What you get from the Toyota Avanza Veloz

Launched as the Avanza’s sporty alter ego in 2018, the Veloz gained traction and has become a staple of the nameplate — giving buyers in the seven-seater MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) a more appointed option in the segment.

The trim name “Veloz” comes from a Portugese word which translates in English to fast or quick, which complements the Spanish Avanza nameplate that means “get moving.”

Compared to the other variants of the Avanza, the Veloz sports the new “keen look” façade similar to how it is on the newer Toyota models like the RAV4, Corolla Cross, and the new Fortuner just to name a few.

The smoked chrome grille is trapezoidal in shape and is flanked by LED (light- emitting diode) headlamps with integrated turn signals, front fog lamps, power-adjustable sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals as well, intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window wiper, smoked chrome backdoor garnish, fin-type antenna, rear reflector, bulb-type rear combination lamps, rear spoiler, and an LED high-mount stop lamp.

It has a MacPherson Strut with stabilizer front suspension, a four-link with lateral control rod rear suspension, ventilated front disc brakes and leading-trailing drum rear brakes, and comes with 15-inch alloy wheels paired to 185/65 R 15 tires.

Powering the Veloz is the same 1.5L engine with 103hp and 136Nm of torque mated to a foir-speed automatic transmission. I know it’s almost subcompact in size and output but it surprisingly does the job, albeit with a little audible grunt from the engine.

The keyless remote system is straightforward and plain, built straight into bow of the key, which is a two-button unit – one to lock and the other to unlock.

On the dashboard is a speedometer, tachometer, digital odometer and trip meter are also standard across all variants, along with an intermittent windshield wiper, Eco indicator, digital clock, driver + front passenger seatbelts with lamp and buzzer warning, door ajar warning, and manual digital and dual climate control

This seven-seater also has tilt-adjustable steering column with power steering, an accessory outlet, glove box, room lamp, door courtesy lamp, sliding and reclining driver and front passenger seat, and 50:50 split one-touch tumble and slide second row seats, and 50:50 split-tumble third-row seats.

The cabin looks plain to the naked eye but the infotainment system does come with some neat surprises. First, the 6.8-inch monitor has T-Link smartphone mirroring (iOS and Android), can pair with at least two mobile devices for hands-free calls, and can stream music from five mobile devices to the four cabin speakers.

Its urethane three-spoke steering wheel now comes with leather and silver trim, plus audio controls, which the shift knob and lever has leather with chrome and silver accents.

Other cabin amenities include a mirror on both the driver and front passenger sun visor, an accessory outlet, anti-glare rearview mirror, fabric seats with visible stitching for style, chrome inside door handles, molded full door trim with fabric, 17 bottle holders, driver and passenger door pockets, sun glasses holder, seatback pockets, room lamp, door courtesy lamp, front personal lamp, power door locks, power windows with jam protection.

Standard safety features are side door impact beam, driver and passenger airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, two three-point front ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter, three three-point second-row ELR seatbelts, two three-point third-row ELR seatbelts, child lock protection (rear door only),  a child restraint system, Toyota Vehicle Security System with alarm and immobilizer, and remote locking doors.

The Toyota Avanza Veloz is priced at P1.077 million.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines