Much-welcomed advancements with the all-new 2012 Avanza

MANILA, Philippines - The family is the basic unit of Philippine society. And in this country, the term family – more often than not – refers to extended family, or simply 1 big, happy bunch. And as family groups like to travel together, they need vehicles that provide generous space – both for passengers and maybe recreational equipment – at economical cost. It is no surprise then that MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) have become such a hit in the local automotive market.

Toyota Motors Philippines was one of the first few companies to introduce the concept of MPVs in the country, decades ago... And this year, the company continues to deliver solutions for the country’s practical automotive needs by introducing the latest version of its popular, compact MPV: the 2012 Toyota Avanza.

The latest-generation Avanza, which was unveiled to the motoring media last Thursday, boasts a more aerodynamic design and sportier profile with its shallower windscreen angle, new grille, redesigned front bumper and headlamps that are more tapered to the top than before. The new model is also 20mm longer and 30mm wider, allowing for more legroom and cargo space. The vehicle can host up to 7 passengers, and as an added perk, the second row seats can now be moved forward or rearward, for convenience.

Despite the increase in size, however, the 2012 Avanza claims to have even improved its fuel frugality, by applying smart engineering changes such as: making the vehicle lighter by using more high-tensile steel and polypropylene material for the bumpers; making the overall body design more aerodynamic; and switching to an electric motor for the steering assistance – a.k.a EPS: Electronic Power Steering – so there is no longer a conventional hydraulic pump that can strip some extra power off of the engine. Hence, the vehicle showcases a fuel efficiency rating of up to 12km/L.

From the inside, the new cabin projects a comparatively more sophisticated ambiance than its predecessor – with its curvaceous design, sporty-looking 3-spoke steering wheel, generous glass areas, and cool, red, back-lit gauges – which perhaps is better described as generally giving it a more “passenger-car-like” feel.

Also worth noting is the change in the door handle design, from the old lift-up-type to the present grip-type, which exudes a more up-market image.

The 2012 Avanza will still offer the same engine choices: in displacements of 1.3L and 1.5L. All have VVT-i (variable valve timing) and hence use a chain for the camshaft drive, instead of a rubberized belt. However, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is claimed to be lower in these models, as the damping and insulation materials have been increased. And supposedly, Toyota’s engineers have taken it upon themselves to make sure that noise and vibrations are eliminated at their source, where possible.

The new Avanza will now also be available in three new colors: dark steel mica, light blue metallic, and gray metallic; on top of its previously available colors: silver metallic, champagne metallic and white.

It is now available locally and in the following variants and prices: 1.3J m/t for P620,000, 1.3E m/t for P703,000, 1.3E a/t for P743,000, 1.5G m/t for P828,000 and 1.5G a/t for P868,000. You may contact your local Toyota dealer for more information.