It would be pointless to dwell about the ladder frame chassis and ageing drivetrain combo in the new 2012 Toyota Avanza, as those arguments are, well, pointless. Remember each and every times we submit the project deliverables to the client where while our deliverables are superb ( it should be or else we would have been sacked), although what the client didn't know is that we made it using our good old equipment. Think about delivering engine structural analysis with the meshing work done using pirated cheap pre-processing software!
Toyota engineering prowess has indicated that there isn't a need to have a state-of-the-art monocoque chassis to accommodate 7 people and their luggage in "price-related" comfort. A properly tuned body bolted on a ladder frame should do the job. Not only it is simpler to design, and less sensitive to the advanced structural analysis, it is easier to construct, modified and modular. Hence, cheaper too. A properly tuned suspension, with strategic damping sheet placement can deliver a reasonable NVH quality. Talk about simple, good engineering design practise. Same goes with the drivetrain, if one's engine has a reasonably good spread of torque and reasonably powerful to drive the small MPV with sensible driver behind the wheel, why would you want to turbocharged it? Similar analogy goes for the 4 speed automatic transmission too. Being reasonable is the buzzword here.
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What goes beyond reasonable is the level of engineering design detail, and prowess of Toyota engineers which will leave the rest of Asian engineers in their wake. Read on.
Exterior Design
While the outgoing Avanza is as slab sided as a 80's building, the new one offers more 3D element. The front end is dominated with an intricately designed headlamp, not unlike the JDM Toyota Passo Sette in its silhouette with the kick back lower edge. The top-of-the-range S model you see here has an entirely different radiator grille and bumper design. This effectively means that the top version is no longer a regular version with slapped-on bodykits. The entire envelope is curvier, with stretched headlamps and body surfacing giving the 2012 Avanza quite a chunky appearance.
This is further emphasized by the rear end styling. The D-pillar mounted rear combi is gone and replaced with a wrapped-around item that comes with a very modern outlook. The bulging profile and stretched pointy look of it lend some dynamism in the design. While the overall silhouette is unmistakably mundane MPV, the sheet metal at the back has been inject with some style. The tail gate outer panel has a lot of creases going on it, preventing a brick-slab look. Rear spoiler is standard for all model, including the cheapest 1.3E version.
Interior Design
This is the section where the Toyota engineer's capability leave everyone in the dust. Talk about the a practicality. The front and rear door trim lower pocket has been design to hold bottles, cans and cups. Not alternately but simultaneously. Refer the photos below.
The interior is shaded in dark for all version. No worry to spoil the beige interior this time around. The silver accents are applied on the power window panel on the door trim. The printed motif, which appeared garish on the 2012 Myvi, is just fine here. In fact, the longitudinally aligned motif raise some element of style of what is otherwise sombre cabin.
The IP has been extensively redesigned from ground up as far as the outgoing Avanza is concern. The new IP is not only more stylish, but is has been mounted lower to aid the air of spaciousness to the cabin. Toyota stylists play with texture here in their effort to spice up the plastic, which otherwise is just a cheap hard black material. While Proton stylist goes organic for Exora whole IP top portion, Toyota saves the money and textured the part closer to the reaching hand instead. More after the jump.
