The Avanza doesn’t fall short when it comes to the equipment list: power windows, door locks and steering; dual aircon; CD/MP3 audio; and keyless entry and alarm are standard on the 1.5G. There’s a driver’s-side airbag.
A big plus on the Avanza’s balance sheet is the acceleration to be had from the 1.5 liter inline-4. A typical Toyota engine, it delivers good torque from just off idle. The 16-valve revs willingly to 6500 rpm and with a cheerfully raspy engine note, accelerates the van to 120 km/h with a full load of passengers. At those speeds, full attention and a quick hand at the steering wheel are needed. The Avanza begins to feel light, and it doesn’t take kindly to road imperfections and crosswinds. The four-speed automatic is not as smooth or intuitive as those in Toyota’s other vehicles, but it willingly downshifts and holds gear with prompting from a heavy right foot. Our recorded fuel economy was 9 km/liter.
The MacPherson strut front, live-axle rear suspension delivered more shake and shudder than we would have liked. Body roll and roadholding are acceptable, but twisty flyovers are best taken at more sedate speeds. The small footprint and tight turning circle makes it highly maneuverable on city streets and in parking lots. Braking is thankfully unremarkable.
The Tamaraw FX and then the Revo combined so many functions—family vehicle, semi-upscale semi-SUV, and taxi—that three new models were needed to replace it. The Avanza best embodies the taxi function. The entry-level 1.3 J model only costs P582,000. It even looks good in white.
Is the top-line Avanza G the ideal vehicle for families on a budget? At a price scraping past that of an entry-level Innova, we would recommend the Innova instead. In some ways, the Avanza is still a step forward from the AUV. But after a three-year winning streak of comfortable, supremely refined products, from Vios to Fortuner to Camry, we had expected more from Toyota. It’s as if Spider-Man 3 had featured, instead of the Sandman, a guy with a fishbowl on his head to play Mysterio. Setting the bar high necessitates a truly superior follow-up.
| Can the Toyota Avanza hold on the mini-MPV crown? Find out in our next update as we pit Toyota's best-selling MPV with Suzuki's APV. |
 |
 |
| Second row seating is tight but manageable. Third row is worse. Flipping the third row up gives a huge luggage compartment, but the seat doesn't lock. |
 |
| Despite its hatchback/wagon configuration, in order to open the Avanza's hatch, you'll have to flick for it like a sedan trunk. |
