Toyota has officially discontinued the Avanza in Thailand with the launch of the more upscale Veloz today, which will serve as the model’s replacement.
The all-new seven-seater MPV will be fully imported from Indonesia, and will be offered in two variants at launch – the base Smart variant, priced at THB795,000 (approx. RM103k), and the range-topping Premium grade at THB875,000 (approx. RM113k), making it significantly more expensive than the outgoing Avanza which started at THB649,000 (approx RM84k).
For that extra dough, you do however get quite a bit more than its predecessor, at least in terms of premium touches and styling sophistication.
Firstly, the Veloz is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform instead of the semi-ladder frame chassis. Aside from the driveline switch from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, the new platform should also give the MPV a significantly more comfortable and competent ride thanks to a more rigid unibody construction.
Moving to the DNGA platform has also allowed the Veloz to grow considerably in size – now measuring 205 mm longer, 70 mm wider, and 5 mm taller, with a 95 mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing Avanza.
In terms of design, the Toyota Veloz also stands out from the Avanza of yore (and even the all-new model!) with more SUV-inspired touches, including a hexagonal mesh grille up front flanked by sharp-looking LED headlights and full-width tail lights, chrome trims, sportier bumpers, and squared-off fender flares.
The upmarket treatment continues inside, where you’ll now find modern amenities such as a two-layered dashboard design, swathes of chrome and silver trims, a seven-inch digital-instrument cluster, wireless charging pad, and touchscreen infotainment displays replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Standard features wise, the base Smart variant comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, silver chrome trims on the outside, push-start button, part-leatherette upholstery, reverse camera, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
Moving up to the Premium model will net you a set of larger 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, dark chromium exterior trims, roof rails, a 360-degree camera system, a larger nine-inch infotainment display, and the basic Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite which includes autonomous emergency braking, Lane Departure Assist, Front Departure Alert, automatic high-beam, and Pedal Misoperation Control.
Otherwise, the six airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert systems are standard on both variants.
Underneath the bonnet is an unchanged 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine from before, making 106 hp and 138 Nm of torque. However, much like the Perodua Myvi here in Malaysia, the antique four-speed automatic gearbox has been replaced by Daihatsu’s new D-CVT gearbox with split belt and gear drive.
Closer to home, recent rumours are suggesting that the Veloz will too be replacing the Avanza here in Malaysia, and possibly even the Perodua Alza as well! Given the choice, would you pick this over the Mitsubishi Xpander? Let us know in the comments below!
