Toyota Avanza

The second generation Toyota Avanza made its Malaysia debut back in 2012, and currently on its second facelift back in 2019. Three variants are available – 1.5E (AT), 1.5S (AT) and 2.0S+ (AT).

Price starts at RM 80,888 for the 1.5E (AT), whereas the 1.5S (AT) is priced at RM 83,888, and the top-spec 1.5S+ (AT) will set buyers RM 87,888.

At the price point, the Toyota Avanza competes against the Perodua Aruz and Honda BR-V.

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2019 Toyota Avanza Gallery

Design

Entering its third facelift, the front end looks similar to a certain premium MPV in their lineup. If the word Toyota Alphard or Vellfire comes up to your mind, you are right. The sideskirts, rear bumper and addition of chrome rear light reflector made the Avanza looks much sleeker.

To us, this is the best the Avanza has ever looked. Definitely a commendable effort from Toyota.

Dimensions

Lighting

For the first time, all variant comes with Bi-LED headlamps as standard.

Wheels

All variant shares similar 15-inch alloy wheels shod in 185/65/15 rubber. Silver wheel colour for 1.5E, while the 1.5S  and 1.5S+ gets a combination of grey and chrome.

Dashboard

Dashboard layout remains similar to when it first came out in 2012, with a new digital A/C controller, gloss black center panel, headunit, combination meter with multi information display (only 1.5S and 1.5S+) and silver trim bits added to modernise otherwise a dated interior.

Space and Practicality

When the first generation Avanza was launched, it was an instant hit as it sits 7 in a compact packaging yet proven to be practical for daily duty. It is no different to the current Avanza. The second and third row seat can be tumble for more space and ease of access, with a total of 11 cupholders scattered across the interior.

Boot

With all the seats up, the Avanza boot space is at a mere 128 litres. Should the Avanza convert to a load-lugging duty, you will get a generous 1,424 litres of space with all the back seats folded down.

The Perodua Aruz is slightly better at 213 litres, however, you can only fold the last row of seat for a total of 514 litre of space. For the Honda, BR-V tops it off at 223 litres with all the seat up, but similar to the Aruz, only the last row can be folded, giving you a total of 691 liters of space.

2019 Toyota Avanza Specs and Features

Safety Features

ABS and EBD, ISOFIX, adjustable steering column and reverse sensors are standard across the variant, however airbag count is still at 2. Plus, till date, there is still no traction control and vehicle stability system offered in the Avanza, which should be a necessity in this current era. The 1.5S+ gains additional Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Comfort Features

Although the exterior gets all the jazz, there is nothing much to shout about in the interior department. All variant gets reupholstered fabric seats, USB charging port and luggage tray as standard.

Infotainment

The top of the range 1.5S+ gets a 6.75” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support with wi-fi, voice recognition, USB, Bluetooth and reverse camera, while the sound is channelled through 6-speakers as standard.

While the 1.5S and 1.5E makes do with a conventional CD player with tuner, AUX-Jack, USB and Bluetooth function. 1.5S gets 6-speakers as standard, while the 1.5E only gets 4.

Engine

It's still using the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder with Dual VVT-i mill similar to the Perodua Myvi. Power is rated at 103 HP and 136 Nm of torque

Transmission

The tried and tested 4-speed automatic still powers the Toyota Avanza.

Drivetrain

The Toyota Avanza is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive compact MPV.

Acceleration

Thanks to its lightweight body, the Toyota Avanza did 0-100kmh in 13 seconds. Its rival, the Perodua Aruz did it in 15.7 seconds, while the Honda BR-V does it in 14 seconds flat. This is not the car kind of car you will buy for sporty acceleration, and that is forgivable.

Engine Performance

With only 103 HP and a 4-speed automatic to work with, the Avanza tries its best. It's fine in city streets and highway, but overtaking requires more a step ahead. Sure, it feels nippy, but fast isn’t, and it would have been better if it comes with a 5-speed automatic. The long gearing feels like it's robbing too much power from the engine.

Performance then is just right for daily duties but not for the enthusiastic driver. Then again, going fast was never the Avanza's main forte, or point for a reason.

Transmission Performance

As it is running the similar 4-speed automatic gearbox for a decade plus old now, it is not the smoothest nor revolutionary. The kick-down is noticeable, and the ratio has been fine-tuned for acceleration and fuel economy.

Steering and Handling

​​Steering is light, but slightly weighted so you which makes manoeuvrability a whole lot easier. Being rear-wheel drive, it is nimble and takes corner quite gently, albeit with the noticeable amount of bodyroll to remind you it is an MPV.

Sound Proofing

The entire cabin side surface of the dash inner silencer covered high damping urethane material, which is also used for the tunnel silencer and rear deck silencer to further reduce intrusion of gear noise from transmission & the vehicle differential.

Passenger Comfort

Seating seven people is what the Avanza is made for, although you'll have to place your passengers strategically so it will be less of a squeeze. Putting three occupants in the second row is possible, provided everyone sitting there is slim. Anything beyond, it will be tight. For the last row, its best reserved for kids and short adults.

Working with the original equipment tyre supplier, Toyota engineers were able to reduce road noise generated from tyres by about 1.5 dB through changes to the tyre construction and rubber characteristics.

Fuel Consumption

Toyota claims that the Avanza averages around 13 km/ litre or utilized 7.7 Litres of fuel / 100km which is quite economical for an MPV.

The Aruz with a similar engine and transmission, fares a little better with 15.6 km/litre, while the BR-V does it the best at 16 km/litre

At the price point, the Toyota Avanza is severely down in whole lot of department, especially the lack of traction control and vehicle stability control. Sure, the facelift does improve its visual outlooks, but there’s no hiding the fact that is an aging product against competitors that offers a much better equipped and packaged car.

There are people that absolutely swears by it though, thanks to its versatility, proven reliability, and able to take abuse you throw at it. If you are looking for simple, no fuss compact MPV, then the Avanza might suit you well.