All New Avanza 2012 Velos

the Avanza has one gem of an engine. The Avanza's 13-second 0-100 time (torque-braked... with a gentle launch, it's 0.5 seconds slower) is much quicker than the 1.6 liter Suzuki APV. Variable valve timing allows the engine to have both good torque and good top end power, something which the less sophisticated APV engine lacks. Another reason for this quickness is the 4-speed gearbox. It's got very short gears for an automatic. First gear tops out at 50 km/h, while 4th gear does 100 km/h at a buzzy 3000 rpm. This makes for spritely acceleration in traffic, though you'll need to cruise at just 60 km/h to keep the engine at 2000 rpm on the highway. Doing so should reward you with 15 km/l or better on the highway. In its time with us, the Avanza hit 11.25 km/l in mixed use. While that included highway time, that figure includes hard driving, acceleration testing, and metro traffic. Reports from owners suggest fuel economy figures closer to 8-10 km/l in daily city use. That's pretty good for an automatic-equipped seven seater.

SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle type 5-door, 7-passenger MPVVehicle layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drivePrice P 813,000Length 4,120 mm (162.2 in)Width 1,630 mm (64.2 in)Height 1,695 mm (66.7 in)Wheelbase 2,655 mm (104.5 in)Curb weight 1,085 kg (2,392 lb)Engine 3SZ-VE; normally aspirated 16-valve DOHC EFI inline-4 gasolineDisplacement 1,495 ccEngine features Variable valve timing on intake valves (VVT-i)Max. power 108 hp @ 6,000 rpmMax. torque 141 Nm @ 4,400 rpmTransmission 4-speed automatic
Price as tested: [PRICE]
THE GOOD
Peppy engine-transmission comboGood fuel economySpacious cabinGreat third row space
THE BAD

Tinny constructionJittery rideDarty handlingPoor brakes
THE LOWDOWN
If you have enough money for the Avanza 1.5G, you have enough money for the Innova, which is a much better car... with a diesel, to boot.Front suspension Independent: MacPherson strut, lower control arm, stabilizer barRear suspension Non-independent: live axle, multiple links, coil springsBrakes (front/rear) Ventilated disc / drum; without anti-lockTires Dunlop SP10, 185/65R-15 88SMajor standard features Driver airbag, power windows, mirrors and door locks, fog lamps,

AM/FM stereo with 4 speakers and in-dash single-CD player with MP3 capability, 50/50-split folding second row seat, one-piece third-row bench seat with two headrests and two three-point seatbelts, anti-theft alarm, remote keyless entry, high-mount third brake light on rear spoiler, rear airconditioning, full-size spare tire