2019 Toyota Avanza: First impression

Those of you who have been waiting with bated breath for the launch of the 2019 Toyota Avanza facelift, good news! The Japanese carmaker has finally released the latest iteration of its popular compact MPV in showrooms across Malaysia. As explained earlier, this ‘new’ model of the Avanza isn’t a completely different car, but just an incremental update. This means that it’s mechanically identical to its predecessor, though Toyota claims to have made some tweaks on that front as well.

The 2019 Avanza facelift is available in three separate trim options which include the base E trim at RM 80,888, mid-spec 1.5S at RM 83,888, and the top-of-the-line 1.5S+ at RM 87,888. With its improved exterior styling, better interior packaging, and more features, how does the 2019 Avanza stack up?

A better-looking Avanza

If you were of the impression that the styling of the old Avanza was a bit off, you wouldn’t be alone. In spite of being one of the brand’s top-sellers in the region, it never really looked interesting enough. However, all that changed (almost) with the launch of this 2019 facelifted model. Toyota has taken a scalpel and trimmed off some of the waywardness and rounded corners from the face of the Avanza. What you’re left with is a sculpted fascia that now boasts a pair of sophisticated LED headlamps, bold chrome-laden upper grille, and an aggressively-moulded front bumper.

The rear also houses a sportier bumper and a more premium chrome garnish between the main rear lights. Speaking of which, the large L-shaped tail lamps look quite upmarket, especially with that chrome bar which passes right through them. The distinctive roof spoiler and shark fin antenna also add some character to the Avanza. Along the sides, though, there aren’t many changes between the old and new model. The only prominent difference is the addition of new, dual-tone design 15-inch alloy wheels. Of course, you can still get the fancy side sill extensions which make this MPV look even more appealing in profile.

Apart from a few millimetres here or there, the 2019 Toyota Avanza is identical in its dimensions to the model it replaces. So, you get a body length, width, and height measurements of 4,190 mm X 1,660 mm X 1,695 mm, respectively. The 2,655 mm wheelbase and 45-litre fuel tank are also identical to its forerunner.

Interior - better but...

The 2019 Avanza facelift retains its seven-seat capacity and relatively easy third-row access. While space is good in the first and second row, adults in the third-row wouldn’t be comfortable even on short hops. Also, with the last row set in place, there’s almost no real place for you to carry any meaningful luggage. Toyota says that it has added more insulation to reduce wind and road noise, which is a good update.

The Japanese carmaker has also made some improvements on the design and equipment front, too. However, do keep in mind that these changes aren’t earth-shattering in their implementation, though they’re quite welcome. The only palpable design update in the cabin comes in the form of a revised centre stack which now features a new touch-multimedia head unit, and a reworked HVAC control panel. The rest of the cabin remain as it is, though the tacky plastic bits of trim are just as annoying as they were before.

However, Toyota always nails it when it comes to their cars’ cabin ergonomics and practicality, and that’s no different with the 2019 Avanza facelift. You can get it with nifty features such as automatic climate control, power-retractable wing mirrors, parking sensors with reversing camera, multifunction steering wheel, and a 6.75-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, plus Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. On the safety front, the 2019 Avanza features dual airbags, ABS with EBD, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Engine and performance

Under the bonnet of the 2019 Avanza facelift sits Toyota’s good ol’ 2NR-VE petrol engine. This motor churns out 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, and comes matched to a 4-speed automatic torque-converter unit. It might be a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but outright performance wasn’t and still isn’t the Avanza’s forte. It takes a leisurely 13.5 seconds for it to reach 100 kmph, though surprisingly, a top speed of 180 kmph isn’t too shabby.

Of course, buyers in this segment aren’t exactly much bothered by the Avanza’s laxed performance. But its fuel burn figure of approximately 13 kmpl isn’t too motivating, either I reckon. In the end, however, the 2019 Toyota Avanza will still sell well and treat its owners respectfully enough for a long time.