Review: ‘Balik Kampung’ with The Toyota Veloz – An Ideal Family Road-Tripper?

For many Malaysians, annual ‘balik kampung’ roadtrips are perhaps one of the few affairs shared amongst all. We’ve all performed it at least once in our lifetime, and it usually sees many urban dwellers from the Klang Valley flocking major highways and B-roads on trips back to their hometowns to be with their loved ones.

Of course, trips like these can be an arduous experience, especially for families, given the long distances - and hours - usually spent on the roads doing so. A good car with ample space and comfort, bolstered with safety features and perhaps the right amount of tech, is a must indeed for annual efforts as such, and perhaps for the daily too.

2023 Toyota Veloz 1.5 MPV - UMW Toyota's latest MPV model

The rising number of those which such needs likely spurred UMW Toyota Motor towards inducting the new Toyota Veloz into its line up. To see how this Japanese-badged twin to the Perodua Alza fares, we put it to the test through a balik kampung road trip ourselves to Kota Bharu, Kelantan, during the recent Hari Raya break.

Having clocked over 1,000 KM and countless hours piloting it through thick and thin on this round trip to the Peninsular’s East Coast capital and back, we’re certain those eyeing up the Veloz to helm the duties of a family road trip steed will have plenty to look forward to, with just a little loathe in.

First things first, the specs…

It’s no secret that the Toyota Veloz shares similar underpinnings with the Perodua-badged second-gen Alza. Both even share the same 1.5-litre 4-cyl DVVT-i heart, which is also common in several other Toyota and Perodua models. In both, said mill serves up 105 HP and 138 NM to the front wheels through a 7-speed D-CVT box.

Also shared between the two is the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) chassis architecture, which boasts high rigidity and stiffness - traits you’d want in any chassis. This, in turn, sees the Veloz promise better driving performance compared to any other rivalling and similarly-priced compact MPV.

With the Veloz’s mechanical bits pretty much mirroring the Alza, it is safe to say that we can’t expect both models to be substantially different, at least on the performance front. But perhaps, the Toyota Veloz has more to offer elsewhere…

So, what’s the difference?

We know this is supposed to be a full-on ‘balik kampung’ review, but allow us to once and for all state the key differences between both for better context.

The Veloz gets a bevy of chrome trims, while riding on sportier and bigger 17-inch wheels

Visually, the Veloz stands out as a more premium offering of the two, even against the range-topping Alza AV. On the surface, the Veloz gets a slew of premium touches through shiny chrome trims, its wider body stance, as well as bigger 17-inch wheels.

The presence of LED DRLs and LED taillight bar gives the Veloz a more 'premium' feel

Fuelling said sentiment further is the inclusion of LED DRLs up front, which gets matched with an LED taillight featuring a connecting light bar running across the entire tailgate’s width. In the Alza, the latter lightbar only comes as an option via the Perodua GearUp accessories package.

Safe to say, the Veloz is better-equipped car, even compared with the range-topping Alza AV

On board, the Veloz ups the ante over the Alza through the inclusion of more premium tech and amenities as standard. Included here is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support for the infotainment, wireless smartphone charging pad, LED ambient lighting, soft touch dash trims, built-in digital video recorder (DVR) as well as telescopic steering adjustment.

All in all, we can clearly see that Toyota has added plenty here that allow the Veloz to stand out better against said Perodua twin. More importantly, these additions arguably make Veloz a better and perhaps more complete car too, more so given the pricing it commands – more on that in a bit…

How does it drive, then?

The 1.5-litre mill mentioned powers the Veloz just fine, even when tasked with traversing hillclimbs. That, plus highway overtaking, is made brisker through the ‘Power’ drive mode, and the ‘S’ (presumably for ‘Sport’) transmission mode.

However, the 1,185 KG (kerb) weight this MPV possesses does pose some challenges in certain situations. This is especially true when all seven seats aboard are occupied, and the road incline surpasses 10% - such steep stretches do exist on certain B-roads connecting many towns throughout the East Coast.

The Veloz's 30 MM higher ground clearance is due to its longer-travelling suspension

Sure, while it may lack a little in speed and power, the Veloz makes up for it through the way it drives. Whilst it sits 30 MM taller over the Alza with longer-travelling suspension, it’s pretty surprising to note the Veloz’s sedan-line road-holding manners -- it’s neither vague nor wobbly, even when thrown in and out and corners. 

The Veloz can cross unpaved 'kampung' roads with relative ease, thanks to its taller ground clearance

The bonus of that slightly lifted ride height also sees the Veloz deliver crossover SUV-like comfort and damping levels – a huge bonus on top of the ample space its cabin already offers. In fact, this is useful enough to tackle speed bumps, potholes and unpaved village roads in relatively high comfort too.

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert blinkers located at either side mirrors of the Veloz

Bolstering the Veloz’s drive further is the presence of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite, which bestows it with a bevy of active safety features (ADAS). The suite encompasses key features such as a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as 360-degree parking view, thus making it easier to master, even for those uninitiated with driving long-bodied MPVs.

The ACC could've worked better on bad weather conditions, but nonetheless a very welcomed addition

If we were to nitpick, some of these ADAS features could’ve had better execution, like both the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) – these can’t operate in certain weather conditions like fog and heavy rain. Also, the absence of ‘slow mode’ for the ACC means that you can’t freely lift your foot off the pedal during traffic jams – just ask the writer how much he longed for one.

Nevertheless, these shortcomings don’t necessarily stand as deal-breakers, and we reckon most will easily overlook these faults, especially given the fact that the Veloz sees basic safety covered well enough to earn a 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating.

How’s life inside the Veloz?

Despite its status as a ‘compact’ MPV, the Veloz comfortably welcomes seven adults across all three rows of seats present – something this writer tested with his entire family through a bout of house-to-house visits during Hari Raya itself.

Qi wireless charging pad (left) & one of the many cupholders available inside the Veloz (right)

Drivers and front seat passengers will really appreciate the presence of the wireless charger and mobile connectivity mentioned. However, it’s the ample storage spaces and cup holders present here that made this the perfect vehicle for a food-driven mission as such that’s typical of Hari Raya.

The second row seats are pretty comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for grown-ups

Those seated in the second row, on the other hand, get to bask in both a comfortable ride bolstered by good head- and legroom, as well as multiple storage spaces and cup holders too. Sweetening things is the presence of two USB charging ports here, meaning no device is left without charge.

The third-row seats of the Veloz (left) are livable, thanks to the addition of rear aircond blowers (right)

Life in the third-row seats is surprisingly not bad – a fact boosted by the presence of dedicated rear aircond blowers, as well as a 12-Volt socket to cater any charging needs. Accessing the seats are also quite hassle-free thanks to the  second row seat’s ability to fold down fully and grant a sizable entry point for passengers to hop in and out.

The cargo space with the third-row seats up (left) and down (right)

Obviously, the need to seat seven passengers does see boot space shrink down to just 137 litres – not enough to fit luggage for all seven passengers. Should the third-row seats not be in need, then the standard capacity of 489 litres with said seats folded down will sate almost any and all cargo-hauling needs on the daily instead.

Through this trip, we’ve basically confirmed that the Veloz is a capable people-mover, with more than enough amenities on board to keep all seven passengers comfortable. For longer road trips thought, perhaps six is the most ideal and realistic amount of passengers this MPV can carry, given the tiny standard cargo space we highlighted

So, is it a true all-in-one peoplemover?

Despite several shortcomings highlighted, those who regularly move five or six on board will find the Veloz fairly sufficient, thus making it a prime candidate worthy of space high up in the list.

Yes, the powertrain is a tad underpowered, but it will tackle most tasks well enough and, most important, it’s a very reliable motor. That plus UMW Toyota’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty coverage offered on the Veloz should provide peace of mind, especially for long-term ownership prospects.

Would you take this Japanese-branded MPV, priced at RM95,000 (on-the-road, sans insurance), over its local-badged twin? The sizable price difference of nearly RM20,000 might dissuade plenty away from the Veloz and towards the Alza instead. However, those who don’t mind it will be rewarded with arguably a more ‘complete’ car.

By day’s end, it's not that the Toyota Veloz didn’t come with enough added features to justify its higher price tag, but perhaps the Alza punching way above its weight is what put it at a slight disadvantage. Nevertheless, both stand as great people movers still, and both will serve all their respective prospects well enough to justify their budgets.

SPECIFICATIONS

TOYOTA VELOZ 1.5