Updated Toyota Avanza

Since its introduction in September 2004, the Toyota Avanza has been an extremely popular MPV among Malaysians with its affordable price, spaciousness and of course, the renowned Toyota quality. Over 130,000 units have been sold to date, according to statistics provided by the MAA. But competition is always present and success draws rivals; in the case of the Avanza, its dominance in the MPV segment has been under attack in the past year and rivals from Proton and Perodua would appear to have drawn away some customers.

 

An all-new model is said to be under development but the product cycle for the present one still continues and some updates have been made to the latest model to refresh the looks. The new Avanza launched continues to be available in 4 grades with the following prices in Peninsular Malaysia:

 

With this latest update, the model is also available with a new colour choice – Grey Metallic – besides four other choices (Silver, Black Mica, White and Metallic Light Green). The overall appearance is unchanged but the Aerokit (extra cost option) has a new 2-tone design which gives a more sporty appearance with a restyled front bumper extension. Available for the Avanza 1.5G, 1.5E and 1.3E,  the Aerokit has been custom-designed for the model and has undergone the same stringent quality control processes as those applied to the assembly of every Toyota vehicle. New body stripes along the side of the vehicle also identify the latest range.

 

Spaciousness has been one of the strong points of this Toyota MPV and it now has a dark colour theme. This change is said to be in response to feedback from customers and should prove to be easier to maintain. Besides the change in colour for the upholstery, other fitments around the cabin such as the carpet mats, teh tarik hook (the best design so far available) and centre console box have also been changed to a black colour for coordination with the dark interior theme.
 

 

Being an MPV, versatility is expected of this vehicle and the Avanza certainly provides it. The three rows of seating accommodate up to seven people and depending on needs, the second and third row can be folded flat to increase cargo volume and carry long items. The second row also has a split-fold feature where half the seat can be folded, making movement to the third row easier. For more storage spaces, the third row can be double folded creating spaces for taller objects.

 

With seven people aboard, storage space is going to be much needed for everyone – especially in these times when most people carry handphones and children will want drinks on long journeys. Toyota’s interior designers have thoughtfully provided many storage spaces around the cabin with bottle holders within reach of all passengers.
 

 

Cool air reaches further back, thanks to the ceiling-mounted second blower which complements the dashboard blower. A new 2-DIN audio head unit (only for versions with the 1.5-litre engine) has been fitted and besides playing conventional CDs, it is also compatible with MP3 and WMA formats. USB thumbdrives and portable music players can also be interfaced with the unit as it has USB and AUX connection points.

 

Both the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines with VVT-i (Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with intelligence mechanism) remain unchanged in output and are well known for reliability and durability. The Avanza 1.3E is available only with a 5-speed manual transmission and the Avanza 1.5 versions are available only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For added convenience, there is now a release button for the Shift Lock of the automatic transmission. Depressing this allows movement of the shift lever out of the PARK position without having to step on the brake pedal, in the event of engine fails to operate due to insufficient fuel or an accident.
 

 

 

The rear-wheel drive Avanza has independent MacPherson front suspension and a 4-link live axle at the rear with coil spring suspension. The use of a live axle at the rear is advantageous for a vehicle like the Avanza which may often carry heavier loads, especially at the rear end. Barrel-shaped coil springs help to lower the centre of gravity for stability while moderating bounce but not sacrificing the suspension stroke for comfort.Versions with automatic transmission have alloy rims while the Avanza 1.3E with manual transmission has steel rims.

 

In accordance with the law, all 7 occupants of the Avanza get seatbelts. Both the front occupants of the Avanza 1.5S/1.5G also have additional protection from SRS  airbags. For the Avanza 1.5S/1.5G AT, ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution enhance stopping performance while keeping the vehicle stable during hard braking.

 

Being among the more popular models in Malaysia, it’s not surprising that the Avanza is a ‘hot car’ for thieves. So UMW Toyota Motor has included a comprehensive security system that consists of an engine immobiliser, cabin sensor and siren with a back-up battery. The doors also lock automatically after a certain speed has been exceeded, providing both convenience as well as added security for the driver.

 

As with most of the models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the new Avanza comes with a 36-month/100,000 kms (whichever occurs earlier after first registration) warranty

 

More information on the latest Avanza can be obtained from Toyota showrooms nationwide, by calling the Toyota Freephone 1-800-8-TOYOTA (1-800-8-869682) or visiting www.toyota.com.my .

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