Toyota Avanza

Overview

Since the beginning of 2019, Toyota was teasing us with the images of a new MPV. That was later confirmed to be the all-new Avanza. In the new avatar, the car not only looked better but substantial revisions were seen in its specs sheet. This we know from the detailed leaflet that was uploaded on Toyota Malaysia website. It was finally in May 2019, when the new Avanza arrived and took everyone by surprise. We must say, the latest model is powerful and has a vibrant aura to itself that the previous model missed.

This time around, Toyota is offering the new Avanza in three variant options - base 1.5E, 1.5S, and range-topping 1.5S+. All the trims source their power from a common mill, a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It churns out 105 PS and 136 Nm. Also, it’s mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission unit. This engine can also be found under the 2018 Rush and Perodua Myvi.  Unlike Toyota’s latest models, this one misses out on the company’s 360-T (Trust & Technology) safety kit.

Apart from that, the 2019 Toyota Avanza is full of features and is available in four paint schemes. With a starting price at RM 80,888, the new Avanza will give good competition to the car in its segment in the Malaysian market.

Interior & Features

It seems like Toyota has finally paid heed to the complaints about the Avanza’s dated interior because what we see now is entirely reconstructed cabin space. And we couldn’t have been happier, as instead of looking dated, the updated space now looks more symmetrical and is of contemporary look and feel. The interior is majorly covered in black and is very well complemented by silver and chrome accents. The leather upholstery is not an option. However, the fabric wrapped around the seats is of premium quality. The new MPV is designed to offer a quieter and relaxed drive, no matter the road conditioins, and for this, the NVH levels are improved. The dashboard gets a new layout and now features a new centre stack that includes the manual air-con system controls and infotainment display screen.

The base 1.5E trim gets essential cabin elements like urethane steering wheel along with analogue gauges. The other two Avanza models showcase sportier gauges, steering mounted audio controls, a multi-info instrument cluster display, and chrome trim. The range-topping 1.5S+ model is the one that’s more in line with the modern day features. It gets a 6.75-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. This display also serves as an output unit for the reverse camera. In the 1.5E and 1.5S models, the touchscreen is offered as an optional feature with a double-DIN head unit coming as a standard fitment. As for the number of speakers, only the base gets 4, the rest feature 6 units.

Exterior

When compared to the previous generation, the 2019 Toyota Avanza has been overhauled entirely from top to bottom. The outer profile of the car has been redesigned, and it now gives the MPV a more appealing and rugged look. The front of the new Avanza draws massive inspiration from Toyota Vellfire. Especially the part where the upper part of the grille is extended towards the side ends, thus giving the headlamps the unique two-tire look.  Coming to the lower apron, it seems to be taken straight from the Veloz that’s sold in Indonesia. Next best thing about the Avanza’s front is the multi-slate vent that’s huge and gives the MPV most of its character, and it is further linked to the recessed fog lamps. The side remains mostly the same with no visible difference. The rear receives some revisions in the form of redesigned tail lights that merge with the red reflector on the tailgate. Like before, the car runs on 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/65 profile tyres. The 1.5S and 1.5S+ models get a two-tone finish. Part of Avanza’s standard kit is bi-LED headlamps, shark fin antenna, front fog lamps, and roof spoiler.

Ride & Handling

The 2019 Avanza comes with MacPherson strut with stabiliser at the front and a 4-link with Lateral Rod at the rear. With this setup, the new Avanza displays capabilities of conquering all kinds of grounds. Also, the all-electric power steering makes sure there is no issue in maneuvering the MPV. The Avanza gets regular ventilated disc brakes at the front along with drum brakes handling the responsibilities at the rear.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The 2019 Toyota Avanza gets a 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder gasoline mill with automatic start/stop function missing even in the top trim. It is the same mill that rests under the hoods of the 2018 Rush and  Perodua Myvi. For better mileage, Toyota has added dual VVT-i. The said mill produces 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Dropping the previous-gen 5-speed manual unit, a four-speed automatic gearbox is now assigned to deliver the power to the wheels.

Braking & Safety

Toyota Avanza's standard safety features include ABS with EBD, two airbags (driver and front passenger), reverse sensor, collapsible steering column, ISOFIX, and 3 Point ELR seatbelt in all three rows.  The top variant, 1.5S+, is the first Avanza model to feature advance safety techs like Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Verdict

For the year 2019, the Avanza gets a brand new, modern look and feel. The dull components of the old model are nowhere to be found, and this we think will help attract young buyers looking for a big family car. Also, with a starting price of RM 80,888, the Avanza is an affordable pick in the segment, plus its fuel-efficient nature makes it a more attractive prospect.  It, however, not so well laid out safety kit that has disappointed us.