Toyota Avanza

The previous model of the Toyota Avanza was known to have an utterly dated cabin devoid of many new age features, and while the cabin has an all new layout with some new features making their way into the cabin, it still lacks the modernity one wishes to have in the cabin.

While the very basic three spoke steering wheel with audio controls mounted on it is same as before, the instrument console behind it is slightly revised with a new digital MID for auxiliary data on display. The centre console is all new, with rectangular AC vents at the top and a large vertically laid and slightly protruding out panel below it which houses a new touchscreen infotainment system and buttons for automatic climate control just below it.

Except the aforementioned features, Toyota hasn’t equipped the Avanza quite richly. However, despite its small dimensions and compact size, space on the inside is ample for seven passengers, although with all the three rows, there is very limited boot space on offer.

While the previous model of the Toyota Avanza looked drab to the core, Toyota has managed to make the new Avanza look modern and desirable by bringing in extensive changes to the front and rear profiles of the MPV.

The front look of the Toyota Avanza looks larger and flashier than before, and that is all down due to the new split design for the new full-LED headlamps setup, however, they still are curved from outer edges. The front grille with multiple slats and an upper chrome slat makes it look wide, while the sharp extensions for the fog lamps make the bumper look aggressive.

Toyota hasn’t fiddled much with the side profile of the Avanza, and it still retains that boring design with large window panels and simple layout for door panels with slightly prominent curved wheel arches. However, there is a new set of machined alloy wheels and new rearview mirrors which add some newness to the look of the MPV.

At the rear of the Toyota Avanza too, the changes are minimal yet noteworthy, thanks to a bigger set of tail lamps which sport LED inserts within them.

The Toyota Avanza is built for a purpose MPV – to carry seven passengers with decent levels of comfort, which actually is achievable by its Macpherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. The suspension is on a softer side, which makes the ride quality comfortable, but it along with the soft steering setup, does not make it a driver’s choice.

Powering the new Toyota Avanza is the same set of two petrol engines, which have been retained from its predecessor. The bigger 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine shared with other models like Vios and Yaris pumps out 103 PS of maximum power and 136 Nm of maximum torque output.

There is another engine option on offer – a smaller 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 95 PS of power and 121 Nm of peak torque output. Both the engines do get the options of a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

For an entry-level MPV, the Toyota Avanza is kitted decently with just the basics like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, reverse camera and electronic stability control.

For an affordable people mover, the Toyota Avanza ticks many boxes right, for it serves most of the purposes of a well-priced MPV with decent looks, a spacious cabin, and comfortable ride quality. However, we do wish that the Avanza was kitted well with more features to make it feel more desirable.