2011 Toyota Avanza Review
Price
from: RM60,231
to: RM75,305
Installment
from: RM574/mth
to: RM718/mth
2011 Toyota Avanza at a glance
The 2011 Toyota Avanza fills the market void as a budget seven-seater MPV, and does that job brilliantly. Affordable, built to last, cheap to run, and with room for seven, the 2011 Toyota Avanza offers a package that makes a lot of sense at the lower end of the segment.
2011 Toyota Avanza quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
2011 Toyota Avanza ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
This is no premium MPV like the Toyota Wish or Estima, and to little surprise, the 2011 Toyota Avanza looks its price and utilitarian positioning. The familiar face has however received a new grille, bumper design and rear lamps for 2011. The optional Aerokit (only standard for 1.5S), consisting of a front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler and side skirting, gives the 2011 Toyota Avanza a less commercial vehicle and more MPV-like appearance.
Handling
The 2011 Toyota Avanza serves its purpose of providing point A-to-B transportation. Safe-and-predictable handling, the Toyota Avanza is however expectedly little fun to drive. Modest grip levels and substantial body roll suggest that the 2011 Toyota Avanza should be driven mildly.
Comfort
The 2011 Toyota Avanza rides well enough over rough surfaces, but its rear live axle suspension brings quite a bounce when driving at speed over road dips and humps. Wind and road noise are not excessive at cruising speeds, but both engines are rather buzzy at 110 km/h. Getting a comfortable driving position could be a problem for some as the steering column is fixed. As is the case for all Toyota models, ergonomics are good, while controls are clearly labelled and easy to use.
Quality + Reliability
With the 2011 Toyota Avanza as the cheapest Toyota, its cabin quality is expectedly some distance off Toyota's best work. Of course, the solidly-assembled cabin still feels more than capable of withstanding the rigours of daily use. Just that the fit-and-finish are only decent, and materials used are more durable than appealing. Wearing the Toyota badge almost guarantees reliability, and we have little doubt the 2011 Toyota Avanza's mechanicals will be trouble-free.
Performance
Two in-line four-cylinder engines are available: a 1.3-litre, with 90 bhp and 120 Nm; and a 1.5-litre, with 107 bhp and 141 Nm. The 1.3-litre can be paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox, while the 1.5-litre has no option of the manual gearbox. On the roads, the 1.3-litre feels barely adequate, especially when carrying full load. The surprisingly eager-to-rev 1.5-litre offers a stronger performance. Both engines become loud when worked hard though.
Roominess
Being able to carry seven is key to the 2011 Toyota Avanza's appeal. And in that regard, the Toyota Avanza does not disappoint, providing decent room for seven. Access to the last row is easy, although luggage space is extremely limited with all rows in place. The middle row seats are 50:50 forward foldable, while the last row bench folds forward in one piece.
Running Costs
The 2011 Toyota Avanza is economical to run for a variety of reasons: both engines are frugal, especially when using the 1.3-litre with the manual gearbox; servicing and repairs are highly affordable; and resale values are strong by segment standards, which speaks volumes about the Toyota Avanza's popularity and the Toyota brand's desirability.
Value for Money
Sensing the demand for a budget seven-seater MPV, Toyota came out with the Avanza, which eventually became a phenomenal success not only in Malaysia, but in ASEAN and beyond. Being able to carry seven is central to the 2011 Toyota Avanza's appeal, as are its attractive pricing and economical running costs. While the 2011 Toyota Avanza is not the last word on styling, comfort, quality or performance, the practicality and room offered for the money is second to none.
Equipment
1.3 E manual brings 14-inch steel wheels, dual-blower air-conditioner, 4-speaker 1-DIN head unit with CD-player and tuner. 1.3 E auto adds 14-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps. 1.5 E adds body side moulding, chrome grille and chrome outside door handle. 1.5 G further adds 15-inch alloy wheels, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and dual front airbags. 1.5 S comes with the Aerokit as standard on top of the equipments 1.5 G has.
Environment
Japanese automakers are responsible for producing the “greenest” cars in the market. And Toyota is without doubt at the forefront. Excellent fuel economy and low carbon dioxide emissions mean the 2011 Toyota Avanza is one of the most environmentally sound seven-seater MPVs out there. Being able to carry seven also reduces the pollution amount on a per occupant basis.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Durable cabin
Room for seven
Pricing and running costs
Utilitarian styling
Bouncy ride over undulations
1.3-litre needs more grunt
See Another Model
Top Competitors
Price : from RM53,092
Price : from RM59,318
Price : from RM62,695
