Toyota has slotted a brand-new, entry-level seven-seater people carrier into its line-up, and the good news for South Africans is that the little wagon kicks off at less than R100Â 000.
The Avanza comes in either 1,3- or 1,5-litre versions, delivering 67 kW and 80 kW respectively. Performance for both models should be more than adequate, thanks to the modern engines, both of which feature VVT-i variable valve timing technology, and the factory claims top speeds of 160kph for the 1,3, and 165kph for the models with the bigger engine.
Of the four versions available, all but the base-model 1,3S (R99Â 990) come with air conditioning, ABS brakes and driver/front passenger airbags as standard. The entry-level Avanza is still reasonably specced, though, and comes with electric windows, a rev counter, power steering, remote central locking and numerous stowage compartments.
Further up the ladder in terms of specifications come 1,3- and 1,5-litre SX versions that sell for R116Â 300 and R122Â 900. Apart from the comfort and safety features mentioned earlier, these come with four-spoke urethane steering wheels, and the 1,5 SX also gets vanity mirrors in both sun visors, along with colour-coded side mirrors and door handles.
The range-topping 1,5 TX costs R139Â 700, with those willing to spend the extra money benefiting from air-conditioning ducting to the rear-seat occupants, smoked privacy glass for the rear windows, electric mirrors, alloy wheels and a high-mounted stop lamp.
The Avanza is surprisingly spacious. We crammed a couple of hefty males into the rear seats, and even the third row of seats cracked the nod in terms of comfort. The seats are spring loaded, allowing easy folding, and with everything tucked away the load space expands to 955 litres. There are 17 individual interior compartments and trays where smaller items can be stowed away.
Toyota reckons that there’s nothing to compete with the Avanza, and predicts sales of about 800 per month. We agree. Toyota has no doubt felt the impact of losing more than 3Â 000 new customers every month, now that Tazz is no more, and the new little wagon should go some way towards easing the pain for the company.