Toyota Veloz: Hits & misses

The upmarket twin of the new Perodua Alza, the Toyota Veloz, hit the local showrooms back in October. It is on offer in a sole trim 1.5 AT variant, which retails for RM 95k. Compared to the Alza, the Veloz price is almost RM 20k higher, however, the exclusive premium features and the renowned Toyota quality and reliability tag make it a value-for-money premium offering in the segment. 

But does it mean the Toyota Veloz does have all positives and no negatives? Unfortunately, like other good things in the world, the Toyota MPV also has a few missing bits. In this story, we will be discussing the Toyota Veloz hits and misses in detail. So, without further delay, let’s begin.

Toyota Veloz Hits

Premium look and feel

Compared to the Avanza, the Veloz looks stylish and premium and has the potential to steal the limelight. The exterior is kitted with a posh grille flanked by split-type LED headlamps, which are mated to sequential turn signals and LED daytime running lights. The rear of the MPV looks bold and distinct with full LED rear combination lamps while the side profile is accentuated by stylish 17-inch alloys rims shod with 205/50 R17 tyres. 

The cabin comes with elegant finishings that exude premiumness. The key inclusions are premium semi-leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gear knob, two-toned soft pad interior panels, and carbon fibre prints across the door grabs. Further amplifying the premium feel of the seven-seater car is blue LED Ambient lighting throughout the cabin.

Modern creature comforts

Toyota has added several creature comforts to the MPV making the journeys of all occupants comfortable and convenient. These include tilt and telescopic adjustability for the power steering wheel, electronic parking brake, a 7.0-inch coloured multi-information display, a 9.0-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto wireless connectivity, automatic air-conditioning system with rear vents, multi-fold configurations for seats, Qi-wireless charging pad, multiple USB charging ports and 12V accessory outlets.

Also, parts of the kit are auto-retractable wing mirrors and a foot lamp, which offers better visibility as one approaches the vehicle.

Advanced safety pack

As Toyota and safety go hand in hand, the latest MPV features a strong safety shield. And testimony to that is its 5-star safety rating under the latest 2021-2025 protocol crash tests of the ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries). 

Among the advanced safety bits, we can find on the Veloz specs sheet is the Toyota Safety Sense pack. This advanced-driver assistance suite comprises several active gears like Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam. 

Other standard safety systems include six airbags (driver, front passenger, side, and curtain airbags), blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors, 3D Panoramic View Monitor, vehicle stability control with traction control, security solar tint, and hill start assist.

Toyota Veloz Misses

Same old engine as the Avanza

Under the bonnet of the Veloz lies a 1,496-cc inline four-cylinder gasoline mill mated to a newly-developed 7-speed CVT. The engine generates a maximum power of 106 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm. It is the same old engine that used to power the Avanza and cranks out the same output level, which could be a deal-breaker for those who are looking for a more powerful MPV.

Relatively less boot space

While the Toyota Veloz is bigger and wider than the Avanza, its boot space may disappoint the customers who are comparing it with the Mitsubishi Xpander and Honda BR-V. For context, the luggage capacity of the Veloz (with the rear seat down) is 498 litres while the Xpander and BR-V can accommodate 781 litres and 539 litres of cargo. However, the Alza offers the same space as the Veloz, but it comes at a lower price.

So, those were the things we like about the Toyota Veloz and things we do not. What do you think of the new Toyota MPV, let us know in the comments.

Also read: Next-gen Toyota Innova teased, global debut next month