since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
THE successful run of the Toyota Avanza has finally come to the end of the road but despair not, as in its place has come the new Veloz. Boasting new engineering and a completely new body styling, the well-specified (equipment and features) Veloz is seen to befit its model description as a ‘premium Crossover’ in the B-MPV (multipurpose vehicle) market segment.
Working on the synergy between Toyota and Perodua, the Veloz and new Alza link has added to the existing Rush-Aruz link; the latter is expected to be phased out in the near future. After all, the new Veloz-Alza model line caters to the same pool of customers and it certainly doesn’t make sense to offer both, when one combo would suffice.
There are some distinct differences between the Veloz and new Alza apart from the name plates and badges, and one of them is the grille. The Veloz is given the hexagonal meshed grille, the latest design language that first graced the Corolla Cross while the Alza has a broad V-styled meshed grille. At the rear, the Veloz has a full strip of lights that is said to accentuate the vehicle’s width while the Alza hasn’t.
To stamp its mark as a ‘premium Crossover’, the Veloz is right on the dot with its extensive range of equipment and features that stays abreast of current times. The ‘expressive’ front has LED (light emitting diode) headlamps for both high and low beams that are auto levelling. Completing the package are the Daytime Running Lights and sequential turn indicators that form its ‘visual signature’.
Another premium feature is the auto folding door mirrors that come with foot lamps to illuminate the ground next to the car. That would help during rainy days in avoiding puddles and mudholes when getting out of the vehicle. These lights also come on when unlocking the Veloz remotely.
To beef up its crossover image, the Veloz is fitted with low-profile roof rails. Besides adding a stylish element, it is said to be functional too being able to take a load of up to 75kg. That should add to the Veloz’s ‘cargo capability’ especially when the luggage space with the third-row seats up is minimal at best (although there is a hidden compartment below the floor).
Another expressive and stylish element are of course the 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/50 R17 tyres. A useful detail comes in the ground clearance; 205mm up to the centre exhaust muffler. That is handy when driving through mildly flooded stretches of road, a most definite advantage during the respective monsoon season.
Powering the Veloz is the new 2NR-VE 1.5-litre all-aluminium engine with double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves with Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) and electronic fuel injection. Power is adequate at 78kW (106PS) at 6000rpm and 138Nm torque peaking at 4200rpm. Engine development is said to focus on fuel efficiency and not exciting power.
A major change from the Avanza is that the engine power now drives the Veloz’s front wheels; the Avanza, being old school with engineering going back more than 20 years, is rear-wheel drive. Its current status is also reflected in the CVT (continuously variable transmission) and there is the option of seven stepped-up gears should the driver wants to engage in some manual driving. There are three drive modes too – PWR (for power obviously), ECO and Normal.
The Veloz continues to have three rows of seats to qualify as a seven-seater vehicle. And like any competent MPV, the second- and third-row seats could be folded together or individually to pander the desired accommodation capacity; more luggage space with fewer people on board or maximum load space for that shopping trip to Ikea.
The dashboard styling is also contemporary with a standalone nine-inch full colour display in the middle while the driver has the convenience of a seven-inch multi-info display to keep tabs of vehicle operation.
What is also relevant to modern-day needs are the three USB dedicated charging ports, a pad for wireless smartphone charging and two 12V ‘cigarette lighter’ sockets for powering other electronic devices. Adding nicely to that are the 15 drink holders that should more than meet the needs of a full passenger load.
And just as relevant and desirable is that good air-conditioning efficiency all round is pretty well ensured with a secondary cooling system mounted on the ceiling to keep the second- and third-row passengers nicely chilled.
And what would a current day vehicle be without a full suite of safety equipment. In that respect, Toyota has fully met expectations with the TSS (Toyota Safety System) in the Veloz. This package of active advanced driver assistance system comprises four main areas – Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) and Lane Keeping Control (LKC). These systems use a stereo camera on top of the windscreen to scan the road ahead.
There is also the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for those who like to use such a convenience and Cross Traffic Alert that is useful when reversing out of a parking bay. Another new feature is the Electronic Parking Brake (no more handbrake lever in the centre console but a button) with Automatic Brake Hold.
We would tell you more about the Veloz, especially its driving manners and dynamic qualities, when a vehicle is made available to us in late January. New car models always come with new and higher prices, and it is no different with the Veloz. Prices start from RM95,000 and it comes with a five-year comprehensive warranty with no limit on mileage.
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