Toyota Avanza

The Toyota Avanza is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive automobile produced in Indonesia and Malaysia by Toyota, who also sell the car under their Daihatsu brand. The car was launched at the Gaikindo Auto Expo in 2003 and sold over 100,000 units that year. The name "Avanza" was taken from the Italian word avanzato, which means "advance".It is first introduced in Indonesia in 2003 to replace Toyota Kijang's segment as a citizen family car.

A special version of the Avanza was launched in late 2004 using the new Toyota VVT-i engine, which gave the car more power. The special edition was also equipped with an automatic transmission. Only 200 units of the Avanza special edition were made.

The Avanza was restyled near the end of the third quarter of 2006 with a new grille, new bumpers, a new interior, and new front & rear lamps. The 2006 model New Avanza S also has a new engine, a 1.5 l 16-valve DOHC VVT-i gasoline engine (similar to the Toyota Rush). Only the automatic transmission model is sold in Indonesia & Malaysia.

Avanza's 1.3 litre engine has a maximum output of 67kW(92PS) at 6,000 rpm, and the 1.5 litre engine produces 80kW(109PS) at 6,000 rpm.

However, there are complains from users that the suspension system of the MPV tends to 'roll' at highway speeds.The suspension is also too stiff for Indonesian roads. Therefore, the recent Avanza models have softer suspension.

The Avanza's twin model is the Daihatsu Xenia, the only Daihatsu to use 2 types of engine (4 cylinder 1300 cc EFI similar to the Avanza's, and 3 cylinder 1000 cc with power and torque rating at 63ps/5600rpm and 9.2kg-Nm/3600rpm). It is sold as the lower trim of the Avanza. The Daihatsu brand also has less prestige than Toyota in Indonesia

Characteristics
The model is a five-door hatchback with a FR layout. It features a 1.3-litre gasoline engine with a maximum output of 67 kW (92 PS) at 6000 rpm, and a 1.5-litre gasoline engine that produces 80 kW (109 PS) at 6000 rpm.

A special version of the Avanza was launched in late 2004 using a more powerful VVT-i unit. The special edition was also equipped with an automatic transmission. Only 200 units of the Avanza special edition were made.

The Avanza was restyled near the end of the third quarter of 2006 with a new grille, new bumpers, a new interior, and new front and rear lamps. The 2006 model New Avanza S also has a new engine, a 1.5-litre 16-valve DOHC VVT-i gasoline engine (similar to the Toyota Rush) along with the new ABS braking system.

Criticism
The early generation of Avanza has bad reputation in the suspension which is too stiff.Later,they replaced the suspension into the softer one.Owners were pleased by the change.The Avanza is known for its sharp handling,perfect for slipping through cars in traffic jam.Some people also like the unique engine sound that no other car can produce.The car can accommodate 7 adult passengers (average Indonesian size) in 1 small car.The Avanza is also criticised as being a great value for money car which can accomodate 7 passengers in an affordable cost,despite that the the demand for 7 seaters car is high in Indonesia.

Daihatsu Xenia
The Avanza's twin model is the Daihatsu Xenia, the only Daihatsu to use two engines - the 1.3-litre EFI similar to the Avanza's, and a three-cylinder 1.0-litre with power and torque rating at 63 PS at 5600 rpm and 92 Nm at 3600 rpm.

In China, Daihatsu together with FAW launch the Xenia on 21 June 2007. Production in China will be carried out at FAW Jilin Auto. The Daihatsu Xenia is using 1.3 and 1.5-litre EFI similar to the Avanza's.

In Indonesia, the Xenia comes with 1.3 and 1.5 engines. The Xenia is sold together with the Toyota version in Indonesia. The Toyota version is more expensive with more features.

Standard

 * 15" wheels (On 1.5 models)
 * 14" wheels (On 1.3 models)
 * 13" wheels (On 1.0 models)
 * 4-speaker audio system with radio and CD playback
 * 50:50 folding 2nd row seats
 * 100:0 folding 3rd row seats
 * MacPherson Strut Suspension
 * Electronically controlled side mirrors
 * All windows equipped with power windows
 * Warning lights on information meters for various safety and engine systems
 * Air-conditioning with rear blower
 * Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body
 * Seat Belts
 * Alarm system with engine immobliser, siren, cabin sensors, and auto door locks
 * Foglamps and high-mount stop light
 * Reverse sensors

First Generation
The first generation of Avanza and Xenia were introduced at the same time in 2003. The early Xenia has no differences with Avanza. However,the Avanza is more expensive because Toyota brand has higher prestige level than Daihatsu. The first generation of Avanza/Xenia has criticism about the stiff suspension. However, Toyota Astra remade the suspension in the newer generation of Avanza/Xenia.

Second generation
Toyota Astra Motor decided to make the new generation of Avanza/Xenia to make it still competitive to the segment in 2006. The second generation has a restyled grille and bumpers which looks more propotional. The stiff suspension was replaced with the softer one. Rear lights are also redesigned for better looks. So far, people like the new change. The second generation of Avanza has different features from Xenia. There is also a small difference in the interior.

Third generation
The third generation features a new grille and bumper. This time, the Avanza version's bumper look different from the Xenia version. With this, people will be able to differ Avanza and Xenia easily. The Avanza version has a new chrome line at the rear. Interior details were also changed with higher quality materials.It also features 2 new colors: Dark Grey Metallic and Wine Red Metallic.

Existing on 1.5 Only

 * Chormed Front Grille, door handles, backdoor garnish, shift bang
 * Anti Brake Locking System (ABS) (Howstuffworks article on ABS)
 * Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
 * 4-spoke Urethane Steering Wheels

Aerokit package (Available for 1.3 and 1.5)

 * Front and rear bumper spoiler
 * Side Skirting
 * Muffler cutter

Options

 * Muffler cutter
 * Center Console box

Popular culture
There is no doubt that the Avanza is the best selling car in Indonesia.It is not hard to spot an Avanza roaming around Indonesia.The Avanza is known as "citizen's car".The car is not just popularry used for family purpose,but also for businesses.It is the icon of Indonesia since the Toyota Kijang.It is the majority of the car population in Indonesia.