South Africa’s favourite motor company is set to make itself even more popular with their fans with the launch of their new little MPV, the Avanza.
By Ian McLaren, CAR photojournalist

South Africa’s favourite motor company is set to make itself even more popular with their fans with the launch of their new little MPV, the Avanza.

The new vehicle is able to transport six passengers along with the driver as well as having a modular seating arrangement making it versatile enough to adapt to whatever load needs to be carried.

But the biggest talking point is bound to be the aggressive pricing that Toyota is able to launch with. Prices for the four models, with two engine sizes, start from a fraction under the psychological R100 000 mark with the range-topping model just shy of R140 000. The prices demand attention, but what can buyers expect from their budget MPVs?

Badged as a Daihatsu in other markets, the Avanza is built in Indonesia and seen as a vehicle that fits perfectly into developing markets. South Africa is the first African country to introduce the vehicle and Toyota sees this as an ideal entry point from which to expand across the continent.

Designers and engineers were briefed to design a vehicle with a small profile, but able to transport up to seven people. To aid this, the Avanza has short overhangs while a rear-wheel drive layout was adopted to free up as much interior space as possible.

Seating takes on a two-three-two formation with a 50/50 split in the second row allowing easy access to the third row bench. With the Avanza’s small dimensions, it does become a bit tight at the back and, although it is a seven-seater, one or two of those seven would need to be of slender build, or children, to be able to enjoy a comfortable journey.

Another factor that may determine the average size of those six passengers is the fact that the Avanza is available with either a 67-kW 1,3- or 1,5-litre engine with 80 kW. VVT-i technology ensures both these engines – and perhaps surprisingly more the smaller of the two – feel particularly sprightly along our test route at sea level, with one passenger and no luggage. One has to wonder how this may change at the reef with a full complement of seven on board…

Taller than it is wide, the shape of Toyota’s new MPV doesn’t lend itself to being the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road. As such, it felt the brunt of strong winds during the long drive on our test route to the north of KwaZulu Natal last week. The light steering, while being very handy at parking speeds, also became a tad sensitive as the gales attempted to change the Avanza’s direction of travel. Unfortunately the tall car also became a little noise at speed as the buffeting continued and the dealer option radio struggled to conquer the noise.

The inside of the new Toyota Avanza is sparse, but neat and functional. All but the entry-level 1,3 S models gain fairly modest air conditioning and the flagship 1,5 TX gets an extra rearward facing console to cool rear passengers.

Alarmingly – especially since Avanza will likely be viewed as a young, and potentially messy, family’s bus – only one interior trim colour (light beige!) is available at this stage. For extra utility space, both rows of seats have a tumble-and-fold function. ABS braking is standard fitment on all models apart from the base.

At the price, the Avanza is great value and, with the favoured badge adorning its snout, it is difficult to imagine that Toyota South Africa’s target of 800 units sold per month will not be reached. With the word “budget” on the lips of consumers around the country, the Avanza makes perfect financial sense.

Prices:

Avanza 1,3 S R99 900

Avanza 1,3 SX R116 300

Avanza 1,5 SX R132 900

Avanza 1,5 TXR139 700

Original article from Car