ride & Handling

The Toyota Avanza has got a basic MacPherson struts at the front and 5-link type suspension at the rear. The suspension is set on a softer side to go well with its MUV traits. The tall profile of the Avanza translates into a slight amount of body roll, but then, it is controlled well enough to not feel uncomfortable at all. The second, as well as third row, get 50:50 split folding facility to configure to different ways.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

In Malaysia, Toyota has made the Avanza available with two different petrol engines. The basic E variant gets a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which pumps out 97 PS of power and 121 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the bigger 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 105 PS and a peak torque of 136 Nm. While the 1.3-litre gets a 5-speed manual, the other three variants are offered with a not-so-radical 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Braking & Safety

Being an entry-level MUV, the Toyota Avanza only comes with the basic safety features, which includes front dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear fog lamps, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, and reverse parking sensors.

Verdict

Like most MUVs in the market, the Toyota Avanza is designed to give high priority to functionality over form. Its pure focus is only on ferrying passengers from one place to other while providing decent levels of comfort. Apart from this one fine area, there is nothing much to talk about the Avanza in general. The overall exterior styling, as well as cabin, does lack the appeal of modern cars and the limited comfort and safety feature make the overall package even duller. However, when it comes to cabin space, the Avanza clearly gets a thumbs-up. Given its low price point, it is a decent offering for those who prefer the basics and nothing else.