The Third-Generation Toyota Avanza, Veloz Launched In Indonesia – Priced From RM60k

This is the third-generation Toyota Avanza that just made its debut in Indonesia together with its sportier Veloz version. The all-new low MPV features significant and fresh updates inside and out to replace its old second-generation model that has been around for over a decade. 

Both the new Avanza and Veloz share the same platform as the Daihatsu Rocky, Perodua Ativa and the Toyota Raize, - Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA). It is a budget version of Toyota’s own TNGA platform. This transition from a ladder frame to monocoque construction is accompanied by MacPherson struts at the front, while a torsion beam is used for the rear instead of the previous live axle.

The Avanza comes in four variants in Indonesia, starting with the base 1.3E priced at 206.2 million rupiahs (RM 60,173), powered with the 1NR-VE. The next step up is the 1.5G, powered by the 2NR-VE and can come with either a manual transmission for 228.5 million rupiahs (RM 66,673) or automatic transmission for 241.4 million rupiahs (RM 70,437). 

The range-topping variant is the 1.5G CVT TSS that retails at 264.4 million rupiahs (RM 77,148). It adds on the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver-assist systems.

As for the Veloz, it only comes with the 2NR-VE engine. The Veloz has a three-variant line-up, starting with the MT variant. This manual transmission variant goes for 251.2 million rupiahs (RM 73,295), followed by the Q CVT priced at 272.1 million rupiahs (RM 79,393) and the Q CVT TSS at 291.5 million rupiahs (RM 85,054).

Previously, the last generations of Avanza were rear-wheel-drive. However, this third generation is the first Avanza to operate on the front-wheel-drive. Engine options remain the same: the 1NR-VE 1.3-litre naturally-aspirated DOHC four-cylinder unit with Dual VVT-i that serves up 97 hp at 6,000 rpm and 121 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, which is only available in a five-speed manual transmission.

The other option is the 2NR-VE1.5-litre engine making 105 hp at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm at 4,200 rpm that can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT, depending on the chosen variant.

Dimension wise, the latest Avanza now measures 4,395 mm long (+205 mm) and 1,730 mm wide (+70 mm). Depending on the variant, the vehicle’s height is either 1,665 mm (-30 mm) or 1,700 mm (+5 mm), while the wheelbase is 2,750 mm.

This third generation has the front fascia sporting a slim, two-slat grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps, making this new Avanza distinguished from its predecessors. These items sit just above a large, trapezoidal-shaped lower intake that makes up most of the front bumper, which is sculpted to feature angular fog lamp surrounds and a prominent chin.

Moving to the sides, we can see a sharp crease line linking the front and rear lighting clusters, running through the door handles, while the chunky wheel arch flares give an SUV-like vibe. The trim pieces at the base of the D-pillars are off-coloured, giving a pseudo-floating roof look. 

At the rear, slim taillights are linked by a raised, body-coloured line that runs through the Toyota logo on the tailgate. The Avanza’s number plate recess also looks more defined with reflectors integrated into the angular lower apron.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Veloz comes with a sportier and fancier styling with several unique touches. A hexagonal-shaped grille with Y-pattern mesh comes together with a tweaked headlamp design, and the clusters are linked to the A-pillars by a chrome strip running across the front.

Other significant changes in this latest generation of Avanza include more vertical fog lamps and a skid plate that sits beneath the lower intake. Others are a full-width taillight setup at the rear and another skid plate to mimic the front.

Interior-wise, the dashboard layout is more contemporary. It is headlined by an infotainment system placed above the centre air vents. Digital controls for the manual air-conditioning system also make their way into the cabin, along with a new steering wheel design.

As before, there are three rows of seats to accommodate up to seven people, and with the increased dimensions, expect more interior space.

All variants including the Veloz come standard with fabric and leather combination seats, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, an electronic parking brake with automatic brake hold, a wireless charger, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic air-conditioning, an ambient lighting system, soft-touch door armrests, a rear-seat entertainment screen, rear parking sensors and the Avanza’s passive safety systems.

Specific to the Q CVT variants are the 17-inch wheels, selectable drive modes and an around-view monitor, while the MT makes do with 16-inches and a reverse camera. The top-spec Q CVT TSS gets the same Toyota Safety Sense suite as the Avanza’s 1.5G CVT TSS, along with six airbags (the rest only get two).