The Toyota Avanza used to be the most affordable people/business mover during its first generation days. However, with more choices in the market over the years, the Avanza has lost its appeal to the customers, especially when the most basic 1.3-litre model is priced at RM66k, where one can get a fully-spec1.6-litre Proton Exora at the same price. The 1.3E, 5-speed manual gearbox (90hp/117Nm) is really basic, as is with the 1.5E, 4 speed auto gearbox (102hp/136Nm) model, where both only enjoy dual airbags and no anti-lock braking system (ABS). 14" wheels are standard as well. Only with the G (RM76k) and S (RM79k) specs, one get the ABS. What is the research company claiming Malaysian are willing to pay more for better safety features in car? The crowd that they have selected in the survey could be very wrong. Most will see a lot of customer still prefer paying less and not appreciating their own precious life.
Interior of the Avanza is pretty basic, which is understandable as this is only and emerging-market model. Avanza is not available in developed countries with stringent safety and emission control, and Malaysia has yet to be in this category.
Only on the 1.5-litre models, you get a 2-Din radio. However, all models get 7 seats with dual blower aircon for backseats comfort in our hot weather. This shall at least keep the kids calm and queit...tablet or smartphone not included!
As a MPV, the last row of the seats could be folded 50:50 and 2nd row could tumble and slide forward to create a huge storage, providing convenience trip to Ikea or to carry any bulk item. Seats cushioning are thin though, thus it might not survive the many years of abuse.
The Avanza is a simple and basic MPV, design with reliability in mind from the Toyota brand. It does not have an impressive look nor safety features to protect your loving family members, but it could keep running for the years to come if you follow Toyota's maintenance schedule (which car does not if you keep spending to keep it well maintained). Before you make a decision for the T brand, do note that there are larger MPV out there which is cheaper as well!
Only on the 1.5-litre models, you get a 2-Din radio. However, all models get 7 seats with dual blower aircon for backseats comfort in our hot weather. This shall at least keep the kids calm and queit...tablet or smartphone not included!
As a MPV, the last row of the seats could be folded 50:50 and 2nd row could tumble and slide forward to create a huge storage, providing convenience trip to Ikea or to carry any bulk item. Seats cushioning are thin though, thus it might not survive the many years of abuse.
The Avanza is a simple and basic MPV, design with reliability in mind from the Toyota brand. It does not have an impressive look nor safety features to protect your loving family members, but it could keep running for the years to come if you follow Toyota's maintenance schedule (which car does not if you keep spending to keep it well maintained). Before you make a decision for the T brand, do note that there are larger MPV out there which is cheaper as well!
