Second generation Toyota Avanza hits the showrooms
The Toyota Avanza, one of the most popular MPVs ever sold in our market, has received its first full model change with the second generation model launched today. Available in four model variants, the new Avanza will be available for viewing in UMW Toyota Motor showrooms nationwide beginning 13 January 2012.
Unlike the first generation model, which was assembled locally by Perodua’s factory in Rawang, is a CBU imported from Indonesia. Despite being called a full model change, the new Avanza is not a ground up development from scratch, but a substantial re-engineering of the original model. Its model mix mirrors that of its predecessor with slight increases in price as illustrated below:
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Since its launch in 2004, the first generation Avanza sold over 140,000 units and was the most popular non-national vehicle in the market. The new booking was open for booking since early December last year, and UMW Toyota has received 710 orders at the time of launch. Interestingly, the company has targeted a rather modest 8,800 sales for the year.
The 1.3 and 1.5-litre engines of the predecessor model has been retained along with its rear wheel drive configuration making the Avanza unique as the only rear-wheel driven MPV in its price range. Unusual for a new model introduction, UMW Toyota has quoted lower outputs compared to the previous model, a situation which company officials claim is unavoidable because the engines now have to be tuned to meet stricter Euro IV emission standards for more developed markets like Thailand.
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Transmission choices are similarly unchanged, with the entry level 1.3E offered exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Those wanting the convenience of automatic transmission will have to pick between the three 1.5-litre variants. The slushbox has four speeds as before, but with revised ratios taking into account Malaysian driving requirements that include hilly areas and also long highways capable supporting high speeds.
Although largely retaining the running gear of its predecessor, Toyota has given the Avanza’s exterior an almost complete makeover. Dimensions remain compact, but the body has grown 20mm lengthwise and 15mm either side. The tracks have also been widened slightly for improved stability. Bodywork is all new with lines reworked for a sportier appearance. Revisions to meet trends include grip-type door handles and side-mirror mounted indicators.
The dashboard has also been completely reworked, repositioned and lowered with the objective of creating a wider and airier ambiance for front passengers. A two-tone colour scheme are complemented by glossy and matte finishes for visual trim. The combination meters feature a 3D design, and in the G and S spec models, there is a LCD multi-info display showing fuel consumption data, trip meter, and automatic gear lever position. Steering wheel is of a three-spoke design with tilt adjustment (not for 1.3E), and with audio buttons mounted on it for the G and S models.
As before, the Avanza continues to be a three-row 7-seater of compact proportions. The second and third-row seats are 50:50 split foldable, giving rise to a multitude of seating and cargo carrying options. Adding to user friendliness is the second-row seats featuring one-touch tumble for convenient third row access and 60mm of fore-aft adjustment for redistribution of leg room. All variants feature rear ceiling-mounted blowers as standard.
In addition to its standard equipment, the Avanza is also offered with a range of options that include reverse sensors, body stripes, luggage tray, bag hook, emergency kit, door sill scuff plates, Aerokit and solar film. The latter two items are standard on the 1.5S. The Avanza is offered with a 3-year / 100,000km warranty.
