Toyota is probably unique among the country’s mainstream auto brands in that it offers not just one, but two MPV models in the form of the Avanza and the Innova. While the latter managed 9,501 units sold between January and September 2021, the former has somewhat languished by selling just over 3,200 units in the same time frame.
2022 Toyota Avanza Global Launch: New Platform, Totally New Car | Philkotse Quick Look
That’s something the carmaker likely wants to change. Autoindustriya reports that following the world premiere of the third-generation Avanza in Indonesia last November, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is now moving to bring the model here by March 2022.
There are certain things that will stay on the upcoming iteration. For one thing, it’s still going to feature three-row seating, along with the same engine options. It also retains its status as a rebadged Daihatsu Xenia, even as the previous top-spec Veloz variant has now been spun off into a separate nameplate altogether.
The next-generation Avanza looks more aggressive without sacrificing functionality
What’s different now is the skin, with the new Avanza featuring overhauled aesthetics. The change in design was brought about by new bones underpinning the MPV, replacing the previous semi-ladder frame chassis with the Daihatsu New Global Architecture B (DNGA-B) platform. This also means that the previous rear-wheel drivetrain is saying goodbye, giving way to a front-drive layout that will presumably make the new Avanza lighter and more spacious.
As for the interior, passengers will now benefit from the inclusion of a sofa mode where the second-row backrests can be laid flat rearwards. This results in the third-row seats looking like extended La-Z-Boys, reinforcing the new Avanza’s home-away-from-home vibe.
Up to seven occupants can still fit inside
Safety is another aspect that will reportedly receive an upgrade. Building on standard features such as seatbelts and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, the Indonesia-spec new Avanza offers six airbags, stability control, and Toyota Safety Sense. It’s also expected to come with driver-assist features such as lane departure assist, pre-collision system, and a pedal misoperation prevention function.
From the current five engine options offered in Indonesia, the new Avanza is now limited to just two, which just happen to be the very same ones used in our market. The 1.3-liter gasoline engine on the lower variants delivers 95 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque, while the bigger 1.5-liter version is rated at 103 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque. No diesel option here, folks. Both will now be bolted on to a CVT, with the 5-speed manual likely retained for lower trims.
The Indonesia-spec Avanza comes with available with a lane-departure assist feature
While pricing information has yet to be released for Toyota’s small MPV, it looks like the automaker is determined to steal back some of the thunder from its rivals in the front-wheel-drive family hauler space.
Stick around with Philkotse if you want to get more developments down the line for when the new Toyota Avanza hits our shores.