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Toyota Avanza 1.5G
Work It
Developed for the asian everyman, Paulo Subido finds out if the Toyota Avanza lives up to its promise
Photography by Arnel Villiavicencio
Practicality is a big factor when it comes to purchasing a vehicle in a struggling country such as the Philippines. Unlike in the "ideal" world where the only variables to consider are speed, luxury, and the ability to turn heads, majority of our countrymen have very few options when it comes to choosing a vehicle. Sure, the models number close to the hundreds but how many of them can pull their own weight? We aren't talking Newton meters here, but the potential for the vehicle to actually earn its keep.
Top Gear Philippines is a consumer magazine above all else and we have a responsibility to inform the car buying public about the choices available, especially now when every peso counts and a return on investment is crucial. It really is no surprise then that AUVs are gaining popularity nowadays, thus the introduction of the Toyota Avanza to the local market is indeed a welcome one.
Under what segment does this uniquely designed model fall under? Toyota representatives say that it is positioned as a crossover vehicle for both personal and utilitarian usage. In other words the multi-purpose Avanza may well become a taxi, delivery 'van' or part of a fleet service should the owner decide to use it as such. Naturally the obvious choice for these tasks would be the 1.3 liter 5-speed manual transmission 'J' variant that is competitively priced at Php 582,000.
But don't let the 'taxi' stigma affect you. There is a lot more than 'image' when you are a discerning buyer looking for a workhorse that can double as a comfortable family runabout. The other two variants are the 1.5 liter 'G' that come with automatic or manual transmissions and priced at Php 773,000 and Php 738,000 respectively.
Our test unit for this edition of Drives is the automatic 1.5 G that we got to know more intimately on a trip out of Metro Manila. At first glance the Avanza looks like a compact station wagon with shrunken dimensions, almost like a miniature Innova of the same make. Its size and minimal turning radius equates to effortless maneuverability through our crowded city streets. This comes in especially handy while negotiating the off-ramp at Balintawak where buses and jeepneys tend to impede your escape from the big city.
Look closely and the Avanza is actually much shorter than the average sedan. How Toyota managed to free up room to fit seven adults into three rows of seats is the result of pushing the wheels to the furthermost corners of the chassis. The wonders of automotive engineering never cease. 'Small' cars are quite large on the insides nowadays.
The roominess of the interior is surprising. Even if you brush elbows with your front passenger it doesn't feel cramped because of the more than ample head and legroom. Sitting in the cockpit offers a commanding view of the road ahead as the driving position is set high up, just like in a mini van. A tilt steering wheel isn't offered but it isn't necessary anyway. Everything is already optimally positioned to offer the driver full control and access to his surroundings. Simplicity and functionality were obviously operative words when the interior was being designed.
If I didn't take a break from the driving I would have missed out on one of the best features of the Avanza; the extremely large second row passenger windows. I only noticed after I lost myself in the unobstructed country scenery flashing by.
As a passenger vehicle the Avanza scores high on the meter. In fact three average sized adults can fit comfortably in the third row without any complaints. Luggage space is sacrificed when all the seats are occupied though but there is a lot of room with the third row seats folded down. The second row folds up if more space is needed too.
Alas the Avanza's strong points limit itself to the hustle of the city. It is maneuverable, it has a lot of pep for launching away at the green light, hardly any road noise permeates the cabin at cruising speeds, ground clearance is sufficient for tackling the floods, and the suspension can handle the craters on Edsa. Did I forget to mention that the Avanza is a rear-wheel drive?
But take it out on the open road and there are few concerns. Body roll, though not scary, reminds you that you aren't driving a coupe. A feel for balance would be wise before letting the Avanza rip on a twisty road.
On long open stretches it is another story. Falling asleep on the NLEX won't be a problem since it takes vigilance to keep the Avanza in a straight line. The slightest gust of wind can offset its stability at highway speeds. The Avanza is tall and light so that was expected, but I was surprised that the displaced air created by an overtaking hatchback dramatically altered my trajectory. I had to jerk the wheel to stay on course. Needless to say I constantly watched my rearview for incoming Victory Liner buses that barrel down at over 140 km/h. I didn't want to be caught off guard as those things displace a lot of air.
| Toyota Avanza 1.5G |
| We say: A versatile commuter and workhorse. A diesel variant would have merited a perfect score. |
Price: P773,000
Engine: 1.5 VVT-i
Power: 107hp
Torque: 141Nm
Transmission: 4-speed AT
Layout/Seating: RWD/7
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It would be unfair to expect so much from the Avanza by using criteria reserved for sedans and SUVs as it already succeeds in what it is marketed to do. The Avanza is an affordable entry-level, multi-purpose vehicle that was engineered for use in a city or the provinces. It is a comfortable runabout for families and a reliable partner in possible business ventures.
Toyota should think about offering a diesel variant to the Avanza line-up in the future though. That would increase its value for money appeal. For the discerning buyer, how well a car can earn its keep is a factor not to be taken lightly.
Click on the thumbnails to view larger image
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Top Gear Philippines - March 2007
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