The newToyota Avanza MPV, now in its second generation, will be going on sale in South Africa on the 6th of February 2012 and comes with a host of new improvements. The interior and exterior have both been redesigned, comfort levels are improved, there are new safety features and the fuel economy and CO2 emissions have both been improved.

Fresh look and feel for new Toyota Avanza

The new Toyota Avanza is 20mm longer and 25mm wider which has improved the interior space. The windows are now elongated which gives the impression of one solid piece of glass along the side of the vehicle. The S model as well as the SX will come with 14 inch steel wheels, while the TX model comes with 15 inch alloys. The front of the car is described by Toyota as an “outwardly thrusting snout”, with a body-coloured grille and is the new family face of Toyota.

The interior of the new Toyota Avanza has been designed to feel more like a passenger car than its predecessor. This was achieved thanks to a lowered instrument panel which has improved driver visibility and a centrally located cluster. Occupant luggage space has also been addressed and now all three rows have ample legroom and knee-room. The extra space was created by adjusting the shape and placement of the seatbacks and door trim.

Under the hood, the new Toyota Avanza comes with the choice of a 1.3 or 1.5 litre petrol engine. These engines however are the same engines used in the previous model. However, thanks to aerodynamic improvements, low rolling resistance tyres and a reduction in vehicle weight of around 20kg, the new Avanza has seen a reduction in fuel consumption. The 1.3 litre engine clocks in at around 7.7 litres/100km with the 1.5 auto netting 7.6 litres/100km and the 1.5 manual netting 7.2 litres/100km.

New Toyota Avanza – Price

Toyota Avanza 1.3 S – R155 900 (incl. VAT and emissions’ tax)

ToyotaAvanza 1.3 SX – R168 800

ToyotaAvanza 1.5 SX – R175 500

ToyotaAvanza 1.5 SX AT – R189 600

ToyotaAvanza 1.5 TX – R202 200