[lance]

911,

Found something more recent:

New Toyota Avanza – Larger Capacity Engine, Same Fuel Consumption
Thursday, October 05, 2006 By YS Khong

Petaling Jaya, 4 October, 2006 – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd launched the
updated Toyota Avanza to the media tonight, ahead of its scheduled public
launch in a couple of days to go. In addition to a model update on the
current 1.3 litre model, UMW Toyota also launched a more powerful version
with a 1.5 litre DOHC engine with VVTi (Variable Valve timing).

The overall shape remains the same, with small changes to the front mask
(chrome grill and a re-designed front bumper), and six new colours have
been added. You can now get your Avanza in Light Green Metallic, Garnet
Red, Sparkling Gold, Platinum Silver, Dark Grey Metallic, and Black Mica.

The 1.3 litre specifications basically remain the same, except for a slight
increase in the horsepower by 2 KW to 67KW or 92 PS at 6,000 rpm.
Unfortunately, the final drive ratio for the 1.3 remains the same at
5.571:1, which translates to an engine rev of around 3,800 rpm at the
highway regulation speed of 110 km/hr. During the preview, I had the
opportunity to have a discussion on the matter with Mr. Kazuhiko Yamamoto
from the Vehicles Development Centre of Toyota Motor Corporation, and he
mentioned that the 1.5 model has a final drive ratio of 5.125:1, which
translates to a 9 percent increase in the overall ratio, and coupled to a
wheel size of 15 inches on the 1.5, it is expected that the overall speed
per 1000 rpm would be around 3,300 to 3,500 rpm. According to Yamamoto-san,
the 1.5 litre variant was designed with a target fuel consumption to be the
same as the 1.3 litre variant. Depending on driving style and speed, my
current model Avanza gets anything between 15.6 sen a kilometre to 19.7 sen
a kilometre.

Mr. Yamamoto also stated that there is an option for a 5.375:1 final drive
ratio in some other countries; that would be something that I would try out
in Malaysia, to reduce the cost per kilometre, bearing in mind the rising
cost of fuel here. The concern that Yamamoto has regarding the 5.375 ratio
would be the hill-climbing ability, and acceleration, which would suffer a
little because of the heavier load, but bearing in mind that in Indonesia,
where the Avanza originated from, the usage of the Avanza is different from
here. In Malaysia, my personal observation of Avanza owners is that a vast
majority of owners are light-duty users. Perhaps a choice of final drive at
the point of purchase could be an option that can be explored. After all,
car makers all over the world do allow for customisation, such as choice of
engine, trim type and colour, type of transmission, etc. Over here, what is
done in this area is the manufacturer making vehicles in certain ‘popular’
configurations, and offering them as variants. Having a final drive option
is just going one step further. After all, David Chen, the MD of UMW
Toyota, in his opening speech, did say that the developments in the new
Avanza stemmed from Toyota’s ‘Voice of the Customer’, and my comments are
exactly that.

Other than cosmetics, the 1.3 model remains unchanged, except for one
feature that I consider very thoughtful; the second row of seats now have
both left and right seats being able to fold and ‘tumble’ forward for easy
access to the third row of seats.

The 1.5 litre variant is more interesting. It has an engine that is very
similar to that in the Vios in terms of design and power (109 PS at 6,000
rpm and 141Nm of Torque at 4,400 rpm), but is placed in a ‘North-south’
direction to cater for the rear wheel drive configuration of the Avanza,
and whereas the Vios engine has an aluminium block, the Avanza block is
cast-iron. With a fuel consumption mooted to be the same as the 1.3 litre
variant, but with more power, it will probably overshadow the 1.3 variant
in sales numbers.

The 1.5 also comes with airbags, ABS, and EBD, plus 15-inch wheels,
features that will make it more appealing. Personally, I am lookinw direc911,

Found something more recent:

New Toyota Avanza – Larger Capacity Engine, Same Fuel Consumption
Thursday, October 05, 2006 By YS Khong

Petaling Jaya, 4 October, 2006 – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd launched the
updated Toyota Avanz

[Itchibawa]

To me, the Avanza 1.5 is an excellent family car.

Till Lavina Geniss 1.8L comes out, Toyota has the edge.

[ahk]

sorry to bring up this old topic.

Wondering will the Avanza 1.3M underpower? I'm keen on this 2012 new Avanza 1.3M. Please advise. Thanks.

By the way, I can't find an outlet has test drive unit for 1.3M :-(

[yeong]

sorry to bring up this old topic.

Wondering will the Avanza 1.3M underpower? I'm keen on this 2012 new Avanza 1.3M. Please advise. Thanks.

By the way, I can't find an outlet has test drive unit for 1.3M :-(

My 1st-gen 1.3A has much low-end power but quickly run out of breath when rpm climb, & rpm climb real fast due to the short gear ratios. Donno how to define "underpower" but u normally don't say any van underpower right?

If no new 1.3M probably can test older one at 2nd car dealers. Test drive is a must before commit to buy, esp the Avanza. It is utility / workhourse platform, different driving feel vs normal sedan.

[ahk]

thanks for your reply. That is what i tot too go test drive old 1.3M. But really wish there is a real new avanza 1.3M for me to try so that i can really feel the action performance and interior feel.