The Smart Advantage

MANILA, Philippines – Toyota Motor PH launches new Avanza

The bestselling compact MPV in the country receives a fresh update for 2015 to keep it in touch with its recently launched competitors. Since its introduction to the Philippine market in 2006, the Avanza has already sold more than 50,000 units. And now, with this newest revamp, Toyota Motor Philippines is confident that it’ll remain the preferred choice in the segment.

“In the spirit of Always Better Cars, we are committed in constantly moving forward by improving and bringing changes to delight our customers. That is we bring you the remodeled and refreshed version of Toyota’s compact MPV, the new Avanza,” says Michinobu Sugata, president of Toyota Motor Philippines.

Starting out the 2015 enhancements for the Avanza is a new family of engines that offer more power, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced levels of NVH for a more comfortable driving experience. The 2015 Avanza remains available with two engine variants: a 1.3-liter and a 1.5-liter. The 1.3-liter K3-VE engine produces 90 hp at 6,000 rpm and 117 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm while the 1.5-liter 3SZ-FE outs 102 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. Both of these engines are mated to either 5-speed manuals or 4-speed automatics.

Next, the Avanza gets a refreshed look, especially at the front with an expressive new grille, reshaped headlights, and new design for its alloy wheels (sizes remain 15-inches for the 1.5 and 14-inches for the 1.3). The rear doesn’t change much as the tweaks are limited to the new brake lamp clusters.

Inside is where the Avanza gets the most noticeable difference. For one, it feels more sophisticated with its new dark brown interior scheme (at least for the 1.5). Next, the instrument cluster has been updated with new graphics including a helpful Eco indicator that coaches the driver to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the infotainment system is now a GPS navigation ready unit with a 2-DIN size in all but the base 1.3J model. Finally, it offers more flexibility with the addition of a 50/50 split-tumble third row.

Aside from these cosmetic and creature comfort enhancements, the Avanza also gets a fuller list of safety equipment. Dual SRS airbags are now standard across the line-up as are ISOFIX child seat anchors. The 1.5-liter model gets the added surefootedness of ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

“Just like all the other models in Toyota’s line-up, it has been warmly welcomed by the public not just because of its already known features of Quality, Durability and Reliability – but also because of its functionality and overall value,” added Sugata.

The 2015 Toyota Avanza is offered with a refreshed color line-up, the availability of which depends on the exact variant: Nebula Blue Metallic, Black Metallic, Grey Metallic, Silver Mica Metallic, Beige Metallic, and White. Prices of the Avanza are as follows: 1.3J M/T: P667,000, 1.3E M/T: P756,000, 1.3E A/T: P797,000, 1.5G M/T: P869,000, and 1.5G A/T: P910,000.