Things To Note About The All-New Toyota Veloz
The all-new Toyota Veloz is no big secret as it is already available in several ASEAN neighbours and is also a shared model among several brands. Product sharing / badge engineering (and other similar terms) among related or associated brands is nothing new. From Suzuki and Chevrolet, to Mitsubishi and Eagle, to Toyota and Daihatsu, the aim is to share development cost for better economies of scale. Another benefit of this move is the wider availability of aftermarket and spare parts.
The Toyota Veloz is a B-segment MPV marketed by UMW Toyota Motor as a more premium offering in the sub-RM100k price range, while offering the same functionality, practicality and safety as its predecessor, the Rush. The Veloz nameplate was previously used on the cosmetically treated Avanza Veloz but is now a distinct model on its own, leaving the Avanza to serve at the lower price point (UMWT will probably forego this to reduce cannibalisation).
With a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the Veloz is 4,475 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and 1,700 mm tall. These dimensions are different from its local compatriot mainly due to how the body is shaped and sculpted. The core of the Veloz is the shared platform with a 1.5L 2NR-VE 4-cylinder, all-aluminium engine with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent). This engine is featured in various Toyota group models and in the Veloz, puts out 106 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque @ 4,200 rpm to a new front-wheel-drive layout. New to this product segment for Toyota is the 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is lighter and more compact. It claims to offer lower loss of power in transmission and improved fuel economy. New too is a Drive mode (mounted on steering) which offers Power, Eco and Normal settings for different driving preferences.
And while there are similarities to the new Alza (as expected), there is also quite a bit of differentiation to make the Veloz stand out on its own. So rather than mention the common features, it is perhaps better to list out the differences so buyers can decide if the difference in pricing is or isn’t reasonable.
Externally, other than the choice of a 2-tone colour scheme with the black roof, the Veloz also comes with low profile roof rails to suit its more crossover / SUV image. The roof rails has a load capacity of up to 75 kg and adds extra carrying functionality to the Veloz. Running with the SUV image, it has a higher ground clearance of 190 mm (up to the suspension member) compared with 160 mm for the more wagon-like Alza. Furthermore, the alloy wheels that come standard with the Veloz are also larger at 17″ for 205/50 R17 tyres.
Besides a different grille design, the LED headlights and fog lights also have their own distinct layout and shape. The self levelling headlights have Adaptive Driving Beam and come with sequential turn signals and daytime running lights. The headlight system also has a Follow Me Home feature, staying on for a brief period after engine shutdown, for safety and convenience at night.
Meanwhile, the tail lights are also different, and are joined by an illuminated strip spanning the width of the liftgate. The automatic folding door mirrors also have foot (or puddle) lamps that can be set to illuminate the ground once you unlock the car, for better visibility at night. Besides that, the front passenger door of the Veloz also features a touch sensor for locking and unlocking, instead of just being on the driver’s door.
So while both the Veloz and Alza have common traits, there are so many differences that it is not a straightforward swap of parts since the lights, bumpers, fenders, bonnet, etc are all different.
Similarly inside, the 2-tone dashboard also has a slightly different styling, including the shape of the air vents. The climate control unit is also exclusive to the Veloz. Likewise, the wireless charging pad in the centre console is an exclusive feature. Besides the Qi charging pad, there are 3 USB ports and 2 12V sockets in the cabin for charging, and 1 USB port for connecting to the head unit. The infotainment system includes a 9″ full colour touchscreen offering wired / wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver also enjoys tilt and telescoping adjustment on the steering column.
The Toyota Veloz seats 7 and is designed with a versatile seating layout, offering new features such as a ‘long sofa’ mode and variable cargo or passenger carrying options. There is no difference in cabin space as the differences in dimensions are mainly on the exterior. The Veloz’s seats though use a combination leatherette and fabric upholstery and include pockets as standard on the front seat backrests. The 3rd row seats however are strictly fabric, but floor mats come standard back there. There is also blue ambient light within the centre console and door trims for a more upmarket look. Moreover, the front door armrests have a hand-hold extension and all the doors come with a softer material on the armrests. Exterior visors for the windows are also standard.
The cabin offers various storage spaces, including up to 15 cup holders and a centre console storage between the front seats. Within the boot, there is an underfloor compartment to stow knick knacks out of sight. Unfortunately, and as expected, the Veloz does not come with a tonneau cover for the cargo area.
In the safety sense, the Veloz is fitted with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite. This camera-based active safety package includes 4 main systems i.e. Pre-Collision System (PCS); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); Lane Departure Prevention (LDP); and Lane Keeping Control (LKC). The PCS can detect vehicles and pedestrians and will first warn of a possible collision before the system applies the automatic emergency braking (AEB). Meanwhile, LDW, LDP and LKC work to generally keep the vehicle within its lane, which can help reduce driving fatigue on long journeys.
Besides the TSS systems, there is Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which can maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The system also uses the stereo cameras to maintain the gap and adjusts cruising speed to do so. Other notable safety features are Blindspot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Front Departure Alert which is useful in traffic jams in case the driver is distracted. Meanwhile, the 3D Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) is standard and aids with parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces.
Other standard safety features include 6 SRS airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), and Hill Assist Control (HAC). Every Veloz is also fitted with a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) that allows the owner to keep track of the vehicle’s location via an app. The connectivity is 24 hours, and allows you to check on the status of the vehicle, including the speed it is travelling at (if you are not in the vehicle). In the case of vehicle theft, the VTS enables the Command Centre to locate it via GPS and inform the relevant authorities who can help retrieve the vehicle.
UMWT also provides a front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) as standard. Developed by Toyota, the DVR is useful for recording memories of a journey and to provide evidence if there is a traffic dispute. It is professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel and can be set to automatically run each time the car is started. You also have the option to add a rear DVR at the time of purchase.
The all-new Toyota Veloz is assembled in Malaysia, and comes only in a single variant. However, you are given up to 5 colour choices i.e. White, Metallic Bluish Black, Red Metallic, Silver Metallic (with Black Roof) and Blue Metallic (with Black Roof).
The all-new Toyota Veloz comes with a retail price of RM95,000 (one the road, without insurance) and is covered by a comprehensive warranty for 5 years with no limit on mileage. Additionally, UMWT offers 24SEVEN Road Assist to owners (private individual and private company ownership) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This complimentary service provides assistance in case of an unfortunate mishap and includes free minor on-the-spot repairs and towing up to the value of RM400 each time (terms and conditions apply). Full aftersales support is also assured at all authorised Toyota service centres nationwide which have trained technicians and ready stocks of replacement parts.
