By: Dave Abrahams
Prospecton, Durban - Whatever you may think of Toyota's 'new' design language, it's certainly distinctive, and when applied to the Avanza MPV in a nip-an d-tuck for 2016, lifts this somewhat formulaic MPV out of the 'blandola' category and gives it a recognisable brand identity.
Visually it's all about the front treatment, where a larger grille is framed by a body-colour top strake that anchors the Toyota logo and extends out to the new, trapezoidal headlight clusters to 'pull the look together', as the fashionistas like to put it.
Add revised tail lights and a bigger trim strip on the tailgate and you've just about got it.
Inside, you're looking at monotone trim in several designer shades of black, with textured insert panels in the fabric-upholstered seats and accent panels. A purely practical touch is a heel-pad in the driver's footwell, to protect the carpet from heavy usage.
The instrument cluster is completely new, with a silver-coloured outer bezel and amber insets, backlit in white. It also includes, for the first time, an 'Eco' indicator to held you drive more efficiently.
SAFETY UPGRADE
The third-row bench is now split for independent adjustment, with a 'tumble' function for extra luggage space when required, and the centre seat in the second row now has a head restraint.
The driver's window now has an auto up/down function and there's a new console tray right next to the 12-volt power outlet, within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.
From a safety point of view, the ABS has been upgraded to include electronic brake-pressure distribution and the alarm/immobiliser is now standard issue across the range.
The suspension geometry and design have tweaked to improve handling, steering and stability, as well as ride comfort, while reducing perceived noise levels to give the Avanza a less 'tinny' feel.
POWERTRAIN
Delivering the drive are two new petrol fours, a 1.3 and a 1.5, each borrowed from the Etios hatch and driving via a five-speed manual 'box or, in the 1.5 only, a four-speed auto transmission.
The 1.3 is tuned for 70kW and 121Nm at a nominal cost of 6.1 litres per 100km, while the 1.5 is rated at 77kW and 137Nm, using a claimed 6.3 litres per 100km (or 6.7 with the auto transmission).
Three trim levels are offered, starting with the S, which comes with power windows, remote central locking, power steering, a central console box and intermittent windscreen wipers.
The SX grade adds power-adjustable, colour-coded side mirrors, aircon and a vanity mirror for the front passenger.
The flagship TX grade has new sporty 'switchblade' 15 inch alloys, a chromed grille strake and a roof spoiler, as well as a four-speaker audio system with USB input and a multi-information display for the driver.
There's also a nippy 1.3-litre panel van, that's bigger inside than it looks from the outside.
PRICES
1.3 S - R 193 400
1.3 SX - R 208 500
1.5 SX - R R214 900
1.5 SX AT - R 231 600
1.5 TX - R 245 600
1.3 Panel Van - R 198 000