A new third-generation Toyota Avanza has broken cover in Indonesia with bold styling and a revamped interior.

The Toyota Avanza is somewhat of a household name in South Africa as it’s served as an affordable people mover for many years. In fact, the second generation Avanza is over a decade old and was recently replaced by the new Toyota Rumion.

The Rumion, however, is born from the product share agreement between Toyota and Suzuki and it’s actually a reskinned Suzuki Ertiga. In fact, the Rumion is the third Toyota-Suzuki product to come to market following the introduction of the Toyota Starlet (Suzuki Baleno) and Toyota Urban Cruiser (Suzuki Vitara Brezza).

Now that the Rumion is here, it’s unlikely that this new Avanza will see the light of day in South Africa anytime soon.

On that note, let’s take a look at what South Africans aremissing out on!

New Avanza Looks Good

The new Toyota Avanza is larger than the model it replaces and features a modernized cabin.

In terms of dimensions, is 205mm longer (4 395 mm) than its predecessor, 70 mm wider (1 730 mm) and stands up to 5mm higher (1 700 mm). The Avanza’s wheelbase has also increased by 95 mm to 2 750 mm.

The new Avanza is built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform and adopts a monocoque construction ( previously ladder frame) and now is front-wheel-drive (previously rear-wheel drive).

The new Avanza’s styling is certainly bold and is highlighted by slim LED headlights and a large, gaping trapezoidal grille with an edgy design that makes the current Rumion look rather soft. Also note that the grille design differs slightly as there are 2 flavours offered in Indonesia, the regular Avanza and the sportier Veloz derivative, the latter featuring more of a RAV4-type grille treatment.

The new Avanza’s interior is much better than the model it replaces.

As for the interior, it’s been thoroughly modernised in comparison to the outgoing Avanza and features such as a new multifunction steering wheel, dashboard-mounted infotainment system and leather-cloth combination upholstery make for an attractive cabin. The more upmarket Veloz derivative gains features such as fancier trim elements, a digital instrument cluster and even a roof-mounted infotainment screen to keep rear passengers entertained. As before, the Avanza is a 7-seater and now offers improved flexibility to create more space for passengers and luggage.

The new Avanza is powered by 2 powerplants including a naturally-aspirated 1.3-litre petrol engine with 72 kW and 121 Nm and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as well as a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 78 kW and 137 Nm which is paired to either a 5-speed manual or CVT.

Do you think that this new Toyota Avanza is better than the current Toyota Rumion on offer in South Africa?

Buy a used Toyota Avanza on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Toyota Rumion on Cars.co.za

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