Toyota call it “Kaizen”, we call it a number of welcome tweaks to the 2009 model year Avanza.
By Gareth Dean
“Kaizen” you ask? Apparently, it’s a Japanese philosophy of continual improvement…but before we digress further into the Tao of Toyota, the basic gist is that the company’s popular compact MPV has undergone some minor stylistic and specification changes for 2009.
All of the models in the range now feature electric windows on all four passenger doors, power steering, remote central locking and an immobiliser. With the exception of the base 1,3 S model, air conditioning, ABS brakes and driver and passenger front airbags are now standard features across the range.
The minor exterior changes include a ribbed roof design, body-coloured door handles on all SX models, and chrome handles on the TX model. The SX models also gain side protection mouldings and window frame black out. All models now feature green tinted laminated windscreen glass, while the range-topping 1,5 TX still gets smoked privacy glass fitted to the side and rear hatch windows.
Perhaps the most welcome new addition is a new dark grey trim, which will stand up to family-carting duties somewhat better than the current car’s beige upholstery. In the1,5 TX, this new colour scheme is complimented by silver-coloured trim accents on the door arm rests.
The engine range remains unchanged with a choice of 1,3 or 1,5-litre dohc, 16-valve engines with VVT-i variable valve timing technology and ‘S’, ‘SX’ or ‘TX’ specification levels. The 1.3 litre engine develops 67 kW at 6 000 r/min and 120 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. The 1.5 litre powerplant makes 80 kW at 6 000 r/min and 141 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. Both units are mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Pricing (including VAT):
Avanza 1,3 S R123 300
Avanza 1,3 SX R138 500
Avanza 1,5 SX R146 200
Avanza 1,5 TX R165 500
