Toyota Motor Philippines has no plans to sloth around even after raizing the game early in 2022. Right after the all-new Toyota Raize’s launch in February, the country’s reigning number one car brand is launching the next-generation Toyota Avanza soon. The launch will happen in March, our source said, who wish to remain anonymous for obvious reasons.
Specific details for the upcoming Avanza aren’t shared by our source, though. However, we only need to look at our neighbors to discern what to expect.
Launched in Indonesia in November 2021, the next-generation Avanza is the very definition of an all-new model. It’s heavily revamped, starting with its platform that veered away from the IMV platform it has been sitting on since 2003.
For the first time, the Avanza comes in monocoque construction, which should result in better ride comfort and road manners for the small MPV. More importantly, the former rear-wheel-drive layout has been changed to front-wheel drive. That said, the Avanza is now in line with its rivals in the small MPV segment, namely the Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga, and the now-defunct Honda Mobilio.
Design-wise, the 2022 Toyota Avanza looks wildly different from its predecessor. The move away from the IMV platform gives the Avanza a lower stance than before, making it look more civilized than the aging MPV styling. It also looks more SUV now, plus the massive grille gives it an aggressive look.
In terms of size, the next-generation Avanza is 205mm longer, 90mm wider, and 5mm taller than the outgoing model. The wheelbase is also longer at 2,750mm versus the 2,655mm of its predecessor. Ground clearance, on the other hand, is at a healthy 201mm for the Indonesian-spec model despite the lower stance.
The standard Avanza will be getting horizontal slats for the grille, while the top-spec Avanza Veloz will sport a meshed design for its front opening.
At the rear, the Avanza kind of follows the design language seen on the Raize, especially on the taillights. Not a surprise, considering that both cars are rebadged Daihatsu models – Xenia for the Avanza, Rocky for the Raize.
As both cars sit on the new Daihatsu New Global Architecture, the similarities between the Raize and the Avanza continue inside. These are particularly seen in how the gear lever is positioned high in the cabin, as well as the placement of the cupholders in front of the A/C vents. The floating 9-inch infotainment is also similar to the one installed on the Raize, which we expect to also have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Avanza.
Despite the deep changes in terms of platform and design, the Avanza kept its 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter power plant options in Indonesia. These NR-VE engines have been in use ever since the second-generation model came out in 2011.
That said, power outputs increased marginally for the all-new model: 97hp for 1.3-liter and 105hp for the 1.5-liter variants. The transmission’s different this time, though. Sending power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) – the same change that happened with the new Xpander in Indonesia.
Despite keeping the power outputs, the next-gen Avanza is expected to be lighter than the outgoing model, albeit exact numbers are yet to be published.
No exact date has been shared by our source regarding the Avanza’s launch. Expect TMP to share teasers in the coming weeks, as well as a subsequent opening of reservation lanes. We reached out to the representatives of TMP to get their statement about the Avanza’s arrival, but they refused to indulge as with comments at this time.
With the arrival of the Avanza up on the horizon and the expected launch of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander this year, the battle between 7-seat small MPVs will definitely heat up. The only question now is pricing.