Toyota Avanza Details, Photos and Videos

The Toyota Avanza (Japanese: トヨタ・アバンザ, Toyota Abanza) is a mini MPV designed and produced by Daihatsu and marketed by Toyota. It is produced in Indonesia and also contract assembled in Malaysia (under Perodua) for the first generation model. Daihatsu designed and manufactures the vehicle, which is then sold by both Daihatsu and Toyota under Daihatsu Xenia (Japanese: ダイハツ・セニア, Daihatsu Senia) and Avanza nameplate respectively. Daihatsu supplies the vehicle to Toyota under a consigned production and OEM manufacturing agreement. The "Avanza" name is taken from the Spanish word "avanza", which means "get moving" and Italian word "avanzato", which means "advance", while "Xenia" is taken from the Greek word "Xenia" (a Greek concept of hospitality), which means "guest-friendship".

The Avanza is mainly developed as an entry-level MPV. Its spiritual predecessor was the Kijang, whose model program has since been split to two different models (the other being the larger, more expensive Kijang Innova) to expand Toyota's reach in the MPV sector. Unlike the Kijang and the succeeding Kijang Innova, the Avanza uses a unibody chassis construction instead of ladder frame type.

In addition to Indonesia and Malaysia, the Avanza is sold in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Middle East, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Caribbean, Egypt, South Africa and various other African countries. A rebadged version of the car was sold in China under the FAW badge until 2010.

As of October 2011, there have been 1 million Avanza/Xenia units sold, including 113,000 exported units. As of December 2018, the Avanza has been sold 1.7 million units, and combined sales with Xenia up to 2.75 million units. The Avanza has been the best-selling car in Indonesia for 14 consecutive years, between 2004 and 2018 respectively.

The Avanza and Xenia were both conceived by the Indonesian subsidiary of Toyota and Daihatsu in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. At the time, the price of the larger Kijang already exceeded Rp 180,000,000, which was considered too expensive. Both companies were eventually collaborated to create a car that would be more affordable than the Kijang. After some market researches, design processes and production arrangements, the Avanza and Xenia were launched in December 2003 for the Indonesian market. The price was set at Rp 70,000,000 for the basic variant.

Initial sales target was 2,500–5,000 units per month, but the actual sales achievement exceeded 15,000 units. The first generation Avanza/Xenia was assembled in the first Indonesian Daihatsu plant in Sunter, Jakarta, while the second generation model is currently assembled at the same plant as the first generation model, and also at the second plant in Karawang, West Java, from April 2013 onwards.

The Avanza was unveiled at the Gaikindo Auto Expo in July 2003 with development led by Toyota chief engineer Kaoru Hosokawa. It was launched in December 2003 and sold over 100,000 units that year. When the Avanza was launched in Indonesia, it was available in two trim levels: the 1.3 E and 1.3 G, both with manual transmission. The Avanza later became one of the best selling cars in Indonesia.

In July 2004, the Avanza 1.3 S with automatic transmission launched to the market. The 1.3-litre engine was upgraded to use VVT-i (K3-VE) technology and individual direct ignition coils. Major changes in this version of Avanza occurred in the interior to change the odometer and digital tripmeter located beside the speedometer and tachometer. The braking system was upgraded to include anti-lock. The launch of this version is also designated as "test market" for the development plan of the all Avanza-Xenia VVT-i and Automatic Edition. This special edition comes with automatic transmission only. The black exterior colour was added at the same time.

The Avanza received its facelift in July 2006 with new grille, new bumpers, new interior, and new front and rear lamps. The 1.3 E and 1.3 G trims were upgraded to use the 1.3-litre, 16-valve DOHC VVT-i petrol engine from the outgoing 1.3 S trim. In October 2006, the 1.3 S trim was replaced by the 1.5 S trim, using a new 1.5-litre, 16-valve DOHC VVT-i petrol engine along with the new anti-lock braking system.

The Avanza received an update on 14 October 2008 with the revamped interior and steering wheel with four spokes (similar to the fifth generation HiAce, but without SRS airbag). The 1.3 G and 1.5 S trims received a front bumper mesh grille, added fog lamp garnish and a chrome accent in the rear window. On 17 November 2009, the 1.3 E and 1.3 G trims received automatic transmission option.

In Malaysia, the Avanza was unveiled on 7 October 2004 and launched on 29 October 2004. It was available in one trim level only: 1.3 (manual and automatic).

In October 2006, the Avanza facelift was launched in Malaysia. It was available in two trim levels: 1.3E (manual and automatic) and 1.5G (automatic only).

In October 2008, the Avanza was updated in Malaysia. It was available in four trim levels: 1.3E (manual and automatic), 1.5E (automatic only), 1.5G (automatic only) and 1.5S (automatic only).

In December 2010, the Avanza was updated in Malaysia. The main change was the colour of the interior to a dark colour scheme. It was available in four trim levels: 1.3E (manual only), 1.5E (automatic only), 1.5G (automatic only) and 1.5S (automatic only).

In the Philippines, the Avanza has been offered since 2006 with two trim levels: the J trim with a 1.3-litre engine, having no power windows and locks, and only available with a manual transmission, while the G trim has a 1.5-litre engine, and available with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission respectively. In 2008, the J trim was made available without the third row seat. This particular line is popularly used as metered taxicabs in the Philippines; although it is sometimes mistaken for a UV vehicle with a dedicated route, like how its ancestors (Tamaraw FX and Revo) were utilized.

The Avanza was updated in 2008 with a new ceiling with grooves to improve airflow to the rear and a new interior colour scheme.

The Avanza has folding seats in the back, forming a third row of seats.

The Avanza's twin model is called Daihatsu Xenia that is powered by a 1.3-litre engine similar to the Avanza's, and a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine with power and torque rating at 63 PS (46 kW; 62 hp) at 5,600 rpm and 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm.

The Xenia was sold in Indonesia and China only. In Indonesia, the Xenia was available in three trim levels: 1.0 Mi, 1.0 Li and 1.3 Xi.

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