TOYOTA GOES PANEL VAN WITH AVANZA

Toyota South Africa has augmented the popular Avanza range with a Panel Van addition. The Avanza Panel Van is said to be a combination of normal car comfort with the utility of the best panel vans in the business. Add to this, Toyota promises to offer great value for money to any customer opting for this over the popular Volkswagen Caddy, Peugeot Partner or Renault Kangoo Express Van.

Power comes from a 1.3-litre naturally aspirated engine with VVT-i. It produces 67kW at 6000rpm and 117Nm of torque at 4400rpm. It’s paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that helps it walk from 0 – 100km/h in 11.9 seconds. Not that this is important to panel van buyers but it’s lovely to know what you’re working with at all times. Where it counts is in these numbers; average fuel consumption, loading and towing capacity.

First the fuel average. In the combined cycle the Avanza Panel Van returns 7.7 litres per 100km travelled, according to its maker. The stated loading capacity is an impressive 500kg, matched with a 750kg towing capacity. It’s like a small bakkie but with the advantage of a permanently enclosed roof.

For the driver and passenger’s convenience there’s stuff like a cargo barrier net that stops objects from flying all the way up front, rear access doors, electrically operated windows all round, ABS brakes, a remote control key with central locking and electric power steering.

Toyota is selling the Avanza Panel Van at R161 400 including VAT and emissions tax.