After more than a decade of service, the second-generation Toyota Avanza has finally bowed out for an all-new model that has just been unveiled today at the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), alongside its sportier counterpart, Veloz, that’s now its own unique model.
Aside from the usual complete makeover (which we will get into a little later), the all-new Toyota Avanza is also now built atop the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), the same platform that also underpins the Perodua Ativa.
The new platform means that the all-new third-generation Toyota Avanza now gets a new unibody, front-wheel-drive layout, ditching the previous generation’s body-on-frame rear-wheel drive set-up.
Find out what makes the DNGA special in our Perodua Ativa review here.
Sizing wise, the all-new Toyota Avanza and Veloz duo has grown quite significantly in footprint compared to its predecessor, measuring 4,395 mm long (+205 mm), 1,730 mm wide (+70 mm), and depending on variant, either 1,665 mm (entry level variant, -30 mm) or 1,700 mm (+5 mm) tall. Both of the cars also has a 2,750 mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 205 mm.
Powertrain remains unchanged from before – there’s an option for a 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder mill with 98 hp and 121 Nm that’s only available on the entry-level variant, paired exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission, or a 1.5-litre mill making 106 hp and 137 Nm that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT gearbox (goodbye, 4AT!).
As we mentioned above, the all-new Toyota Avanza was given a complete makeover, making it look significantly more upscale and modern when compared to its predecessor. The front fascia is largely dominated by a trapezoidal-shaped grille, and is complemented by slim LED headlights, and a moulded bumper with angular fog lamp surrounds.
Moving to the back, the all-new Avanza also gets a pair of slim horizontal tail lights, as opposed to the vertical items from before, and the entire tail lamp element protrudes outwards, connected by a body-coloured line that runs through the Toyota emblem.
Completing the looks department are the chunky wheel arches and floating roof design to give the all-new Toyota Avanza a more SUV-like design that’s so popular right now. Depending on variants, you’ll also get either a 15- or 16-inch set of alloys on all four corners.
The Veloz, meanwhile, is the more upmarket and (in our opinion) more attractive option of the two, headlined by its completely different front fascia design with a hexagonal-shaped mesh grille, sharper headlights, chrome trims, and a reworked bumper that gives it a more SUV-like look.
Other differences on the Veloz include a full-width tail lights at the rear, complemented by skid plate elements on the bumpers and 17-inch wheels to further drive home the SUV effect.
Similar to the exterior, the cabin of the all-new Toyota Avanza also gets a complete overhaul, with a more modern dashboard design with a touchscreen infotainment display (seven- or nine-inch) positioned atop the centre air vents. Other new additions on the inside include digital air-conditioning controls, wireless charging pad, and a new steering wheel design which finally gets tilt and telescopic adjustments.
As before, there are three rows of seats in the all-new Avanza that can accomodate up to seven people. As standard, the seats now come with a “Long Sofa Mode” which allows the first-row seats to fold back, and the second-row seats that fold forward, creating a sofa-like footrest for the third-row seats.
As usual, the Veloz takes the interior up a notch with standard fabric and leather combination seats, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster (similar to that of the Ativa), automatic climate control, ambient lighting, soft-touch armrests, a more elaborate centre console with an electric parking brake, plus a rear-seat entertainment screen.
For the first time ever on the Avanza, the range-topping new MPV is now offered with the Toyota Safety Sense advanced driver assistance suite, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.
Rear parking sensors, reverse cameras (or 360-degree surround view monitor), and six airbags are also offered on higher-end variants.
The all-new Toyota Avanza is offered in four variants in Indonesia, starting with the base 1.3E variant that is priced at IDR206.2 million (approx. RM60k). Meanwhile, the Veloz will be offered in three variants, starting with the MT variant which goes for IDR251.2 million (approx. RM73k).
Rumour has it that the all-new Toyota Avanza will serve as the base to the upcoming Perodua Alza (D27A) – and if true, there’s certainly a lot to look forward to!
GALLERY
Toyota Avanza
Toyota Veloz
