Toyota Avanza

Toyota Avanza is already being sold internationally and is very popular in the South Asian markets like Indonesia, Philippines, etc. Toyota is now planning to launch the Avanza in our country. Although, Toyota hasn’t officially announced it yet but it is being anticipated that the company will launch the Avanza in 2015.

Toyota Avanza is aMPV which is slightly smaller than the Toyota Innova. It features some good designs and looks. As it is a MPV and is manufactured by Toyota then there have to be some features borrowed from the Innova. While the front end of the Avanza would be something new in the Indian car market, there is still a hint of Innova in it. You wouldn’t notice it at the first glance but if you’d look closely then you could find it. The front bumper is very big and enhances the road presence of the MPV. The wheel arches are nicely smoothed out into the bumper and is a nice touch. Overall it’s a refreshed design and would be appreciated in the domestic market.

The current model of Toyota Avanza, which is being sold internationally, is powered by a 1.4 litre petrol engine which produces a maximum power output of 109 PS and generates a peak torque of 141 Nm. The engine also has the VVT-i technology which enhances the performance of the MPV and also increases the fuel efficiency. It’s being anticipated that the Indian variant of the Toyota Avanza would be powered by the same engine and perhaps there would be a diesel variant too. The Indian population would prefer the diesel variant as we all know that in the entire world we pay the highest amount of money for a litre of petrol.

Toyota will also equip the Avanza with various safety features like airbags, ABS, EBD, etc. It’s always better to have all such features included in your car. The biggest competitor for Toyota Avanza will be the recently launched Honda Mobilio. Both of these MVPs are seven seaters and have many features. While Honda has already launched the Mobilio therefore, it has an extra edge. Toyota will have to apply a good strategy in order to defeat its competition. No information is available regarding the price of the Toyota Avanza but Toyota will be pricing it very aggressively to kill the other players of this segment.

We were expecting Toyota to launch the Avanza in the upcoming festive season at the end of the year but it is very unlikely that Toyota would do anything like that. If not in the festive season then at least, Toyota should launch it in the first or second quarter of 2015.

Toyota Avanza

To compete with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda cooked up a MPV based on the Brio platform and is going to launch it soon in India. It appears to be an even better package than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and enter the market with a similar price tag. But apparently things won’t be very easy for the Mobilio as the leader is making a move in the segment. Toyota is targeting the same market with a new MPV in the market. This new product is the Toyota Avanza.

The Toyota Avanza is already being sold in some markets worldwide and looks very much like the successful model Innova. Currently it is being sold with a 1.5 liter petrol engine which generates a peak power of 109 bhp. The design of this new MPV isn’t very impressive but it is conservative and works well for a MPV. It looks better than the Mobilio but we think the best looking of these three is the Ertiga. Things are very different from what you would judge from the outside.

The interiors of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga look nice and have been laid out nicely. The dashboard has a premium feel to it and the spacing is decent. The seats are comfortable and you won’t cry for space as long as you are in the first two seats. The spacing is even better inside the Avanza and the seats are comfortable. The dashboard however looks pretty simple. Still it looks practical and everything is in the place it should be. The interiors of Mobilio are very impressive and the way they have packed things inside the cabin is impressive. The dashboard has been borrowed from the Honda hatchback Brio. Mobilio definitely takes the cake here.

Apart from the looks and interiors, the powertrain would play a very important role in the sales. The Suzuki Ertiga is offered in both petrol and diesel variants. The diesel variant is the familiar Fiat Multijet engine in its 90 bhp state of tune. It has got a fair bit or turbo lag making city driving a bit tough. The 1.4 I petrol generates similar power. The Avanza is offered with a petrol engine in international market though it would also come with a diesel option in Indian market. We are betting on the 1.4 l unit here. The Mobilio impresses here as well with the 1.5 liter diesel and 1.5 liter petrol engines.

Toyota Avanza

Cabin is designed with durable plastic with fabric door inserts to enhance their attractiveness and bottle holders on front doors and rear doors. There are cup-holders too on hand rests in front and second rows. The car’s affordable price will increase popularity as a family vehicle as it is fitted with basic safety gadgets like seat belts and air bags for front passengers. Avanza’s structure is like a cross between SUV/MPV with length of 4.14 mm length and 1.66 mm width and cargo capacity of 900 liters. Besides luggage space the car also has 982mm of legroom area in front row while third row has leg space of 799mm. The second row occupants can increase leg room by pushing back their seats by 60mm after folding third row seats.

Its instrument panel is fitted with latest audio system which has facilities of USB/ AUX/ Bluetooth and accessory sockets to charge cellphones. Though it does not have navigational facility Toyota has fitted it with parking sensors and front wheel driving facility. The car is powered with 1.5 liter engine with VVT-I mechanism to provide output of 102 bhp and torque of 400 rpm. For better maneuverability on bad roads the car has been given ground clearance of 20 cm and minimum turning radius of 4.7 meters. To reduce ambient sound from road and vibration the car has been fitted with latest insulation materials and to manage hot summers of the region, A/C vents have been fitted above seat rows so all passengers are equally comfortable.

While the car has been given a light-weight body for maintaining aerodynamics and speed it has also been provided with skid resistant tyres and electrical power steering for better control of car. Toyota has also fitted it with Anti-Lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system along with side impact beams and engine immobilizer to ensure safety of all passengers. Available in multitude of colors like grey, silver, light blue, metallic beige, steel and white the Avanza has a responsive gearbox and strong suspension of McPherson struts for easy drive on rough roads and speed breakers. The Avanza is already doing great business in Jakarata, Indonesia, Yemen, Kuwait and Qatar therefore Toyota was keen on export it to UAE out of production unit in Indonesia. Toyota is planning to export more than 5000 units to this region annually depending on which it will decide to export other SUV brands like Vios, Astra and Agya hatchback into UAE.

Mobilio and Ertiga are in huge demand in the country, the launch of two high-end versions of Avanza happened recently, and will be placed on top of luxury car ladder. The aim is to increase customer choice options and also improve profits and strengthen the brand image of the car. The two new loaded cars are Avanza Veloz luxury and Avanza G luxury.

Avanza Veloz luxury radiates to the core from the outside, and insides too are filled with grand surprises. The cabin room is enormously spacious and the décor is stunning with jet black theme. The dashboard is professionally designed and looks extremely sophisticated and up market. The front row is filled with excitement; the rear compartment is magical as well. Occupants at the back have access to an amazing roof fitted 10 inch monitor that is DVD compatible. It is not always that consumers can breathe in atmosphere of marvelous luxury contributed by roof fitted 10 inch screen on rear compartment. It is a double exhilaration moment to have access to world class music system at front and back. Avanza Veloz is packed with new elation, and customers will surely expect an exorbitantly priced car, it is a reasonably priced car for its spark and costs Rp 198.2 million which is INR 9.91 lakhs, the automatic car is priced at Rp 209.7 million which is Rs 10.49 lakhs.

Avanza G Luxury is draws inspiration from type G model, the car gathers its energy from robust 1,500cc and 1,300 cc engine. The difference between Avanza G Luxury and type G car is vibrant dual tone interior and new body kit. It is interesting to learn that the car is sold with a new body kit, which has door finisher, rear bumper, side skirts and front bumper. The list is thrilling; consumers can actually design their own cars. Avanza G is filled with grandeur and vibrancy, and for its richness it is sold at generous prices of Rp 184.6 million INR 9.23 lakhs for manual car and Rp 195.3 million INR 9.77 lakh for automatic car, and the 1.5 liter manual model costs Rp 191.6 million which is INR 9.58 lakh.

Avanza is a huge hit in Indonesia and other Asian segments, Toyota will not introduce the current model in India. The car for Asian markets has no diesel power train. Avanza is on top of its game in lavish car market, the enormous interior space makes it a suitable family model. The addition of the two luxury models only adds to the thrill, the kind of ecstasy offered is different particularly with roof mounted ten inch touchscreen on back compartment. Those keen on the two models, both are worthy purchases to enjoy life in varied style.

The Avanza is offered in six fresh colours but we need to wait for the official announcement from the company for the availability of all the shades in the market.

The Avanza has got sport exteriors with sharp curves. The grille of the car is chrome finished and the headlight is attractive. The bumper at the front has an exclusive design and the sides of the bumper have fog lights. Wipers at front and rear are distinctly stylish. The door handles, rear view mirror and spoiler add a classy touch to the car. The alloy wheels provided in the car are o 15 inches which improves the look and make it sportier. The tail lights of the car are pretty and side indicators are very well designed.

The front cabin of the car offers enough space and has adjustable seats. The interior has beige coloured seats and the fabric used is of good quality. The dashboard has AC vents, audio system and storage box. The steering wheel possesses audio controls on it offering convenience to the driver.

This is a seven-seater vehicle having sufficient legroom and headroom for the passengers. Due to the good fabric the seats offer great comfort.

The engine offers displacement of 1495 cc and performance of the vehicle is standard. The VVTi technology used ensures the quick pick up and running on the rough roads too.

Toyota Avanza will be available with standard features including 1 CD MP3 audio system with 4 speakers, AC, adjustable mirrors, power windows, door lock, and viper control and seat adjustment.

The braking system of the car is very effective and has ABS, EBD as well to offer greater safety to the passengers. The ABS system provided is very helpful against skidding on the roads and rear and front brake balance is maintained by EBD.

The driver and front passenger can feel safe while driving as Supplementary restraint system airbag is installed in the car. In addition to this, Toyota has loaded crash body safety, safety belts, thief deterrent system and side bar protection.

Handling is not a big deal in case of Toyota Avanza, it is easier to handle with strong engine, braking system, less emission system and jerk absorbers. This is a new and pretty impressive car introduced by Toyota with satisfying features in it.

Toyota is also the leader of the Indonesian car market which is a highly developing market and a tough fighting ground for the global car makers. Indonesia is also a big market for large and luxurious Multi-Purpose Vehicles. The Indonesian car consumers are currently showering a lot of favor to the Suzuki Ertga MPV and a huge wave of interest for the newly launched Honda Mobilio MPV, and in order to beat this growing competition, Toyota is said to be readying up a brand new competitor for these two vehicles.

According to an Indonesian media report, Toyota is presently busy developing a tough competitor to the Mobilio and the Ertiga in order to reinstate its leading position.

According to the reports, Toyota is preparing to unveil its new MPV challenger at the upcoming Indonesian International Motor Show in 2014. Toyota Motors has the undisputed market leadership in the Indonesian MPV segment with its fast selling Avanza MPV that sells much more than that of the Ertiga, and mostly sells twice as much the sales volume as compared against the Ertiga’s sales volume. The second bestselling MPV model in the Indonesian car market is occupied by the Daihatsu Xenia MPV, which is again a rebadged model of the very same Toyota Avanza. This leading and complete rule over the MPV segment of the Indonesian car market proves Toyota’s invincible position in Indonesia and the unanimous trust of the Indonesian car consumers on the Toyota brand.

The report says that Toyota is going to endow a more alluring visual appeal on its new MPV model, which is a part of the company’s new global strategy for all its forthcoming cars. The reports further add that the new Toyota MPV will be more premium as compared to the Avanza, and it is most likely to be driven by a similar 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder petrol motor.

The Honda Mobilio will hit the Indonesian market for sale early in 2014, and it is expected to become a hugely popular MPV model in the country and also become a game changer for Honda Motor. The Honda Mobilio is also forecasted by the market experts to become the top selling vehicle from the house of Honda in Indonesia. This seven seater MPV will be powered by a 1.5 liter petrol engine that will be mated with the transmission options of both manual and automatic gearboxes. The MPV will have a price range of less than 200 million in Indonesian currency.

Toyota is thus sensing a major competitor in the Honda Mobilio and is bracing itself with a new model.

Corolla sedan

The first car to be released from the sheds of Toyota in the year 2014 is the Corolla Sedan. The 11^th gen of Corolla will be released during the month of February and March with well-designed exterior grille and better interiors. Well-decked with hi-tech gadgets, the audio and Bluetooth of the car works with your smartphone to offer enhanced connectivity. The car is being launched to compete with Honda City and Hyundai Verna and SUV like Nissan Terrano and Duster. The large interior offers better legroom offering higher luxury and comfort.

Toyota Rush

If the Rush variant of the compact SUV fails to release in December 2013, it will probably be released in 2014 in its successful petrol form. The car boasts of magnificent sales in Indonesia where it has been launched as the enhanced variant of Daihatsu’sTerios. In India, Rush will released in in the compact form of 4meters to take advantage of the excise tax concessions on the government.

Toyota will also be releasing its famous range of the incredibly popular Toyota Innova during May or June of 2014 and the launch is as a Z series version that can accommodate 7 people comfortably. The car will be decked with hi-tech gadgets and touch screen multimedia system along with a diesel engine and launched at the MRP of 15-16 lakhs. The advanced Innova will be made accessible in 6 shades along with white as a new entrant.

Toyota Avanza

Next in the list is Toyota Avanza! The car is all set to release in 2014 with dazzling front grille and curved bumpers with shiny stunning reflector headlamps. The car will come compacted with 1.5l petrol mill offering a highly efficient fuel mileage of 15.8 kmpl. In order to maintain the trend of Toyota, the car will have rich upholster along with quick turning radius of 4.7m and low emission to suit the crowded streets of India. The exterior of the car will be as good as that of Toyota Innova with body colored bumpers and sporty front.

These are some of the cars that Toyota is planning to release in the first quarter of 2014. As of now, only these models have been revealed by the Japanese company. However, the Toyota aficionados believe that the company will release more. But as of now, the list is sufficient. Toyota will further plan the release of the cars after checking out the fiscal sector of India as well as inflation and rupee depreciation.

Engine and performance:

Toyota Avanza is a seven seater car that could offer the best comfort level and reliability, just like its other counterparts. The vehicle has also been modified many times to yield its present stunning look. The vehicle is at present available in three variants such as 1.5E, 1.5 G and 1.5S, all compatible with their 1.5 liter engine. Its engine is powered by a 16- value and 4 cylinders DOHX VVT engine that is in turn mated with a four speed automatic transmission system. The engine would enable the vehicle to churn out a maximum power of 103 PS and a torque of 136 NM along with a smooth and a comfortable drive. The vehicle is expected to offer a fuel efficiency of 15.8 kmpl while driven in city traffic limits and could churn out 11.2 kmpl easily at highways. The dimensions of the vehicle are pretty compact to afford a turning radius of just 4.7 meters.

Interior and exterior specs:

Though the Toyota Avanza has been considered a sports wagon, it does feature magnificent exteriors, professional backlight and professional looking front ends. It front grille enhances its sporty stance and is for sure designed artistically. Fog lights are attached to the bumper to offer extreme illumination, offering the most pleasurable driving experience even at dark hours. The interiors are of enormous volume and are features with a seven seater arrangement. Leg room is quite spacious and could be used to accommodate heavy luggage as well. Its center console features the instrument panel that has been designed with elegance and has all communication and entertainment portals for pleasurable travel.

Safety features:

There are supplementary airbags provided for restraining, offered at both driver and passenger compartments, and its other safety features include safety belts, ABS, EBD, safety features for crash body and protections at the sidebar.

Verdict:

Avanza has been long awaited by the customers of Toyota in the country, and there are serious news and rumours that surround the specs and price of the vehicle after its launch has been confirmed in India by the company officials. It is for sure that the vehicle would soon hold an important place in the automobile segment of India and in the hearts of all Indians.

Maruti Ertiga which is one of the best cars in the MUV segment. There are three engine variants available to choose from: petrol, diesel and CNG. The Ertiga is very spacious with a good boot space. The looks of the car are also good. The front end, with a slight hint of Suzuki’s Swift headlamp design, gives an appealing look. Also the rear end has nicely done tail lights and a chrome line. The Ertiga is a car which completes the needs of a mid-size family. It looks good, it has a good refined engine (1.4 litre petrol, 1.3 litre diesel) with a CNG option. It provides a comfortable ride and has average quality interiors.

On the other hand, Toyota Avanza could be called a sibling to the Toyota Innova. It does resemble (a bit) the Innova when viewed at some angles. The Avanza has been a successful entry level MPV in many countries. Toyota has decided to launch it in India as the market here is growing tremendously. The Avanza would be available in a diesel variant sporting a 1.5 litre engine which churns out 105 bhp of max power and 141 Nm of torque. It also has VVTi being used. The interiors are spacious and have enough room for 5 to 7 people. The Avanza might be introduced with safety features like ABS, EBD, air bags, etc.

Now, it is a difficult decision to choose one between the two cars. If Maruti Ertiga is already been sold in the Indian market and has received an impressive feedback from the customers, the Avanza is not far behind by proving itself in many other countries. The Avanza might attract customers who want to own a new refreshing looking car. The Ertiga has an advantage in the engine department. It is available in petrol, diesel and CNG variants whereas the Avanza would be available in diesel only. It is being anticipated that the Avanza would have more luxurious interiors and more safety features than the Ertiga.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is currently available in a price range starting from Rs 6.26 lakhs to Rs 9.03 lakhs. There is no info about the price at which the Avanza would be launched in India but the expected price range is Rs 6 to 8 lakhs. If Toyota manages to put an aggressive price tag to the Avanza then it would surely arouse a tough cat fight in the MPV segment!

Toyota is anticipating that the launch of the Avanza would be a good decision for the company and the Avanza would be welcomed by the people in India with open arms. The Toyota Avanza is going to be powered by the same engine which has been used in it in the past. It is a 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder petrol engine which is capable to produce a max power of 109 PS at 6000 rpm and a max torque of 141 Nm at 4400 rpm. The 4 cylinders have 16 valves altogether and are controlled by DOHC. Moreover, the engine has VVTi (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system) technology which controls the timings of the intake valves according to the throttle response. The VVTi technology not only improves the performance of the vehicle but also increases the fuel economy and reduces the emissions. The engine of the Avanza is said to be mated with a manual transmission and there is so news about any availability of an optional automatic transmission.

The exterior of the Toyota Avanza is well designed but it gives a slight impression of the Toyota Innova when viewed from some angles. The front facia of the vehicle features a chrome finished grille with the Toyota badge in the centre. The headlight cluster has nice smooth curves. The body coloured bumper incorporated with fog lamps is nice. The air vent is nicely done which compliment the front design of the car. The curve lines above the wheel arcs add to the elegant look of the car. The rear end of the car also has body coloured bumper and the tail lights are mounted at a good height from the ground and is nicely fitted into the body. The rear spoiler with a brake light in the middle makes the Avanza look a bit sportier.

The interiors of the Avanza are very spacious with ample head and leg room for the occupants. The front seats are split fold type while the rear seats are bench type which allows 5 people to adjust easily and if a 7 seats variant would be available in India then there would be ample space for 7 people. The steering wheel has been expected with mounted controls on it. The outside rear view mirrors are not electrically retractable but are electrically adjustable.

The Toyota Avanza will be equipped with safety features like Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electric Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and SRS air bags. The company has not decided the price at which the Avanza would be launched but it is being anticipated that it would cost around Rs 6-7 lakhs. The price range could increase depending upon the different variants in which the Avanza would be launched in India.