FIRST LOOKS Toyota Avanza 1.5G

Has it already been two years since the Toyota Avanza arrived and took the market by storm? Seems like time has passed rather fast and in those 24 months, 61,193 units have left the showrooms around the country to provide transport for families small and big. But typical of Toyota (and other Japanese companies too), there is a strong desire to keep improving the product and to meet customers’ requirements in the best possible way. Even as the first Avanzas started appearing on the roads, customers were being asked what they liked and didn’t like about it and more importantly, what else they would like to see.

“Though the performance was acceptable to most people, there was still a feeling that it could be better and the features offered could also be more extensive,” said David Chen, Managing Director of UMW Toyota Motor. “We took all feedback seriously and discussed with the Toyota engineers in Japan how to meet the expectations. I’m pleased to say that they were very receptive to our requests and worked on developing an additional variant with a larger 1.5-litre engine.”

So for the mid-term facelift, the Avanza gets not just cosmetic changes but also an additional engine variant. Mr Chen said the company expects the Avanza 1.5G to account for around 30% of the 2,500 Avanza sales forecast to be sold each month. Assembly will continue to be at the Perodua plant outside Rawang, Selangor.
The 1.5-litre engine is a brand new unit and not from the same family as the 1.3-litre unit. It’s not the same engine as that in the Vios either, a notable difference being that the Avanza’s engine - coded 3SZ-VE - has a cast iron block whereas the Vios engine has an aluminium block. The 3SZ-VE engine, which also has two camshafts, four valves per cylinder and of course, VVT-i (Toyota’s variable-valve timing mechanism), is also used in the latest Toyota models like the second generation bB, Rush compact SUV and even the Scion xB which is sold only in the USA. It can be configured for transverse or longitudinal installation in the engine bay, depending on whether there is FWD or RWD. In the case of the Avanza 1.5G which has RWD, the engine is mounted longitudinally

Work It Toyota Avanza

Practicality is a big factor when it comes to purchasing a vehicle in a struggling country such as the Philippines. Unlike in the "ideal" world where the only variables to consider are speed, luxury, and the ability to turn heads, majority of our countrymen have very few options when it comes to choosing a vehicle. Sure, the models number close to the hundreds but how many of them can pull their own weight? We aren't talking Newton meters here, but the potential for the vehicle to actually earn its keep.

Top Gear Philippines is a consumer magazine above all else and we have a responsibility to inform the car buying public about the choices available, especially now when every peso counts and a return on investment is crucial. It really is no surprise then that AUVs are gaining popularity nowadays, thus the introduction of the Toyota Avanza to the local market is indeed a welcome one.

Under what segment does this uniquely designed model fall under? Toyota representatives say that it is positioned as a crossover vehicle for both personal and utilitarian usage. In other words the multi-purpose Avanza may well become a taxi, delivery 'van' or part of a fleet service should the owner decide to use it as such. Naturally the obvious choice for these tasks would be the 1.3 liter 5-speed manual transmission 'J' variant that is competitively priced at Php 582,000.

But don't let the 'taxi' stigma affect you. There is a lot more than 'image' when you are a discerning buyer looking for a workhorse that can double as a comfortable family runabout. The other two variants are the 1.5 liter 'G' that come with automatic or manual transmissions and priced at Php 773,000 and Php 738,000 respectively.

Our test unit for this edition of Drives is the automatic 1.5 G that we got to know more intimately on a trip out of Metro Manila. At first glance the Avanza looks like a compact station wagon with shrunken dimensions, almost like a miniature Innova of the same make. Its size and minimal turning radius equates to effortless maneuverability through our crowded city streets. This comes in especially handy while negotiating the off-ramp at Balintawak where buses and jeepneys tend to impede your escape from the big city.

Look closely and the Avanza is actually much shorter than the average sedan. How Toyota managed to free up room to fit seven adults into three rows of seats is the result of pushing the wheels to the furthermost corners of the chassis. The wonders of automotive engineering never cease. 'Small' cars are quite large on the insides nowadays.

The roominess of the interior is surprising. Even if you brush elbows with your front passenger it doesn't feel cramped because of the more than ample head and legroom. Sitting in the cockpit offers a commanding view of the road ahead as the driving position is set high up, just like in a mini van. A tilt steering wheel isn't offered but it isn't necessary anyway. Everything is already optimally positioned to offer the driver full control and access to his surroundings. Simplicity and functionality were obviously operative words when the interior was being designed.

If I didn't take a break from the driving I would have missed out on one of the best features of the Avanza; the extremely large second row passenger windows. I only noticed after I lost myself in the unobstructed country scenery flashing by.

As a passenger vehicle the Avanza scores high on the meter. In fact three average sized adults can fit comfortably in the third row without any complaints. Luggage space is sacrificed when all the seats are occupied though but there is a lot of room with the third row seats folded down. The second row folds up if more space is needed too.

Alas the Avanza's strong points limit itself to the hustle of the city. It is maneuverable, it has a lot of pep for launching away at the green light, hardly any road noise permeates the cabin at cruising speeds, ground clearance is sufficient for tackling the floods, and the suspension can handle the craters on Edsa. Did I forget to mention that the Avanza is a rear-wheel drive?

But take it out on the open road and there are few concerns. Body roll, though not scary, reminds you that you aren't driving a coupe. A feel for balance would be wise before letting the Avanza rip on a twisty road.
seee Toyota Avanza

Toyota Avanza

Toyota's Avanza compact MPV created a stir when it was announced at Auto Africa; here was a seven-seat family transporter/mom's taxi/business shuttle with anti-lock brakes, crash bags, audio and air-conditioning for little more than the price of the late, lamented Tazz.

In fact Toyota SA senior vice-president for sales and marketing Andrew Kirby said during the launch presentation this week at the company's Prospecton plant in Durban that the company saw the Avanza as a replacement for the Tazz, for buyers who wanted something a little larger than a Yaris.

Yet it's also way cheaper than anything in its size, since most MPV's are presented as upmarket vehicles with luxurious specifications – but the other side of the coin is its small engines and relatively unsophisticated running gear.
So, the question in the minds of the motoring media at the launch drive was, how well would the Indonesian-built Avanza cope with South African conditions and drivers – in short, is it up to the job?

The answer, by and large, is… yes.

First impressions are favourable: the deep, slab-sided doors open wide and the high seating position makes entry and exit easy for the less agile among us – like me. The seats are firm, with softer but unexpectedly deep side bolsters promising adequate lateral support.

They're upholstered in comfortable velour and the footwells are fully carpeted; the fascia and door panels are a bit plastic (all right, they're very plastic) but the mouldings are robust and firmly rattle-free.

The Mitsubishi Evo VII GT-A is good models.
If you've breathlessly fought your way through the white-knucklemadness opposite and made a mental note to avoid the B-roads ofShropshire. At least until all the RS Sprints have been stolen. Relax.Chill. Tip that extra-roast double expresso down the sink, warm somemilk over a gentle flame and make yourself a nice mug of Evotine.Things are about to go all easy listening. Just when you thought Mitsubishi's next Evo was sure to be the firstcar into orbit, we're offered the Evolution VII GT-A. An automatic.Yes, I know, I didn't believe the Motoring Ed when he told me, but it'strue. The reassuringly wild Evo hasn't lost all it's sticky-up hair though.As a button shift goes, this one's pretty good. And there's nosafety-nazi gadgetry over-ruling the race to the redline that the Evo'stwo-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder inspires. But the shift is neverthat smooth and the switchgear never tactile enough to be trulyengaging and I soon found myself getting bored with it all andsearching for the standard auto setting. Which makes me wonder wherethis particular Evo is heading. There are some clues in the other, more cosmetic tweaks on the GT-A.Out with the intake holes on the bonnet, the surf-board rear wing, theuncompromising seats. In with the comfy leather, interior sound dampingand a discreet spoiler. God forbid, there's even a no-wing option. Ithas got softer suspension too. But Mitsubishi have shown plenty ofrestraint and the trademark direct, responsive steering andwell-balanced chassis is all here, just a little disguised. So it's a gentrified Evo then. The drive to the favoured B-road is thatbit more relaxing, and the GT-A's 'refinements' haven't removed toomuch of the fun once you're there. It's just that most of us will findthe left hand fumbling around for a real gearstick.

TOYOTA CROWN SPEC
Maximum Output kW / rpm 24V 3.0-Litre (3GR-FE)
Mesin 170/6200
Tipe Mesin V6 Four Cam 24-valve
Isi Silinder cc 2995
Torsi Maximum Nm/rpm 300/4400
Bahan Bakar – Sistem Electronic Fuel Injection
Bahan Bakar – Kapasitas Tangki L 71
Radius Putar m 5.2

Panjang | mm 4840
Lebar | mm 1780
Tinggi | mm 1470
Jarak Poros Roda | mm 2850
Jarak Pijak Depan | mm 1525
Jarak Pijak Belakang | mm 1525
Ground Clearance | mm 155
Kerb Weight | Kg 1620
Gross Vehicle Weight | Kg 2020

Transmisi 6-Speed automatic
Suspensi Depan Double wishbone (Coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers with a stabiliser bar)
Suspensi Belakang Multi-link (Coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers with a stabiliser bar)
Rem Depan Ventilated Disc
Rem Belakang Disc
Ukuran Ban 215/60R16

Review
What things have gone wrong with the car?

What has went wrong with this car. Since I have owned this car I have had very few mechanical issues.

I had to replace a fuel sensor at 120000km and other than that nothing mechanically other than regular tune-ups.

Other things that have went wrong include.

The sunroof motor quit working and I had to replace that.

Mt trunk latch wire broke and I had to get that replaced along with a few fuses that are for the after-market heated seats.

The drivers seat is starting to wear a little bit where you climb in.
General comments?

This car has been very reliable. Since the car is getting older, I notice the power coming form the V6 is "starting slowly" to diminish.

The seats are very comfortable and with the heat, they are AWSOME.

I really like the traction control, I couldn't believe it when I passed a Toyota rav4 that was stuck on my crescent.

One complaint about the Toyota service is that when they balanced the wheels they put the balancers on the outside of the aluminum rim, all the finish is now starting to peel.

Isuzu Ascender is good car model



Spesifications:
ENGINE
Displacement : 4.2 liters
Configuration : Inline 6-cylinder
Compression ratio (:1) : 10.3
Horsepower @ rpm : 285 @ 6,000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm : 276 @ 4,600
Fuel intake : Sequential multi-point fuel injection
Spark plugs : Platinum-tipped
Ignition : Coil-on-plug
DRIVETRAIN
Type : Front-engine/rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive
TRANSMISSION
Type : 4-speed automatic transmission with torque converter clutch (in 3rd or 4th gears and overdrive)
SUSPENSION
Front : Independent coil-over-shock with upper and lower control arms and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers
Rear : 5-link with coil springs and direct hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers
BRAKES
Type : 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with dual-piston front calipers and 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
STEERING
Type : Hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion power steering
Ratio (:1) : 20.4
Turns, lock-to-lock : 3.82
Turning circle, curb-to-curb : 36.4 ft
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel type : 6-spoke machined-finish aluminum alloy
Size : 17 x 7.0 inches
Tires : P245/65R17 on-/off-road
Spare : P235/75R16
MILEAGE ESTIMATES AND FUEL CAPACITY
Fuel tank : 21.7 gal
Fuel economy (city/highway)1
Automatic 2WD
Automatic 4WD
14/20 mpg
14/20 mpg
WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES
Curb weight, 2WD/4WD : 4,417/4,594 lb
Payload2,3, 2WD/4WD : 1,133/1,156 lb
Maximum trailer weight4 2WD/4WD : 5,300/5,200 lb (3.42 axle) 5,800/5,700 lb (3.73 axle)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)5, 2WD/4WD : 5,550/5,750 lb
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)6 : 10,000 lb (3.42 axle) 10,500 lb (3.73 axle)
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase : 113.0 in
Overall length : 191.6 in
Overall width : 76.1 in
Overall height, with roof rails : 74.5 in
Track, front/rear : 63.1/62.1 in
Ground clearance, minimum at differential : 8.0 in
Angle of approach : 29°
Angle of departure, undermount spare : 23°
Ramp breakover angle, 2WD/4WD : 18.8°/18.6°
Isuzu Ascender is good car model

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