It’s often joked that the typical Filipino family is composed of at least seven people: the parents, the grandparents, two children, and a yaya. This has led to the rise of AUVs or Asian Utility Vehicles, since a 5-seater car can no longer suffice. Even with the phasing out of AUVs in the early 2000’s, the clamor for an affordable family carrier continued and manufacturers have gone through varied routes trying to serve an ever fickle market. The one that has always led the charge is Toyota and their Avanza. Now on its second-generation, it’s become the default choice for those who want seven seats but can’t afford an Innova. But with an increasing number of choices in the small MPV segment, can the big minor change Avanza continue to lead?
While they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there’s no contest when it comes to the Avanza’s looks. Picking up where the first-generation model left off, the two-box shape is pleasant and well-proportioned. It’s taller than it’s wider, but it hides that very well. The softened contours are now complimented by a 2015 update that introduces a larger maw, new alloy rims, and new tail lights. It successfully modernizes the small MPV flavor without deviating from the formula too much. There’s only one complaint: Toyota should remove the throwback pillar-mounted antenna to something much more modern—a fin-type antenna, perhaps?
Like its body shell, the Avanza’s interior is pretty much straight-forward. Those familiar with a Toyota cabin, particularly the Wigo, would feel welcome because of the parts bin switches, steering wheel, button positioning, and ergonomics. Compared to Toyota’s other Daihatsu-derived vehicle, it feels considerably more solid although there are inconsistent panel gaps and every surface is rock hard. The newest update adds a touch of luxury to an otherwise austere cabin with features such as dark brown fabric seats, piano black and aluminum accents, a touchscreen audio system,and steering wheel controls all present. The seating position isn’t as car-like as photos suggest because it’s high and upright, but it’s quite comfortable despite the flat seat backs. The one unforgiveable thing here is the mirror-image gated shifter which reduces usability and increases confusion (you can actually select the wrong gear at times).
Depending on the quantity of people you need to fit at any given time determines whether or not you’ll consider the Avanza spacious. If five’s the norm and seven the exception, the Avanza’s quite good. The first two rows offer ample comfort even during long rush hour traffic. The second row actually slides forward to accommodate the knees of those in the third row, but even then it’s best left as set of emergency jump seats. That said, at least everyone gets their own headrests—even the often forgotten second row middle seat. ISOFIX anchors are also standard now. The third row folds up in a 50/50 split when not in use revealing a vast loading bay. Securing it requires you to hook them up to the second row’s headrest; this feels very archaic, but the added cargo flexibility it offers is welcome.
With the Avanza looking every inch the people carrier, it’s expected to handle like one. Taking a page from the larger Innova, the Avanza uses a “proper” MPV architecture: body-on-frame structure driving the rear wheels. Engineered to ferry seven people in such a compact footprint, it rides quite stiffly in all but the smoothest of surfaces. With one or two passengers onboard, it’ll crash its way through concrete joints and potholes. It’s only when it’s loaded with four or more people that the ride smoothens out. Despite the tallboy proportions, it feels secure and planted to drive even at speed, although understeer is the norm. The steering is light and requires more turns than usual, but the good visibility means it’s easy to dart this straight out of the box. The brakes though are quite touchy.
Sporting a longitudinally-mounted 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Avanza can dream of “sports car-like performance”. In truth though, it’s merely adequate. Having to push 1,100 kilograms, this 102-horsepower, 136 Nm of torque engine shouldn’t feel taxed, but overtaking must be planned with care. From a standstill, there’s good pep and dealing with city traffic is a cinch. As the revs build up though, it starts to lose steam quickly. That initial sense of urgency is replaced by the booming noise from the motor. It also doesn’t help that the gearbox takes a split-second to downshift after flooring the throttle. It feels like you’re hearing the engine first before you feel the power kicking in; as if it takes that long for power to go from the engine to the gearbox to the propeller shaft to the rear wheels. Thankfully, despite having to floor the accelerator to get decent pace in, fuel economy isn’t affected as much: 8.67 km/L.
Going back to the question posted in the beginning: can the big minor change Avanza keep its lead in the small MPV category? That depends. It’s the Avanza that started the trend of giving Filipinos a well-built family carrier with more features than letters in their name. However, with more and more car-based choices coming in, all promising better handling and a cheaper price, Toyota is finding itself in a pinch. If you want a solid and robust 7-seater that won’t complain on rough roads or when full-loaded, the Avanza’s still the best choice. But as far as comfort goes, it’s starting to feel its age and the other choices seem to trump it in terms of value. All in all, despite the new trimmings, it doesn’t hide the fact that this remains a workhorse of an MPV. Whether or not that’s acceptable, depends entirely up to you.
2016 Toyota Avanza 1.5G A/T
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| Ownership | 2016 Toyota Avanza 1.5G A/T |
| Year Introduced | 2015 |
| Vehicle Classification | Entry-Level MPV |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | 5-door MPV |
| Seating | 7 |
| Engine / Drive | F/R |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 1.5 |
| Aspiration | Normally Aspirated, Dual VVT-i |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 102 @ 6,000 |
| Nm @ rpm | 136 @ 4,400 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / 91~ |
| Transmission | 4-speed AT |
| Cruise Control | No |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,140 |
| Width (mm) | 1,660 |
| Height (mm) | 1,695 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,655 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,100 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | 4-Link with Lateral Control Rod |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Tires | Dunlop Enasave EC300+ 185/65 R 15 S (f & r) |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 2 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes |
| Traction / Stability Control | No |
| Parking Sensors | No |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | Halogen |
| Fog Lamps | Yes, Front |
| Auto Lights | No |
| Auto Wipers | No |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt |
| Steering Wheel Material | Urethane |
| Seating Adjustment | Manual |
| Seating Surface | Fabric |
| Folding Rear Seat | Yes, 50/50 (2nd row), 50/50 (3rd row) |
| On-Board Computer | Yes |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes |
| Climate Control | No, Dual |
| Audio System | Stereo CD MP3 Aux USB Bluetooth GPS |
| No. of Speakers | 4 |
| Steering Wheel Controls | Yes |
I've ridden one last week and it was a poor car. The engine and outside noise is loudly heard in the cabin, every bump and road imperfections are felt giving the passenger a bumpy ride. At that price of Php910,000, I would rather buy a proper car(An Altis or a Honda City) or add a bit more for an entry level Innova.v-Just my opinion
ReplyDeleteBut an Altis or a City won't seat 7 people. The reason the Avanza sells so well here in the Philippines is precisely as the author quipped: the typical Filipino family is a 7 person family.
DeleteBagay to sa uber. Pero sira ulo ka kung bibilhin mo to para sa personal use.
ReplyDeleteI resent this comment. I can't take it that one would think of me as "sira ulo" for buying the car that I ultimately choose.
Deletemas sira ulo yung nag-comment na "Pero sira ulo ka kung bibilhin mo to para sa personal use." nakikialam ka sa gusto ng iba, magpakamatay ka na.
DeleteWalang siraulo if its for family
DeleteAng ibig nyo po bang sabihin maraming malolokong buyer ang toyota dito?
ReplyDeleteAt malakas din daw po ito sa gas?
Re-badged Daihatsu... Yang Wigo at Avanza rebadged Daihatsu kaya ganyan kababa ang quality. At nagpapaloko kayo sa Toyota!
ReplyDeleteReading all the comments! Why the hate?
ReplyDeleteSir Uly, as you can see, we are still undecided on our next purchase (avanza, ertiga or mobilio). Currently we own the 2012 vios 1.3g AT and looking for any 7 seater mpv/auv or mini suv that will suit our needs. I have 2 kids (aged 5 and 2), yaya and occasionally my parents. Current budget is at 1M but i think i can stretch that to 1.2M. Innova is out of the question as the increased length makes it impossible to park inside our garage. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHonda BRV 7-seater is the way to go... invest your 1.2M first to earn some more because this might be a bit expensive than the Mobilio.
DeleteThank you. I hope it comes soon.
DeleteI would recommend Ertiga for its versatility, efficiency and smoothness vs. other MPVs in its class. 7-seater but feels like a compact hatch when driven.
DeleteRather wait for the Honda BRV, I heard it's a pretty good 7 seater vehicle. But if you really need to buy asap Id go for Mobilio.. suggest you try to test drive all of them
ReplyDeleteThank you. Actually interested with the br-v. Any definite date for the release?
DeleteI heard from a reliable source that the BR-V will be launched in the last quarter. Around October 2016. HCPI aims to be a major player in the 7-seater market.
DeleteThank you for the info, i will wait then.
Deleteparang baligtad yun gear shift (indicator) nito. is this an indonesian version?... the shift indicator direction PRND is on the pasenger side ...
ReplyDeleteWell, it's clear the shifter wasn't re-configured for a LHD market. I did mention it in my review.
DeleteGanyan po ba talaga ang Toyota hindi gumagawa ng shifter na pang-LHD? Yung innova at fortuner po ba ganito rin? Marami naman pong bentang avanza dito sa pinas sana po gawin nila ang tama.
DeleteDo you actually expect toyota to spend money for that? Di ka pa nasanay. That's toyota! Mag titipid yang mga ungas na yan as much as possible.
DeleteToyota just do the bare minimum for their cars because there are many morons(people) will buy a car with a Toyota badge on it without looking and comparing it with the competition.
DeleteThey already corrected the position of the gear shift indicator to LHD sa current model nila. Un nga lang tumaas ng 2k ang unit. Accding s agent n nakausap ko.
DeleteThey already corrected the position of the gear shift indicator to LHD sa current model nila. Un nga lang tumaas ng 2k ang unit. Accding s agent n nakausap ko.
DeleteSo Uly, you have reviewed the 4 Entry Level MPVs, so how would you rank them in an over-all "best bang for the buck" package?
ReplyDeleteAvanza, Ertiga, Mobilio and Spin
Get a sedan. You'll never get laid driving any of these.
DeleteSays who? ;)
DeleteUhhh like everyone???
DeleteSeriously, how can anyone get laid driving these type of cars. Might as well put a sticker at the back saying "kick me" or "I'm a virgin". It is a humiliating experience to own one of these.
Why are you in an MPV review then? MPVs are typical family car for heaven's sake! People buy it because they wanted to transport people and stuff but NOT purposely to get laid... Get a life dude or get laid somewhere else
DeleteI agree with Anonymous 2:04PM.
DeleteHonda Mobillo is better than Avanza in style, elegance and performance. This Avanza is so bakya, it's just like riding a vehicle 10 years ago
ReplyDeleteAgree. I think Spin and Ertiga are far better than Avanza as well. Avanza is a cheap Daihatsu MPV hiding in a Toyota logo.
DeleteI've ridden an Eritiga a couple of times, its better than the Avanza in terms of space and ride.
ReplyDeleteMobilio is way better lalo na yung ride comfort and cabin noise. Yung mga adik sa chrome baka maloko pa ng toyota dito. I find it insulting na hindi manlang ng efort toyota to adapt yung gear shifter to LH drive pra sa market natin.
ReplyDeleteget an ertiga. for much less, you get a much loaded mpv than the mobilio ( ertiga gl vs entry level mobilio )
ReplyDeleteHi I own a toyota. Yes its toyota may be cheap. But lets admit it guys inadapt ni toyota ang ugali ng pinoys. Koripot. In terms of parts, mahal si honda. Si suzuki naman you will not trust by its durability maybe 5 years to 10 or maybe less based on other reviews baka pakain mo nalang sa talaba sa sobrang sirain. MY OPION ONLY :) PEACE :)
ReplyDeleteProblem is the avanza is a rebadged daihatsu. Its not a true toyota.
DeleteYeah, Daihatsu Avanza "tunog lata"... sorry for the rhyme but that was how the new Avanza doors felt when i had a chance to test drive it.
DeleteSomeone's complaining about the car. The real question is do you have money to buy it? Or just a retarted feeling car analyst? ��
ReplyDeleteEven if we have money, we will not buy this Daihatsu crap. We'll go for real Toyota instead (Vios, Altis, Innova). For an entry level MPV, there are FAR BETTER alternatives (Mobilio and Ertiga). We are not complaining, we are just stating the obvious. Get it now? Good.
DeleteYup. You may actually call us heroes. We're informing you so you won't have regrets later on.
DeleteMatagal ng toyota ang daihatsu ah. Saka ano problema sa daihatsu?
DeleteAlso ang bagong engine ng avanza is toyota made
For those who complain much, you are all MALAKIYA GAMOTO
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDelete"MPV architecture: body-on-frame structure"
Seems like it is unibody structure(?)
- Macpherson strut front suspension,
rigid strut tower structure part of
chassis/suspension frame.
- Floor pan much deeper/lower than side sill.
- no separate main frame to cover with side sill
- side sill part of load bearing structure
- No visible bolts/attachment bracket-structure between
body and frame
- body and frame integrated, welded together
Thanks,
--bxr_monkey
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAdditional question. Is the stiffness of the ride worse than the Fortuner? Or is it better than the Fortuner?
Thanks,
--bxr_monkey
Hi sirs, lumabas na yung brv. But with a price of 1.15M, masyado ata mahal compared to avanza? What do you guys think?
ReplyDeleteMeron po b kayo review sa avanza 1.3 e m/t? Or ok n po b un para makabyahe ng batangas o rizal?
ReplyDeleteMeron po b kayo review sa avanza 1.3 e m/t? Or ok n po b un para makabyahe ng batangas o rizal?
ReplyDeleteBukas ko makukuha ang avanza 1.5G a/t mag send ako review kung mas ok sya kaysa mobilio na drive ko na kc mobilio masikip sa 3 persons ang 2nd row.
ReplyDeleteBukas ko makukuha ang avanza 1.5G a/t mag send ako review kung mas ok sya kaysa mobilio na drive ko na kc mobilio masikip sa 3 persons ang 2nd row.
ReplyDeleteWeeh ndi nga? Hahaha
ReplyDeleteWeeh ndi nga? Hahaha
ReplyDeleteOk naman ang power ng avanza maganda handling ng steering wheel kaya lang medyo matagtag ng konti oh baka nasanay lang ako sa sta fe pero so far ok ang ride nya. Kasya naman ang 3 sa 2nd row pero medyo masikip kapag malaki sasakay.
ReplyDeleteOk naman ang power ng avanza maganda handling ng steering wheel kaya lang medyo matagtag ng konti oh baka nasanay lang ako sa sta fe pero so far ok ang ride nya. Kasya naman ang 3 sa 2nd row pero medyo masikip kapag malaki sasakay.
ReplyDeleteBago pa kase yan Bugs review it again after 3 to 6 months
DeleteNo Temp Gauge???
ReplyDeletesirain yung clutch disk ng bagong labas na toyota avanza at vios china galing yung parts
ReplyDeletehi,
ReplyDeletewill be purchasing this in just a few days. we are just waiting for the bank approval. we have considered spin and ertiga... also mobilio. kaso mahal ang mobilio, ang ertiga naman nice ang ergonomics pero masikip yung looban nya. yung spin naman maayos din kaso parang nakakatamad tingnan yung design.
should we pursue with this avanza 2016 1.5G A/T? please enlighten us give us some thoughts. thank you!
Same to you.. nag ertiga vs avanza vs mobilo. pero avanza n pili namin kc mas ok ung loob parang innova n din ang avanza 2017 model
DeleteSame to you.. nag ertiga vs avanza vs mobilo. pero avanza n pili namin kc mas ok ung loob parang innova n din ang avanza 2017 model
Delete11km/L sa town 15 to 16km/L sa highway..
ReplyDeleteGanun nga po...nag byahe kami Bacolod to dumaguete nasa ganong range lang ang fuel consumption.
DeleteI choose avanza 1.3J
11km/L sa town 15 to 16km/L sa highway..
ReplyDeleteSa mga nakabili na.. Pls advise us (sa mga bibili palang) is it really maalog and malakas daw sa gas?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Yes Malakas gas n maalog..we bought this month... next timw i would choose Isuzu crosswind Diesel automatic
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteok na ok ang toyota avanza 1.5 g 2017 model, sobrang tipid sa gas okay ang handling niya smooth na smooth, at maluwag ang loob.
ReplyDeleteSulit na sulit, sa mga haters dyan ng avanza, irerespeto ko nalang po lahat ng opinion niyo
Thanks justine, mas naging excited ako na magkaroon ng avanza 1.5 G AT dahil sa comment mo. God bless.
DeleteIm planning to buy 1.3e.maraming haters dito ng avanza oc wala ngang pambili.motor lng ang kaya haha
ReplyDeleteOk ang Avanza try kona pa takbuhin sa highway ng 140 to 150kmH need lng talaga ng bwelo kung papanik n roads so far FC ko sa city 10kml sa highway 15kmL
DeleteI am planning to buy this year, 50/50 sa Innova or Avanza. Payuhan nyo naman po ako. For family use and Grab sana. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Toyota Avanza from 2014 & below are from Daihatsu, but the 2015 onwards are now all purely Toyota... I dont know if all who commented here that is against Toyota have owned or personally driven a Toyota.... I own & personally driven 4 Toyota cars (Altis, Innova, Vios & a 2017 Avanza 1.5G), but until now I dont have any problems driving those vehicles, great ride. Plus u can always count for the availability of their parts. Im just sharing my personal experience driving these vehicles. GOD BLESS... PEACE EVERYONE! :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think the Toyota Avanza from 2014 & below are from Daihatsu (Toyota's sister company), but the 2015 onwards are now all purely Toyota... I dont know if all who commented here that is against Toyota have owned or personally driven a Toyota.... I own & personally driven 4 Toyota cars (Altis, Innova-Gas (not a fan of diesel), Vios & a 2017 Avanza 1.5G), but until now I dont have any problems driving these 4 vehicles, great ride. So far so good w/ my 4 Toyota vehicles. Plus, if u are planning to have a long term cars for your personal or business use (10years above), u can always count for the availability of the Toyota parts anywhere. Im just sharing my personal experience driving these 4 vehicles, nothing more. Im not against other brands because I previously owned a Ford Expedition, Mitsubishi Lancer & a Nissan Xtrail.... GOD BLESS... PEACE EVERYONE! :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteHi guys! ilan km/l niyo sa toyota avanza 2016 1.5G city driving niyo?
ReplyDelete10 to 11KmL sakin pero kung traffic talaga 9 lng.
Delete@Carlo Aureus, ano pong avanza variant mo? Planning to get 1.3 e a/t.... Coming from ford fiesta o think konti lang ung mararamdaman kong diff sa fc
Delete1.3 mt
DeleteGood Day
ReplyDeleteAsk ko lang po kung hindi ba hirap ang avanza 1.3 A/t sa papanik na kalsada? Mas ok ba po ang 1.5 A/t di ba matakaw sa gas?
Avanza Rear drive.. Ertiga front drive.. ano ba mas ok sa akyatan tulak or Hatak. kya kahit 1.3 ang avanza tapos 1.4 ang ertiga pupusta ako sa avanza sa akyatan
DeleteAvanza Rear drive.. Ertiga front drive.. ano ba mas ok sa akyatan tulak or Hatak. kya kahit 1.3 ang avanza tapos 1.4 ang ertiga pupusta ako sa avanza sa akyatan
Deletegood day mga sir/ma'am ask ko lang po kung anu mas maganda ertiga 1.4 a/t or avanza 1.3 a/t? yun lang kasi kasya sa budget ko. Ok sana BRV kaso mahal, pati maintenance. Na try ko na itest drive yun 1.3 a/t avanza parang lata yn pakiramdam masyado magaan. Kaso iniisip ko din pag toyota madali parts and ok after service. Suzuki kasi ndi ko sure kung matibay and ok ba after sales service nila. Your help is much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSame with me here, undecided for Avanza, Mobilio and Ertiga. Primarily intend to used it for Uber/Grab and secondary for family used. I know that if it is being used for commercial used baka mdali masira and maintenance wise and aftersales service and availability of parts Avanza can be found easily. Need opinions for those here using more than 2 years already. Reliability factors, etc. TIA.
ReplyDeleteplanning to buy the 1.3e M/T , i see a lot of E variants here in baguio the 2017 model. madami rin taxi na avanza dto sa baguio. kaya i think malakas din sa akyatan to. loaded kami 1 tym sa isang taxi paakyat na matarik, kayang kaya hindi pa latest model, mukhang mga 2011 na avanza.
ReplyDeletetama kahit 1.3 ang avanza E tapos ang ertiga 1.4 mas malakas ang Avanza sa akyatan dahil rear drive to. compare sa ertiga front drive... ano ba mas malakas hatak or tulak???
Deletediba pag pinapagalaw natin ang sasakyan mas OK ang tulak sa likod kesa hatakin. ganon ang diff ng Front drive sa Rear drive
DeleteI have an avanza e a/t. Better not to buy any car if you will use it as personal. Having a car is good but as long as you will make your pocket miserable. checking up of car to the dealer is very costly. but it's okay if you have excess money for this "luho". Me also bought the car for "luho". and for the family bonding also. God bless us!
ReplyDeleteim also planning to buy that. kmusta po ba ang performance? kmusta po sa akyatan? hindi ba underpowered?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Best Dash Camera under 50$ 2018
ReplyDeleteNakaka tawa. Karamihan sa nag sasabing panget ang avanza ay yung mga wala naman avanza 😂 7 seater nga diba, tapos i-compare nyo sa sedan. Sino ngayon ang tanga? 😂
ReplyDeleteGuys advice naman kung itutuloy ko pa. im about to buy an avanza 1.3 a/t, basically for personal use taga baguio kami kaya a/t kasi kapatid kong babae ang pagiiwanan ko. Kamusta ang fc nito? yun ang factor na gumugulo sakin maaksaya ba talaga ang 1.3 a/t? Fc nga po ng mga naka 1.3 a/t jan please sna yung 2018 kung meron pero kahit 2015 and above. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo sa isang bar ng fuel consumption nya ilan km/L ang na gagamit before mabawas? Thank you po sa pag sagot.
ReplyDeleteMga haters ng Avanza dito kung makapagsalita akala mo car journalists pero hanggang motor lang ang kaya bilhin, mga mabababang uri nakamotor
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, ok na ok ang Avanza 1.5G A/T na nabili ko. I purchased one last year and ambilis ko natuto mag drive dito. Walang kahirap hirap. napaka gaan, matipid naman sa gas, maluwag, kasya ang family ko. That's all. Sa mga gusto bumili, go lang kayo.God bless!
ReplyDeleteOk na ok ang Avanza 1.5G A/T. I purchased one last year, and dito ako natuto mag drive. I feel safe, ang gaan gaan niya dalhin, matipid sa gas, spacious sa family ko at lahat ng mga shopping ko. Kaya rin mag Baguio, malakas ang hatak (sabi ng mga term ng mga bihasa mag drive). Marami na kaming narating ng Avanza ko and I love it. Sa mga gustong bumili ng Toyota Avanza, go lang kayo. Di kayo lugi.
ReplyDeleteHI MAGANDANG IDRIVE ANG AVANZA LALO NA SA BAGUHAN..1.5AT IS BETTER LALO SA AKYATAN ..AHUNAN
ReplyDelete