2019 Toyota Avanza: Features explained

Toyota Philippines launched the updated 2019 Avanza in the country more than a month ago. We waited quite a long time for this model as it was already made available in our neighbouring country Indonesia in Jan 2019. Anyway, since it’s finally here, let’s have a look at all of the new features that it brings with it.

On the outside

The new Toyota Avanza is a facelifted model, thus, you will not find any extravagant changes on the outside. However, the few additions that have been made, they are good enough to make the Avanza that much more desirable. Let’s check out the new exterior features on the MPV.

Split-type headlamps

Toyota has introduced modern and more attractive split-type headlamps on the latest Avanza. These give the front of the car a totally new look. If you are not aware of this upgrade, you will face difficulty in identifying the new Avanza from the front. It looks like a much more premium vehicle than it actually is. We really like these new split-type headlamps. Also, they are LEDs so that’s an added advantage as well.

Blacked-out grille

To match the style quotient of the new split-headlamps, Toyota did some tinkering with the front radiator grille as well made it totally black. This not only makes the new Avanza look much sportier but also gels perfectly with the overall front style of the vehicle. The shape of the grille has also been changed and we think all of us would agree that the new model looks much better than the old one.

New dual-tone alloy wheels

The side profile of the new Avanza is very similar to that of the previous model. However, the inclusion of a set of dual-tone alloy wheels has made all the difference. We also like them due to their cool-looking design that suits the new personality of the new car. The rest of the features on the side remain untouched and you would easily recognise it as an Avanza.

Revised rear end

The rear end of the new Avanza has been slightly revised. There’s a new and more prominent horizontal chrome slat that joins the two tail light clusters. Also, the tail light clusters get an extended portion on the boot lid. This makes the car look newer and more premium. We also see a shark fin antenna and a roof-mounted rear spoiler.

On the inside

The Avanza has always had a good amount of cabin space for all of its occupants. And that remains the same even in the new model. The level of comfort and quality of the ride are exactly as they were before. There are two major changes that Toyota has made to the 2019 Avanza specs sheet. Let’s have a look.

New touch screen display

Toyota has added a new 6.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the latest Avanza. This will enhance the overall user experience. It comes with some necessary features like music, radio, USB, Bluetooth, etc. It is a bit disappointing to note that there is no support for either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, however, Toyota has provided the K2 technology for smartphone integration. It is a smartphone mirroring feature done via the T-Link app. While won’t be as advanced and smooth as the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, it will get the job done.

Digital AC controls

There is a high-quality LCD display for the AC controls. It is yet another premium feature that would be appreciated by many customers. The entire setup looks very clean and should be easier to use. These were the new features of the 2019 Avanza. They are good enough to lure in more buyers. The rest of the car is as it was before. It is powered by the same two engines - 1.3-litre with 96 PS of maximum power and 121 Nm of peak torque and a 1.5-litre mill that has got 104 PS of maximum power and 136 Nm of peak torque. The transmission options also remain the same - a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic.

The 2019 Toyota Avanza price starts at Php 731,000 for its base model and makes it the most affordable Toyota MPV in the country. The upper limit of the price is Php 1.06 million for the range-topping variant.