Space for the family


Barry de Klerk - Mini-vans are the new sports cars. Well, probably not, but you can still get all the perks in your 7-seater – especially if it is a Toyota.

One of the world’s most reliable vehicle manufacturers, Toyota, is back at it with their Avanza. This mini-van has taken the motor market by storm since its initial release. The car has grown from being Toyota’s ugly duckling to being its beautiful swan.

Toyota gave the car a sportier look over the years, so you might as well show it off at your kids’ school. The best thing about the Avanza is it makes you nostalgic, bringing back memories of what used to be the Condor and Venture.

The latest models in the Avanza range have larger radiator grilles. They also feature redesigned headlights, an update to the lower grille, and a colour coated brow on the front. Toyota did not stop there; they also upgraded the back with brilliant looking tail lights.

The interior is another upgrade that proves the Avanza means serious business and a lot of fun. It has a mono-tone design, making it simple but beautiful. A heel pad has also been installed at the driver’s foot area for more comfort.

The dashboard and central console have also been re-designed to add to the new look. You can play your music as loud as you want to on your family vacation. Toyota separated the second and third row seats and this makes them easily adjustable. This also allows easy movement in the back of the vehicle.

As the Avanza is a family car, Toyota made sure they installed the best safety features. This includes ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) on all the models. The car also has an anti-theft system with an alarm and immobiliser.

It also has Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and two airbags have also been installed, one for the driver and one for the front passenger. The Avanza has traction- and stability control. The car is offered with two different engine ranges.

Under the bonnet you will find a 1.3-litre that has an output power of 70kW and 137Nm torque. The other model comes with 1.5-litre engine and it offers 77kW and 137Nm. Toyota claims the fuel economy for the 1.3-litre models is 6.1 litres per 100km, while the 1.5-litre is set at 6.7 litres per 100km.

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