A Bigger and better Avanza

THE first-generation Toyota Avanza was a pioneering “no-frills” compact MPV that simply got as many people as possible from one place to another in comfort. However, the all-new Avanza which goes on sale on the 6th February 2012 has upped the ante considerably. The newcomer builds on the virtues of the outgoing model namely: seven-seater flexibility, compact exterior dimensions and excellent value for money, but is more refined.

The Avanza offers more space than before, but without dramatically increasing external dimensions – the new Avanza has grown longer by 20mm and wider by 25mm. The S and SX models are shod with 14-inch steel wheels and matching wheel caps while the TX variant is equipped with 15-inch alloys. Mud guards are standard on the SX and TX models. Frontal design traits include an outwardly-thrusting snout which incorporates the Toyota logo – this is the new family face of Toyota which was first exhibited on the recently minted Yaris. The grille is body-coloured across the range except for the flagship TX which has chrome mouldings. This top-line model also gets front fog lamps on the standard menu.

A rear spoiler with an integrated high-mount stop lamp and a rear chrome garnish strip are two of the trimmings that come standard on the high-end TX model. The cabin has much more of a passenger car presence than its predecessor. This is partly attributable to the design of the instrument panel which has been lowered as much as possible to enhance visibility and open up the cabin. Also contributing to this car-like feel is the centrally located cluster allowing for easy access to the vents, audio controls and ventilation system. Both occupant and luggage space has been increased without substantially enlarging the external dimensions. All three rows of seats offer occupants ample room including kneeroom and, even with a full complement of passengers utilising all the seats, there is still enough boot space to store a fair amount of luggage. Space was created by adjusting the shape and placement of the seatbacks and door trim, millimetre by millimetre.

A new lightweight seat design was adopted for enhanced ride comfort while the cabin width at the door trim ornament has been increased by 10 mm on each side. The front seatbacks have been made thinner, increasing knee space in the second row by 20 mm and the second row seatback has been reduced in thickness by 10 mm, ensuring knee space for the third row occupants. A sliding function (SX and TX) has also been added to the second row seat (backward 60 mm), making it possible to greatly expand the second row foot space to accommodate passengers. A one-touch tumble feature has been adopted on the second row seat which, when combined with the seat sliding function (SX and TX), enhances ease of access to the third row seat. The third row seat has been moved forward by 10 mm and the back door trim moved rearward by 8 mm, realising an 18 mm extension of the luggage area.

The entry-level “S” grade comes with ABS, remote central locking, alarm, immobiliser, electric power steering (tilt-adjustable), electric windows, dual front airbags and a plethora of storage compartments. SX models chip in with colour-coded electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors, air conditioning and adjustable (fore and aft) second-row seats. The flagship TX tops up the spec list with an integrated four-speaker sound system with remote steering controls, a USB/auxiliary/iPod port and a dual-zone climate control air conditioning system with separate rear roof vents for rear passengers.

The 1.3- and 1.5-litre petrol engines and transmission are essentially carry-overs from the first-generation model and five-speed manual transmissions are standard across the range. However for the first time, the Avanza is available with a 4-speed automatic transmission in SX guise only and mated to the 1.5-litre engine. Power here is 76kW and 136Nm, while for the 1.3 it is 67kW and 117Nm. At the same time however, the vehicle body weight has been reduced by approximately 20kg, and aerodynamic performance has been enhanced. In addition, low rolling resistance tyres and EPS (Electric Power Steering) have been adopted, whilst control of the air conditioning and engine has been improved. The average consumption figures in the combined cycle are said to be as follows: 7,7l/100km for the 1.3; 7,6l/100km for the 1.5 auto and 7,2l/100km for the 1.5 manual.

The hydraulic power steering system has been replaced with an EPS system. Additionally, the gear ratio has been set lower while considering the vehicle's characteristics as a three-row seven-seater, thereby realising highly responsive steering feel. With adoption of the column-type EPS, annoying vibration or resistance has been dialled out without sacrificing any steering feel. On the passive safety front, all new Avanza models feature dual front airbags. All Avanza models come with a four-year/60 000 km ToyotaCare Service Plan included in the purchase price (service intervals are every 15 000 km), along with Toyota's comprehensive three-year/100 000 km warranty. All models are supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme and entitles customers to 24 hour roadside assistance.

Pricing and servicing
Avanza 1.3 S - R155 900 (incl. VAT and emissions' tax) Avanza 1.3 SX - R168 800
Avanza 1.5 SX - R175 500
Avanza 1.5 SX AT - R189 600 Avanza 1.5 TX - R202 200