2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5S+ Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment MPV market, consumer demand for 7-seater practicality, fuel efficiency, and basic configurations has been consistently stable. Many family users are looking for a choice that is "good enough and reliable." As an established player in this segment, the 2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5S+ is the focus of our test, where we evaluate its space performance, actual power experience, and whether its features can still meet current demands, to determine if this "balanced" model is still worth considering for family users.

Starting with the exterior, the Avanza 1.5S+ adopts a simple and steady design style without overly flashy elements. The front uses modestly sized chrome strips connecting the headlights on both sides, with Halogen main lights paired with LED daytime running lights below. Its recognition is not particularly high but suits its family-oriented positioning. The sides of the car feature straight lines, and the 2655mm wheelbase ensures ample window area, so rear passengers would not feel cramped; the 15-inch wheels paired with 185/65 R15 tires balance comfort and daily usability. At the rear, the taillights are arranged horizontally, and the bottom of the rear bumper has black plastic cladding. Overall, the design is conventional and safe, fitting as a practical family car.

Inside, the interior adopts a dark gray main color tone, with a layered design for the dashboard. The top is made of hard plastics, while the bottom incorporates some soft-touch materials. Although not luxurious to the touch, its durability meets expectations. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is a highlight of the 1.5S+ configuration. It supports the Sound Plus feature, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth or USB is smooth. The 6-speaker audio quality is average within the same class and sufficient for daily music needs. The multifunction steering wheel supports volume adjustment and answering calls, with a straightforward operational logic. The instrument panel features backlit analog dials, clearly displaying the RPM, speed, and fuel level. Although it lacks the high-tech feel of a fully digital display, it ensures easy readability of information.

Space is one of the core strengths of the Avanza. The front seats are manually adjustable and offer adequate support, with a 175cm tall passenger having about a fist-width of headroom. The second-row seats adopt a 50:50 sliding and foldable split design, with a sliding range of about 15cm. When adjusted to the furthest back position, legroom for the second row can reach two fists, comfortably accommodating three adults. The third row is more suitable for children or adults on short trips, where legroom is mostly adequate without feeling overly cramped. For storage, the front door pockets can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box is moderately deep, and the sides of the second row also have cup holders. When the third row is folded, the trunk capacity can fit two 28-inch suitcases, meeting the storage needs for daily family use or short trips. Rear air conditioning vents are standard, and the third row also has independent air vents, which is particularly practical for Malaysia's hot weather.

For performance, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum of 105PS horsepower and 140Nm torque at 4200 rpm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive layout. The power response is not very fast when starting, but a light press on the accelerator achieves smooth acceleration, making it suitable for city traffic. Acceleration within 60km/h is adequate. Overtaking requires pressing the accelerator harder, prompting the transmission to downshift. The power becomes noticeably stronger as the RPM exceeds 4000, but engine noise increases significantly above 5000 RPM. While driving on the highway at 100km/h, the engine operates at approximately 2800 RPM, and the car remains stable without any significant floating sensation. There is only one driving mode available, which is set for normal comfort, making it suitable for daily family use.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson independent suspension can filter out most minor vibrations on bumpy roads, but rear passengers will feel a noticeable bounce when passing over speed bumps or large potholes. The steering wheel is relatively light and not very precise, but it’s very nimble for parking or U-turns in the city. Fuel consumption meets expectations, with around 8.5L/100km in urban congested areas and dropping to 6.8L/100km on highways. With a 45L fuel tank fully filled, the combined range is approximately 500km, meaning daily commuting doesn't require frequent refueling. Noise control is average, as wind and tire noise become noticeably audible inside the vehicle at speeds above 80km/h, but this is considered normal for this class.

In terms of safety features, the Avanza 1.5S+ comes with 2 airbags, ABS with anti-lock braking, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Although it lacks a vehicle stability control system (ESC), its basic safety features are sufficient for daily needs. Convenience features such as keyless entry and electrically folding mirrors are also included, placing its overall configuration in the "sufficient but not luxurious" category.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5S+ are its flexible 7-seat configuration, reliable fuel efficiency, and practical features. Compared to its peer, the Perodua Alza, its rear-wheel-drive layout provides more stable power performance when fully loaded, and the space configuration is more adaptable. However, in terms of features, it is not as well-equipped as newer models, lacking items like a fully digital instrument panel or automatic air conditioning. This car is more suitable for families prioritizing practicality and reliability, especially those needing to carry passengers frequently or take short-distance trips. Its cost-effectiveness is relatively prominent among vehicles in the same class. If you're looking for a "worry-free to maintain, spacious, and fuel-efficient" family MPV, the Avanza 1.5S+ is still a worthy option to consider.