Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) isn’t resting its laurels after the launch of its next best-seller, the Raize. In one of the biggest physical launches this year, the country’s number one car brand has brought in the next-generation Toyota Avanza, stirring the small MPV segment once more.
The 2022 Toyota Avanza isn’t just a facelift; the all-new model has been built from the ground up. Toyota gave it a new platform to usher in advancements in technology, ride comfort, and design to attract modern-day family car buyers.
TMP positions the Avanza as the MPV that is “fit for the fam, guaranteed to bring the joy of driving and more happiness on the road.”
Still based on the Daihatsu Xenia, the Avanza now sits on the latest Daihatsu New Global Architecture, which it shares with the Toyota Raize. That said, the Avanza drops its ladder-frame platform and opted for a new unibody construction for better ride comfort and the switch to a front-wheel drivetrain.
Suspension’s more forgiving this time around, with MacPherson strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear. With that, expect the Avanza to have a car-like riding comfort, which is an improvement from its predecessor.
“The Philippines loves commercial vehicles or CVs. Through the years, MPVs have served as a practical choice for the day-to-day needs of Filipino families,” said TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto during the vehicle launch.
“And we love giving our customers choices! That is why, we are reintroducing our reliable, tried-and-tested model in the compact MPV segment. I am sure this full model change of this well-loved family car will bring more happiness for all,” he added.
Power is still coursed through a choice between the familiar 1.3-liter 1NR-VE gasoline engine for the E and J variants, or the bigger 1.5-liter 2NR-VE for the G. Transmission’s updated to a CVT for the automatic versions and a 5-speed stick shift option for the E and J trims.
Design-wise, the Avanza veers away from the usual unassuming styling, now sporting an aggressively massive grille up front that’s common among Toyota MPVs. The fog lamp housings and range-standard LED headlights look similar to what you’ll see in the Raize, representing their Daihatsu origins. It’s equipped with a set of stale-looking 16-inch alloy wheels.
The rear, on the other hand, is perhaps the Avanza’s best asset, with the LED accents mimicking that of you’ll see on Toyota SUVs. It’s a nice touch, especially when you open the trunk up revealing a massive cargo area with a flat floor.
Speaking of the cabin, you’ll notice Toyota’s cost-cutting measures as you open the doors. Plastics populate the cabin, with a layout that’s again similar to that of the Raize’s. What’s improved, though, is the driving position, which is now more car-like rather than its previous life.
Toyota also added tech niceties in the cabin, such as auto-push-button engine start, a 4.2-inch multi-information display, and an 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other safety and tech features include a back camera and back sensor, while the G variant is equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Camera Traffic Alert for easier parking and maneuver. It also features Vehicle Stability Control and 6 SRS airbags (G variant).
Despite the move to a new platform and drivetrain, the new Avanza is still a 7-seater. It now features a long sofa mode that allows owners to tweak the sitting configuration in the cabin to allow sofa-like seating.
Toyota has already started selling the 2022 Avanza in all of its 72 dealerships in the country. Prices are P813,000 for the base 1.3 J MT variant; P928,000 for the 1.3 E MT; P984,000 for the 1.3 E CVT; and P1,039,000 for the top-spec 1.5 G CVT.
Color availability depends on the variant. The Silver Metallic and Black Metallic are both available for the whole range, while the White is endemic to the base J MT. The Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic and Dark Red Mica Metallic are both available for the G and E grades.