2018 Toyota Avanza: Know what is new

Say what you will about the MPV, they do sell a lot. They offer a no-nonsense solution to your people moving needs and are the workhorses for taxi fleets and large families alike. Toyota Innova is the obvious performer here, but the Avanza is not far behind. For 2018, Toyota decided that the Avanza doesn’t have to be all utilitarian and upscaled it inside and out. This is most evident on the Veloz variant of the Avanza which is being offered as a premium variant. Let’s have a look at how the new Avanza has changed from the old one.

On the exterior front, the Avanza has gone for a more discrete and upmarket look with fewer chrome bits in the front. The large black grille now looks more suited to the cars large dimensions. The headlights and the upper chrome trim are still the same. The rear gets a similarly understated smoked trim piece. The bumper is subtly different too with round reflectors instead of horizontal ones. There is also a rear spoiler and front fog lamps included in the higher variants.

The differences in the interior are even harder to notice. The two-tone interior in the standard variants is replaced by an all-black affair in the Veloz. The Veloz also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever and metallic accents on the dashboard and door handles.

The high seating position is the same as is the all-around visibility. Seats are on the firmer side but there is enough legroom at least in the first two rows. The third row is still best suited for children. Keeping them entertained will be down to the 6.2’ touchscreen display which is fully equipped with aux, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity. This is limited to the higher variants which also comes equipped with a 4 speaker system. Air-conditioning is manual but thankfully dual zone.   

Things remain very much the same under the hood too. The Veloz offers the same 1.5-litre 16 valve inline 4 DOHC with dual VVT-I, producing a maximum power output of 103 hp at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 136 Nm at 4200 rpm. Also on offer on the lower variants, is the 1.3-litre engine that produces 95 hp and 121 Nm of torque at the same rev range. Power is delivered using a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual with the Veloz only getting the automatic drivetrain.

Safety equipment is generous for the price with 3 point seat belts for everyone and airbags for the driver and passenger. ABS with EBD is standard across all models as is the child lock protection and child restraint system called Isofix. The car also comes with alarm and immobilizer as security features included in the TVSS (Toyota Vehicle Security System).

At 4190mm long, the Avanza is shorter than the Innova’s 4735 mm footprint. The Avanza is indeed the smaller sibling of the Innova in every way. Most evident is the difference in price with the base Innova starting at Php 990000. The base Avanza starts at Php 721000 and goes up to Php 106500 for the Veloz. This price point can prove sore to many buyers as it is quite a bit more expensive than the equally well-equipped 1.5G automatic which sells for Php 1,00,000.

Toyota has maintained its distinction between the Innova and the Avanza and yet created a more premium version of the Avanza for those seeking a bit more. We are glad to say that they have largely succeeded in their effort. But is the price really worth it? Only you can be the judge here.