Since its launch in 2006, Avanza has been a steady seller of Toyota. In order to cater to the “Asian multi-purpose vehicle” market, the brand abandoned the square Tamaraw Revo and bought the more expensive Innova, which has become a common fixture on local roads. In the next two generations, after several cosmetic surgeries, it didn't change that much. Again, why fix something that doesn't break? Avanza is the last true AUV on the market, and its main attraction lies in this.
The “avant-garde” style, which introduces the Prius aping 2015 facelift, has taken on a new bold layered sub headlamp and more Lexus like grille. From the back, the sheet metal changes are not so dramatic, the new tail lights will be inserted directly into the 2012 old car, but the chrome trim and reflector on the trunk make it reflect the layered theme of the front.
Elsewhere, there are few surprises. There are only so many ways you can put on the square side of the avatar. A new “dark blue se” pigment replaces the previous “nebula blue,” which creates a greater contrast with bright works, but dark colors are harder to capture in photos. The new split spoke wheels are still only 15 inches, but they are a spoke from the old and look pretty good.
The interior update is much more subtle. The dashboard is blue instead of red, the factory touch screen is cleaner and more modern, and the new electronic HVAC control replaces the old, bulky dial. Avanza lost its chocolate brown seats and color accents and gained an all-black interior with a small amount of metallic and red. I do think old chocolate is more personal, but black may be easier to clean up.
Thin contrast stitched seats are quite basic, but they provide adequate support, ISOFIX compatibility, and shoulder straps for all passengers. The slim seat back, combined with Avanza's one-piece structure, provides better space utilization than in many ladder frame PPV levels. The upright doors make it very easy to enter the third row as long as you have room to fully open them. The boot space is limited, all the luggage compartments are in place, but the rolled split fold third row has a good storage capacity. Although Avanza still lacks small room holes available, this time there is plenty of storage space for bottles and cups.
The 1.5-liter 2nr engine gives people a good feeling. Although the four-speed automatic gear lacks the real manual shift function, it still reacts well when you fall off the bridge and overtakes. Although the short fourth gear limits fuel economy to 14-16 km / L on highways, we achieved an amazing 11-13 km / L in mixed use. Part of the reason may be the 185 / 65 R15 Dunlop Enasave “eco” tire, which has a lower rolling resistance than the previous G-type Dunlop sports.
Fortunately, in terms of handling, the tires don't seem to be much worse than sports. With enough grip, body roll will persuade you to step back long before the tires start complaining. The suspension feels better damping than before, but still bumpy compared to the front wheel drive competitors. Due to the super light steering, the vehicle is also a bit wayward in speed. In town, this turn, combined with large windows and slender pillars, makes Avanza easy to manipulate in crowded traffic and parking lots.
