Even the Toyota Avanza is hopping on the GR bandwagon

Updated Aug 09, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

These strictly aesthetic tweaks are exclusive to the Indonesian market. 

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) brand has been busy replacing Toyota Racing Development (TRD) as the carmaker’s performance arm. The new motorsports designation made its way to several Toyota models both current and defunct, the latest of which is the Avanza

Toyota Avanza GR Limited

Toyota Indonesia is taking the current Avanza to its final form with the Veloz GR Limited trim

Say what? Yes, Toyota’s entry-level MPV is getting the GR treatment in the form of the Avanza Veloz GR Limited. Note that this is exclusively for the Indonesian market, as it is based on the top-spec Avanza Veloz trim level. In the vein of such releases as the Vios GR-S and the Yaris GR Sport, the Avanza Veloz GR Limited features mostly aesthetic touches without the accompanying performance tweaks. 

Toyota Avanza GR Limited rear

Even the rear bumper has been redesigned

Oh well, at least it looks the part as far as being part of the GR stable is concerned. The revised fascia features the same LED headlamps and gloss-black grille on top of a GR lower air intake, which is now flanked by reworked fog lamp housings. Blacked-out exterior mirrors seemingly blend into the greenhouse, while the rear features extra black trim on the tailgate, as well as round reflectors on the redesigned bumper. A set of 15-inch black alloy wheels complete the stance. 

Toyota Avanza GR Limited interior

The interior is practically the same, with a more muted color palette

For the interior, the subdued color palette continues with a black dashboard contrasting with black and red fabric seats. Digital climate controls and a touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX IN connectivity are still standard on the center stack, but owners can now use push start button to bring the engine to life. 

As mentioned, the Avanza Veloz GR Limited will still be running on the same 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gasoline engines, rated at 95 and 103 hp, respectively. Gearbox choices likewise remain between a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque converter automatic.  

Push button engine start

An engine start button adds convenience

With Toyota Indonesia disclosing that this top-spec Avanza will be rolling out in limited numbers, consider it a swan song for the current iteration as the all-new Avanza will be making its global debut in the fourth quarter of 2021. The next-generation MPV will be riding on a front-wheel-drive platform, which is expected to give it interior space on par with rivals in its class.        

More news on upcoming releases at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Toyota Avanza 2024

Toyota Avanza

The 2023 Toyota Avanza is a seven-seater MPV, which is now in its third-generation model. Locally, there are four trims for this MPV. These include the Avanza J 1.3 MT, the Avanza E 1.3 MT, Avanza E 1.3 CVT, and the Avanza G 1.5 CVT. Toyota Avanza 2023 Price Philippines starts at ₱833,000 for the entry-level J 1.3 MT, while the top-of-the-line Toyota Avanza G 1.5 CVT is priced at ₱1,059,000

Under the hood, the new Avanza either gets a 1.3-liter inline-4 gasoline, or a larger 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. At max, the 1.3-liter mill can make up to 97 horsepower and 122Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter can produce up to 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque.  

There are two transmissions available to the 2023 Toyota Avanza. Depending on the variant, it either gets a five-speed manual gearbox, or a continuously variable transmission with a gear lever manual mode. As of this new third-gen version, the Avanza is now a front-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Size-wise, the new Avanza has a length of 4,395mm, and a width of 1,730mm. The Avanza G comes with the tallest height at 1,700mm. The E meanwhile comes next with its height of 1,690mm, while the J is the shortest at 1,665mm. All comes with a wheelbase length of 2,750mm. 

Locally, the Avanza rivals the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga, Mitsubishi Xpander, Honda BR-V, among others. 

₱ 833,000 - ₱ 1,059,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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