The Avanza will not be an unfamilar face to those who frequent our neighbouring countries. Often seen laden with people (and goods), the Avanza is a common sight in Malaysia and Indonesia - almost like how Corollas flood our streets here.
Unknown to many, the Avanza bears strong genetic links to Daihatsu, despite wearing Toyota's badge. The first generation was designed and built by Daihatsu Motor Indonesia, and subsequently, manufactured under Perodua in Malaysia too.
Compared to more recent Toyotas that we have been acquainted with, the Avanza is like one without a silver spoon. Its Indonesian roots are relatively more humble than the U.K.-bred Auris and French-born Yaris.
It is this local favour, however, in the Avanza's recipe that made it a hit, with no less than a million units sold in Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Pakistan and even in some African countries. Exterior
The Avanza that we receive is the second generation model, which has grown 20mm in length and 30mm in width, while retaining the same height as its predecessor.
Unknown to many, the Avanza bears strong genetic links to Daihatsu, despite wearing Toyota's badge. The first generation was designed and built by Daihatsu Motor Indonesia, and subsequently, manufactured under Perodua in Malaysia too.
Compared to more recent Toyotas that we have been acquainted with, the Avanza is like one without a silver spoon. Its Indonesian roots are relatively more humble than the U.K.-bred Auris and French-born Yaris.
It is this local favour, however, in the Avanza's recipe that made it a hit, with no less than a million units sold in Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Pakistan and even in some African countries. Exterior
The Avanza that we receive is the second generation model, which has grown 20mm in length and 30mm in width, while retaining the same height as its predecessor.
Measuring 4,140mm x 1,660mm x 1,695mm (L x W x H), the Avanza has a rather unique proportion. The body is tall and 'skinny' - which gently reminds us of the Suzuki APV (which coincidentally is also made in Indonesia).
And it is not hard to tell of the Avanza's more purpose-focused motives - there are no fancy LED lights or larger-than-life 20-inch rims. What the Avanza has, instead, are humble iterations of how a family MPV should be.
And despite doing without the fanciful decorations, we have to say the end result is nothing less than pleasing to the eyes.
And it is not hard to tell of the Avanza's more purpose-focused motives - there are no fancy LED lights or larger-than-life 20-inch rims. What the Avanza has, instead, are humble iterations of how a family MPV should be.
And despite doing without the fanciful decorations, we have to say the end result is nothing less than pleasing to the eyes.
Interior
While the Avanza doesn't guarantee that you (and your family of six) will travel in style, it ensures that proper creature comforts are taken care of.
Like the sheet metal, the interior of the Avanza is relatively utilitarian. There aren't many fancy-looking bits - each turn knob and button is dedicated to a sole function, and there isn't much effort concerted to their aesthetical appeal. But once you learn of its low-cost motives, it really isn't hard to live with.
The Avanza will bring you back to the fundamentals of motoring. It makes you realised that commuting can be simple and fuss-free - even with lesser gadgetries such as paddle shifters, reverse camera or Bluetooth hands-free connection. That said, the Avanza still has a USB and an audio port to play your favourite songs on the go.
While the Avanza doesn't guarantee that you (and your family of six) will travel in style, it ensures that proper creature comforts are taken care of.
Like the sheet metal, the interior of the Avanza is relatively utilitarian. There aren't many fancy-looking bits - each turn knob and button is dedicated to a sole function, and there isn't much effort concerted to their aesthetical appeal. But once you learn of its low-cost motives, it really isn't hard to live with.
The Avanza will bring you back to the fundamentals of motoring. It makes you realised that commuting can be simple and fuss-free - even with lesser gadgetries such as paddle shifters, reverse camera or Bluetooth hands-free connection. That said, the Avanza still has a USB and an audio port to play your favourite songs on the go.
Thanks to the slightly taller ride height, you will also find entering the cabin much easier. The elevated cabin also gives off a more airy and spacious feel.
Space wise, the Avanza was never quite a sumptuous buffet of room, but rather one that fits seven adults snugly. The centre bench is more suitable for two adults, though it will still fit three with a slight squeeze.
The last row of seats will also fit any less height inclined individuals with suitable allowance - good for short urban commute, but best left for children for longer travels.
Space wise, the Avanza was never quite a sumptuous buffet of room, but rather one that fits seven adults snugly. The centre bench is more suitable for two adults, though it will still fit three with a slight squeeze.
The last row of seats will also fit any less height inclined individuals with suitable allowance - good for short urban commute, but best left for children for longer travels.
The Drive
On first look, the spec sheet seems to reveal the 'dated' aspect of the Avanza - a 1.5-litre four-cylinder mated to a four-speed automatic, with the 0-100km/h sprint dealt in a un-inspiring 15 seconds.
Then again, the Avanza is never meant to be an avid performer, and overlooking that part of the spec sheet will reveal the 'real goodies' that the MPV packs. For a relatively dated drivetrain, the Avanza has a low fuel consumption of 13km/L - the same figure which we managed to achieve during our time with the MPV. A rare feat indeed.
Despite the shy performance figures, the Avanza will still manage with adequate punch - even with seven adults on board. The 1.5-litre may not be the smoothest in town or the creamiest, but will pull with gusto when the occasion calls for it.
As expected of the taller ride height, handling feels a tad disconnected with the tarmac. The fact that the Avanza utilises a 'body-on-frame' design rather than a unibody or moncoque also shows that handling is not the MPV's top priorities.
Still, the MPV is impressively nimble in tight corners - blessed by the shorter width and a small turning radius of just 4.7 metres, which is identical to the Yaris supermini.
This means the MPV can be easily parked into parallel lots and squeeze out of tight corners in a buzz - a trait that any Singaporeans, or drivers for that matter, will grow to like.
Conclusion
One of the Avanza's appeal naturally lies in its price point. At the current turbulent times, the Avanza retails at $128,988 (as of 20th November 2013), which makes it one of the cheapest seven-seater in town (closest rivals are the Proton Exora and Suzuki APV).
Necessity being the mother of all inventions, the Avanza has brought us back to the basics of motoring. We like its genuine preposition - a display of straight forward, no-frills attitude, with the family placed in the top most priority - as well as the wallet of course.
This means the MPV can be easily parked into parallel lots and squeeze out of tight corners in a buzz - a trait that any Singaporeans, or drivers for that matter, will grow to like.
Conclusion
One of the Avanza's appeal naturally lies in its price point. At the current turbulent times, the Avanza retails at $128,988 (as of 20th November 2013), which makes it one of the cheapest seven-seater in town (closest rivals are the Proton Exora and Suzuki APV).
Necessity being the mother of all inventions, the Avanza has brought us back to the basics of motoring. We like its genuine preposition - a display of straight forward, no-frills attitude, with the family placed in the top most priority - as well as the wallet of course.
