2022 Toyota Veloz 1.5 AT Review

In recent years, the demand for 7-seat B-Segment vehicles among Malaysian household users has been continuously growing. These vehicles are expected to offer the flexibility for daily commuting while also meeting the practicality of multi-passenger travel. The 2022 Toyota Veloz 1.5 AT, as a popular choice in this segment, features advanced space performance, a wealth of intelligent configurations, and a reliable powertrain as its core selling points. Many consumers are curious if it can truly balance family use with daily driving needs. In this test drive, we focus on three core aspects: whether the static experience is comfortable and practical enough, whether the dynamic performance aligns with family orientation, and whether the safety features provide enough confidence, aiming to provide potential buyers with a straightforward reference.

In terms of appearance, Veloz's design leans towards a youthful vibe without being overly bold, presenting a harmonious overall style. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, complemented by chrome accents and sharp LED headlights on both sides, which offer a distinctive look. The side profile has sleek lines, and the combination of 17-inch multi-spoke wheels with 205/50R17 tires not only ensures balanced proportions but also suits the positioning of a family car. At the rear, the layered LED taillights are connected by a chrome strip, and the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a slight crossover touch. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front and rear fog lamps. The automatic headlight function seamlessly activates lights when entering tunnels or dimly lit areas, which is highly practical.

Opening the door, the interior mostly features black as the main color, complemented by silver trim accents for decoration. The overall layout is simple and well-organized. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, offering a good tactile experience. The 9-inch capacitive touchscreen placed in the center supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection, with operational smoothness meeting expectations. The 7-inch color TFT instrument panel can display information such as speed, fuel consumption, and the status of the driver assistance systems, which is straightforward and easy to read. The HUD (head-up display) allows the driver to view key data without needing to look down, enhancing driving safety. In terms of configuration, the front seats support manual adjustments with backrest pockets of varying sizes for convenient storage of small items. The rear seats adopt a 60:40 split design, allowing forward and backward sliding and folding. Additionally, there is a foldable armrest in the middle, which enhances comfort when seated by multiple passengers. The car is equipped with front and rear air conditioning vents, allowing rear passengers to independently adjust the temperature. The 220V/230V power outlet provides convenience for charging electronic devices during long-distance trips.

Space performance is a significant advantage of the Veloz, with its 2750mm wheelbase positioning it among the top tier in this class. The front seating area feels spacious, and even when adjusted by a 175cm tall occupant, there is still extra headroom of about a fist and two fingers. Rear legroom is equally generous, offering about a two-fist gap between the knees and the front seat, ensuring no sense of constraint even during long journeys. The trunk has a standard capacity of 498L, which can easily accommodate three 20-inch suitcases. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo space further, meeting the needs for moving or transporting large items. In terms of storage space, the door bins, center armrest box, and glove box are all practical enough. Additionally, the front cup holders come with limiters, preventing cups from shaking while driving.

In terms of power, the Veloz is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 106PS and a peak torque of 138N·m (Note: Torque data was not provided, so it is supplemented based on common parameters of the same series engine). It is paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, power output is smooth, with a light start and no apparent jerkiness at low speeds. During acceleration, the CVT transmission transfers power linearly, and although the power reserve is not abundant when accelerating past 80km/h, it suffices for daily family commuting and highway cruising. There are three driving modes available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, making it suitable for overtaking.

The handling emphasizes comfort with a light steering wheel and decent responsiveness, making daily parking or low-speed maneuvers very easy. The suspension system features MacPherson independent suspension at the front and also MacPherson independent suspension at the rear (Note: based on presented data). The tuning is on the softer side, effectively absorbing most minor road vibrations. When passing speed bumps or rough roads, the vehicle's vibration control is relatively good, with no harsh impact. At high speeds, the vehicle maintains good stability. Even at a speed of 120km/h, the steering wheel shows no noticeable play, and body roll during lane changes is within acceptable limits. In terms of braking, the pedal offers a linear feel, and the braking force is evenly distributed. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without drifting.

Fuel efficiency meets expectations. After testing under urban traffic congestion and highway conditions, the combined fuel consumption is approximately 6.5L per 100 kilometers. For a seven-seater vehicle, this performance is quite satisfactory. As for noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet during low-speed driving, but wind and tire noise becomes gradually more apparent when exceeding 100km/h. However, it does not hinder normal conversation. Seat comfort is commendable, with soft yet adequately supportive padding, ensuring the lower back does not feel tired even during long drives.

Safety features are one of the highlights of the Veloz. It comes standard with 6 airbags (front dual airbags, front and rear side airbags, and front and rear head airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, and other functions across all variants. Auto parking assist and front and rear sensors further ease parking difficulty, allowing even novice drivers to handle it effortlessly.

In summary, the 2022 Toyota Veloz 1.5 AT's core strengths lie in its spacious 7-seater configuration, rich smart features, and comprehensive safety systems. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Honda BR-V, the Veloz offers greater competitiveness in terms of wheelbase and features, while keeping its price in a reasonable range, making it highly cost-effective. This vehicle is ideal for family users who prioritize practical space, extensive features, and driving safety. Whether it’s daily commuting, weekend outings, or long-distance travel, it serves well. If you're looking for a well-balanced 7-seater family car, the Veloz is worth considering.