Top three alternatives to the Toyota Avanza

Starting at Php 70200, the Toyota Avanza gets pretty close the best MPV you can get for less than 100 grand with 7 seats. But today’s MPV buyers are spoilt for choice. No longer do they have to settle for something that lacked essentials like airbags just to have 7 seats.

Like the Avanza, the segment itself has evolved to incorporate features of both SUVs and sedans to become more suited to cities. Small wonder then that people are gravitating more and more towards these compact people movers. Here are some of the best alternatives around the same price range that give the Toyota a run for its money.

Honda BRV

Starting at nearly RM 83000 and topping out at RM 90000, the BR-V starts at where the Avanza tops out. Nevertheless, it is a lot of car for the money. It’s based on the Brio platform and many of the design elements have indeed translated over to the larger platform. It is longer and wider than the Avanza and results in class-leading cabin space, especially leg room. Powered by the same 1.5L engine as in the jazz and the City, it also produces 120 ps and 145 Nm of torque, much higher than the Avanza. Honda also claims a fuel economy figure of 15.5km/L thanks to its Earth Dreams CVT. With vehicle stability control as standard, it’s no wonder that the BR-V is eating into everything from sub 75k market to SUVs in its own price range.

Nissan Grand Livina

Since its launch in 2007, the Grand Livina’s last major facelift was back in 2013. Add to that the cheapest of the three variants it sells for RM 87100. So why does it feature on this list? That’s because this daddy-o of MPVs in the country is still as reliable and practical as ever. There are two engine options – a 1.5L producing 105 ps and 150 Nm of torque and a 1.7L producing 126 ps and 174 Nm of torque. Its suspension setup gives it a smooth ride. In terms of safety, there is ABS with EBD and brake assist and dual airbags up front. It misses out on ISOFIX though. However, Nissan does provide a lot of options for the car that upgrades it to current levels, especially in the infotainment area. The Avanza was one of its earliest rivals and downright crude in comparison at that time. Hopefully, Nissan will upgrade the Livina soon and keep the rivalry alive.

Proton Ertiga

Probably the best-matched rival to the Avanza here, the Ertiga’s three variants start at RM 59833 and go up to RM 65704. Despite being recently facelifted, the Ertiga's styling hasn’t gone the crossover route like the Avanza. There is only one engine on offer – a 1373cc producing 91hp and 130 Nm of torque. While it is lower on power, the fuel economy figure trumps the Avanza at 16.6 km/L. Essentially a rebadged Suzuki, it is based on the Swift chassis that has been stretched to seat 7. It is a little bit longer than the Avanza at 4265 mm meaning it’s more spacious in the rear. In terms of safety, the Ertiga gets a 4 star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. All three variants come with dual airbags, ABS and EBD as standard too. With these features, the Ertiga is indeed one of the best MPVs in the market.

These three alternatives to the Avanza are all very good cars and have their own appeal in the MPV market. Moreover, they are only three in a long list of MPVs available in the market today for below RM 100000. This goes to show just how far the Malaysian car market has come.