Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
GOOD thing the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally along Edsa near the Ortigas area came to a halt soon enough, otherwise, Toyota’s much anticipated launch of its new Avanza at the Highlands Steakhouse in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, on Tuesday night would have ended haplessly.
No offense to this writer’s friends in the congregation, but traffic the other day caused by their nuisance on the road, attended by hundreds of thousands, was ridiculous. Hence, it was a welcome decision on their part to take their fight elsewhere by Monday afternoon—and, at the very least, they left apologetic, too, for the congestion that was created.
With that, what Toyota Motor Philippines President Michinobu Sugata’s said at the launch was apt: “Let us together start September on a high note!” And, true enough, there’s good reason to begin everything in high spirits as the best-selling “compact multipurpose vehicle” (compact MPV) has been tweaked with a variety of enhancements in style and performance. Since the Toyota Avanza’s introduction in 2006, it has already sold over 50,000 units nationwide.
Now, it looks smarter on the outside with redesigned headlamps, grille, bumper, fog lamps and lower grille gives it an upbeat bearing. It also has a wider stance capped by a set of 15-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Avanza now has darker and more sophisticated shades of “brown and gray.” The vehicle aims to make the driver and passengers feel more comfy while inside the car. Meantime, its meter gauge has also been elevated with an eco-indicator to help guide the driver for optimum fuel efficiency. It also comes with a navi-ready touchscreen display audio, while, space-wise, its third row seats can be customized with a 50:50 split tumble functionality, which passengers will be grateful for.
This compact MPV sports a new engine that promises more power, improved fuel efficiency and an enhanced level of noise, vibration, harshness suppression for more improved ride and driving comfort. It is powered by either a 1.5- or 1.3-liter dual VVT-I, four-cylinder in-line 16-valve DOHC engine that delivers a maximum output of 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 136 Nm between 1,600 to 4,200 rpm.
For added safety, this bestselling compact MPV now carries an antilock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution in all variants. Another exceptional add-on is the child restraint system (isofix and tether anchor).
The new Avanza starts at P667,000 with the 1.3 J manual transmission. The other variants are priced as follows: P756,000 for the 1.3 E MT; P797,000 for the 1.3 E AT; P869,000 for the 1.5 G MT; and P910,000 for 1.5 G AT.
The Avanza is also available with a refreshed color lineup: Nebula Blue Metallic, Black Metallic, Grey Metallic, Silver Mica Metallic, Beige Metallic and White.
“Just like all the other models in the Toyota lineup, it has been warmly welcomed by the public not just because of its already known features of quality, durability and reliability, but also because of its functionality and overall value,” Sugata added. This scribe believes that the Avanza’s religious following is enough to cause traffic, not in Edsa, but in Toyota showrooms, fortunately.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes