Toyota Avanza

Overview:

Toyota is a prolific automobile firm that has its presence in many countries including Bangladesh. In this country, it has number of models in its portfolio among which, Toyota Avanza is considered to be an ideal family utility vehicle. This seven seater is also regarded as the most featured vehicle in its segment, as it is bestowed with all the standard protective and comfort aspects. At present, this vehicle is available in two variants for the buyers to choose from. The entry level variant is fitted with a 1.3-litre K3 VE gasoline engine while the top end version is equipped with a 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE gasoline mill. Both these power plants are mated to a four speed automatic transmission gearbox. This utility vehicle is equipped with an array of important comfort features like a dual zone air conditioning system, power adjustable outside mirrors and a 1-DIN based music system featuring a CD player. The manufacturer has also given utmost importance towards safety aspects by building this fvehicle with GOA body structure, which can deal with all the jolts caused on roads. At the same time, it is blessed with important features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and three point seatbelts, which enhances the safety of occupants inside. Currently, it is available with a standard warranty of 50000 kilometers or 2-years (whichever is earlier).

Mileage and Fuel economy:

Both the gasoline engines in this series are integrated with an advanced electronically regulated fuel injection system. Its 1.3-litre mill can return a peak mileage of approximately 14 to 17 Kmpl. While its 1.5-litre gasoline mill has the ability to produce a peak mileage in of about 13 to 15 Kmpl.

Power:

These gasoline engines are based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration featuring 4-cylinders and 16-valves. Its 1293cc power plant can unleash a peak power of 67kW and a hammering torque of 120Nm. While the 1495cc engine can produce a maximum of 80kW of power and a commanding torque output of 141Nm.

Acceleration And Pickup:

The automaker has coupled both these power plants to a four speed automatic transmission gearbox, which helps them to be perkier. These power plants can achieve a top speed of approximately 155 to 160 kmph. Its 1.5-litre engine has the ability to break the 100 Kmph speed barrier in 12 seconds, whereas the 1.3-litre gasoline engine does it in just 15 seconds.

Exteriors:

Among all the Toyota models, this Avanza MPV looks very stylish not just because of its compact body structure but also because of its compelling exterior features. It has stylish front facade, as it is fitted with a distinctly designed multi-reflector headlight cluster. It flanks a sleek radiator grille that is garnished with a lot of chrome. Furthermore, it is embedded with company's insignia, which gives a dynamic look to the frontage. The front body colored bumper is massive, which is embodied with a large air dam along with a pair of fog lamps. Coming to the sides, it has expressive wheel arches, which are paired to a set of conventional steel rims. However, individuals can opt for a set of stylish alloy wheels, which gives it a sporty appeal. Both the variants in this series have trendy exterior features like body colored door handles along with wing mirrors and black pillars. Toyota Avanza MPV has a lustrous rear profile, where it is fitted with an expressive tailgate. Surrounding this is the elegantly sculptured taillight cluster that houses powerful brake lights and turn indicators. Its rear bumper has a plain structure but it is equipped with a pair of reflectors, which enhances the protection.

Exterior Measurements:

The automaker has designed this MPV with a total width of 1630mm (excluding outside mirrors) and with an overall length of 4120mm. Its total height measures at 1695mm, while the ground clearance at 200mm, which is generous. This vehicle also has a wheelbase of 2655mm, which is quite long.

Interior:

The automaker has given utmost importance to its interior design in order to give a plush appeal to the internal cabin. It is done up with a eye-soothing dual tone color scheme, which is complimented by chrome accents. The design of dashboard is plain that houses an AC unit, music system and a few control switches. It is also embodied with a large instrument cluster with two analogue gauges and a digital meter. It displays information related to the vehicle's speed, rpm meter, outside temperature and a few warning lamps. The cabin is well furnished with comfortable seats featuring adjustable head restraints, which are covered with good quality fabric upholstery. Both the second and third row bench seats have split folding facility, which is helpful to increase the luggage storage capacity.

Interior Comfort:

At present, the manufacturer is selling this MPV in two trim levels. However, both the variants are bestowed with identical features like power adjustable outside mirrors, drink holders, storage compartment, accessory power sockets and seat back pockets. Furthermore, it also has aspects like power assisted steering, remote central locking, front wipers, electrically operated windows and an inside rear view mirror. The automaker has also incorporated a dual zone climate control unit inside the cabin including adjustable rear AC vents, which keeps the entire ambiance pleasant.

Interior Measurements:

There is ample leg and shoulder space available inside the cabin space that can comfortably accommodate at least seven occupants. This MPV has a massive cargo volume of about 955-litres, whose storage capacity can be increased further by folding the rear bench seat. In addition to this, it is also fitted a large fuel tank that has 45-litre storage capacity.

Engine and Performance:

The automaker has fitted its entry level variant with a 1.3-litre gasoline power plant that has an advanced VVT-i technology. This power plant comprises of 4-cylinders and 16-valves based on double overhead camshaft valve configuration, which displaces 1298cc. This mill has the ability to pump out a power of 67kW at 6000rpm and yields a pounding torque of 120Nm at 4400rpm. While its high end version is fitted with a 1.5-litre engine that has a displacement capacity of 1495cc. This engine is also based on the same configuration like its 1.3-litre mill. However, it can churn out a commanding power of 80kW at 6000rpm and yields a torque of 141Nm at 4400rpm. Both these engines are mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission gearbox that distributes the torque output to the rear wheels.

Stereo and Accessories:

Both the variants in this series have been fitted with a proficient 1-DIN based music system including a CD player and a Radio tuner. It also has a total of four speakers, which produces stereo quality sound output. On the other hand, there is a provision to incorporate a touchscreen infotainment system including a DVD player for enhancing the entertainment. In addition to this, buyers can also incorporate a surround sound system, which delivers superior quality sound output. This Toyota Avanza can be customized with a slew of stylish features like a set of multi-spoke alloy wheels, roof rails, body graphics along with side skirts and moldings.

Wheels:

Currently, both the vehicles in this series are blessed with a set of 14-inch steel rims. These wheels are covered with 185/70 R14 sized radial tubeless radial tyres, which offers excellent grip on roads.

Braking and Handling:

This manufacturer has bestowed this model series with disc brakes for its front wheels and drum brakes to its rear wheels. At the same time, it is also integrated with an anti lock braking system that collaborates with electronic brake force distribution to augment the braking mechanism. This vehicle is also bestowed with a superior rack and pinion based power steering system that delivers excellent response by supporting a minimum turning radius of just 4.7-litres.

Safety and Security:

The automaker has built this vehicle using lightweight aluminum material featuring crumple zones and impact protection beams that can absorb the impact, which is caused in case of a collision. It is also bestowed with a few crucial protective aspects like three point seat belts, dual front airbags, multi-reflector headlamps, and central locking system. Furthermore, it also has an high mount LED stop lamp, an inside rear view mirror and a rear windscreen demister.

Pros:

1. External appearance is quite impressive.
2. Price range is rather affordable.
3. Seating capacity and space is very good.

Cons:

1. More comfort and safety features can be added.
2. There is still scope to improve fuel efficiency.
3. Lack of USB and AUX-In connectivity is a big drawback.