2019 Toyota Avanza: The opponents

MPVs are in great demand because of their superior SUV-like capabilities when compared to the sedans at a price less than that of a proper SUV. Also, the latest entrants in this segment not only provide all the bells and whistles of previous generation models but also are very aesthetically pleasing. No doubt that the MPV market in our country is very crowded.

To get a hold of itself in this crowd, Toyota recently launched its 2019 Avanza. It is not a completely new model but kind of a facelift of the previous one which, by the way, was quite popular as well. Considering the Avanza’s performance in the past, Toyota has high expectations from the 2019 model. But, as we said, it is a crowded place here and fighting with some of the best MPVs and emerging as a winner is not going to be a walk in the park for the new Avanza. Following are its major opponents in the race to the apex.

Suzuki Ertiga

Suzuki Ertiga is one of the most popular names when it comes to affordable and feature-laden MPVs. Earlier this year, Suzuki Philippines launched the 2019 model which is a significant upgrade over the previous one. Suzuki addressed all the major issues on the 2019 Ertiga and once again proved the world who is the boss. The new Ertiga features a completely new look and the front end gets large projector-type headlamps along with a new front grille. The bumper has also been re-done and is now much more sporty and aggressive. The rear also gets some new treatment in the form of relatively larger tail lights.

The interior of the 2019 Suzuki Ertiga continues to have the same generous space to accommodate 7 people. To make sure all of them are comfortable, there are ceiling-mounted air-con vents for the rear passengers. Other interesting features on the 2019 Suzuki Ertiga specs sheet include faux wood panels on the dashboard and doors, new 10-inch touch panel audio system that supports navigation, radio, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, etc. Available in four variants, the 2019 Ertiga comes with a single engine option - a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a power output of 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The engine comes mated to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 2019 Ertiga price starts at Php 728,000 for the base variant GA 5MT and goes up to Php 978,000 for the top-of-the-line GLX 4AT model.

Honda Mobilio

Honda has been an active participant in the MPV segment with its Mobilio. However, as soon as Suzuki launched the 2019 Ertiga in the Philippines, Honda knew that it had to take action to stay in the game. This led to the launch of the 2019 Honda Mobilio. Just like the new Avanza, the new Mobilio is also more like a facelifted model. It features projector headlamps at the front with a nice and sleek strip of LED daytime running lights located just under them. There is also a set of new alloy that enhances the overall styling of the car.

 

To freshen up the interior, Honda borrowed the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system from its other cars and placed it in the new Mobilio. There is another interesting feature here, the new orange accents around the AC vents. The rest of the design, space, and features inside the cabin remain the same. Just like most of the interior, the engine of the Mobilio has not been touched. The Honda Mobilio specs show a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque that kicks in at 4,600 rpm. The Honda Mobilio price starts at Php 884,000 and reaches as high as Php 1.07 million for the range-topping RS model.

BAIC M60

Available in a single variant, the BAIC M60 comes with a 1.5-litre engine that has been tuned to churn out 147 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 210 Nm from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. There is no manual gearbox here and the MPV features a CVT unit only. Go through the BAIC M60 specs sheet and you would find some interesting features like a big 9-inch LCD touchscreen display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, digital instrument cluster, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, large taillights, and much more.

For comfort, the M60 offers a generous cabin space with captain seats even in the second row. Also, there are rear AC vents mounted on the ceiling. All these features make the M60 BAIC’s most premium vehicle in the Philippines. The BAIC M60 price for the sole variant in the country is set at Php 998,000.

These were the major opponents of the 2019 Toyota Avanza in the Philippines. None of them would dare to sit still in this battle and to fight them back, the Avanza has its own set of features which make the Japanese MPV’s presence felt amidst the crowd. Which of the aforementioned MPVs would you take home?