Telescopic steering is just one of many reasons why the Toyota Veloz costs RM 20k more than the Alza

After what seemed like an eternity, UMW Toyota Motor has finally launched the new 2022 Toyota Veloz in Malaysia. The new 7-seater B-segment MPV will supersede the Toyota Avanza as a more feature-packed model.

And feature-packed the Veloz certainly is. Priced at RM 95,000, the Veloz is the first Toyota model at its price point to offer tilt and telescopic steering adjustment – a surprisingly important feature that not many people talk about.

Telescopic steering is a must-have in 2022

Telescopic steering, unlike tilt-only steering adjustment, offers a full range of steering adjustments so that drivers of any size can fit comfortably into any car, as the steering wheel can be adjusted nearer or further away from you, depending on your body size.

Also Read: MY-spec 2022 Toyota Veloz could offer telescopic steering, so why is it not on the Alza?

In turn, this reduces fatigue for long-distance driving as drivers aren’t sitting in a compromised or uncomfortable position for long periods of time.

The only other segment rival to the Veloz to offer telescopic steering is the Mitsubishi Xpander. The Honda BR-V, even in the soon-to-be-launched new-generation form, does not offer telescopic steering adjustment.

Also Read: Dear car makers, it's 2022. Telescopic steering adjustment should be standard on all cars

How else does the Veloz justify its RM 20k price premium over the Alza?

Apart from its telescopic steering capability, the Toyota Veloz also justifies its price premium by offering these features over the Alza:

• LED daytime running lights
• Larger 17-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-tone paint job
• 30 mm taller ride height
• Roof rails
• Full-width LED tail lights
• Blue ambient lighting
• 9-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Qi wireless charging pad
• Automatic air-conditioning system

Furthermore, unlike the Alza's dedicated 360-degree view button on the steering wheel, that spot is blank on the Veloz and the only way to access the 360-degree camera is via the infotainment system.

With all said and done, whether or not the RM 20k price premium over the D27A 2022 Perodua Alza is worth it or not is up to you to decide.

After all, keep in mind that even with that price premium, more than 6,000 Malaysians have put their money down for one.