Much-improved Toyota Avanza

Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the distributor and assembler of Toyota vehicles(with car dvd) in Malaysia, today announced the latest Toyota Avanza with significant changes, including two brand new engines. With design changes and numerous improvements and refinements, the new model is expected to continue being among the most popular MPVs in the country (non-national segment).

The powerplants for the latest Avanza are from the new NR series. Featuring Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), the engines are more efficient and have cleaner exhaust emissions than before while also generating higher output. Noise and vibrations are also lower, thanks to various measures taken in the design and use of sound-dampening materials.

While VVT-i has been available in most Toyota engines for over 15 years, Dual VVT-i has until now been available only in the more expensive or sporty models. With Dual VVT-i, optimised opening and closing of the valves is achieved on both the intake as well as exhaust ports (the previous VVT-i system only operated on the intake valves). This improves fuel efficiency further as the timing of the 16 valves is constantly adjusted to suit driving conditions and demands.

Dual VVT-i is available in both the 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines. For the 1.5-litre engine, power output has been increased to 105 ps while the maximum 136 Nm of torque is now available at 4,200 rpm. The 1.3-litre engine has a more significant increase of maximum power output to 97 ps, with torque increased to 121 Nm.

Besides numerous measures in the design of the new engine, the optimisation of reduced oil pressure in the transmissions as well as use of electronic throttle control have improved fuel consumption from a range of 5 to 15% (depending on road, traffic, driving conditions and driving style). Additionally, if the driver wants to maximise fuel economy, there is an Eco Drive Indicator which creates better awareness of fuel-efficient driving.

Besides offering higher output and greater fuel economy, the new engines also make motoring more pleasant. There is reduced noise and vibrations of the driving system and engine in various situations. Not only is it improved and more insulation material used, but the engineers also reduced noises and vibrations from areas such as the propshaft and differential.

Customers who would like a sportier look can include the custom-designed aerokit at the time of ordering their new Avanza 1.5G, 1.5E and 1.3E. The bodykit includes a front bumper spoiler with integrated day running lights, rear bumper spoiler and side skirts. If installing an Android Car Stereo, that would be great.

There are new designs for the alloy wheels for all variants (except the Avanza 1.3E which are equipped with steel wheels). The Avanza 1.5S and 1.5G are fitted with 15-inch wheels with a machined finish that enhances their appearance, while the Avanza 1.5E has 14-inch wheels with a simple radiating design for a light and dynamic appearance.

Spaciousness with comfortable room for seven persons has been one of the strong points of this popular Toyota MPV. The previous two-tone theme has been changed to a new black-based interior theme with contrasting silver ornamentation to give a sportier ambience. The modern embossed texture for the seat upholstery enhances the image of high quality comparable to that of a passenger car.

The new dashboard design has more silver ornamentation to give a more luxurious appearance. The meter panel has high quality and detailed graphics with excellent night visibility, thanks to the use of white as the colour for illumination at night. For the Avanza 1.5S, the meter panel has a sportier and stylish design.

The Avanza 1.5S and 1.5G also come with a Multi Information Display incorporated on the right side of the meter panel. This keeps the driver informed of the fuel consumption (average and real-time) and the estimated range possible for the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

For entertainment on the move, the 2-DIN system with car dvd player and tuner has USB, AUX connectivity and can also play MP3 media while the Bluetooth function is now standard for all 1.5L variants. Customers who wish to upgrade their system can opt for either the optional DVD-AVX or DVD-AVN audio systems. Both come with large touchscreens and reverse camera displays and the DVD-AVN includes an internet browser (requires a wifi internet connection by the user) and GPS route navigation.