When the 2022 Toyota Avanza came out, some people hold their pockets and wait for the Toyota Veloz to be introduced. Originally, the Veloz was launched as the top-of-the-line variant of the previous generation Avanza. In 2021, Toyota Motor Corporation decided that the Veloz should have its nameplate and get separated from the Avanza lineup. A few months after the new-generation Avanza was made available, the much-awaited Veloz was introduced a little upscaled compared to the Avanza.

Although it now has its nameplate, the Toyota Veloz shares a lot of the same components and characteristics with its origin model. At first glance, it could be mistaken for the Toyota Avanza because of its exterior appearance that follows the Avanza structure, Toyota placed the Veloz ahead of the Avanza in terms of specifications and price range.

Variants

Since Toyota Veloz can now stand on its nameplate, it has two variants available in the Philippine automotive market. There is the Toyota Veloz 1.5 G CVT variant, which is priced at Php1,185,000, and the Toyota Veloz 1.5 V CVT variant, which is available at Php1,240,000.

Both variants can either be in Purplish Silver Mica Metallic, Black Metallic 1, and Dark Red Mica Metallic. You can also have it in Platinum White Pearl Mica for a Php15,000 additional on top of the SRP, like the Avanza.

Powertrain

The powertrain components of the Toyota Veloz are the same as what the Avanza has. The only difference is that the Veloz runs in a gasoline-powered engine, and the Avanza runs with diesel fuel.

The Toyota Veloz carries a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline-powered engine mated to a CVT that produces 105 horsepower and 138-newton meters of torque in a front-wheel-drive configuration.

Exterior

Even though the Avanza and Veloz are twin models, and the Veloz originally was part of the Avanza, these two have differences that make them separately unique. The front fascia of the Toyota Veloz features a fierce and aggressive presence with its slim LED headlamps with sequential turn signals. The front air vent grille is much larger than the Avanza and designed like a group of arrowheads holding the Toyota logo in the middle. The cuts and folds of the Veloz also give a sportier vibe to the overall face of the car.

The chrome accents and style line also define the exterior upfront, on its sides, on top, and at the back. Its wheels are 17-inch alloy wrapped in 50 series Bridgestone Turanza. The side mirrors come with repeaters and chrome accents matching the side chrome accent below the windows and roof rails on top.

At the rear, the Veloz got a shark’s fin antenna and an accent spoiler that adds to its sportiness. Also found at the rear is the slim taillight that lights across both ends of the car and reflectors below each side.

Interior

Because Toyota wanted to make the Veloz the upscaled version of the Avanza, the automaker upgraded the interior styling by combining different textures of materials for the cabin. The dashboard and the doors are two-toned and of different textures that will make you feel that the company upgraded the interior feel of the Veloz.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel has standard buttons like the drive mode control and entertainment system control.  Behind the steering wheel, is the digital instrument panel with a well-designed speedometer and large tachometer visuals. The infotainment system display is upgraded and looks much better than the Avanza’s, which looks like a well-positioned tablet on top of the dashboard. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for entertainment and connectivity. It also shows vehicle and outside information like the car’s water temperature and outside temperature. The Veloz also provides 17 cup holders up front to the back, as well as charging ports for easy charging.

The seats are also two-toned and well-bolstered for a much premium feel than the Avanza. The legroom and headroom for the second-row passengers are enough even for tall people to sit comfortably. In the third row, the seats are enough to accommodate two average-height passengers and come with headrests.

At the back, the cargo space is similar to the Avanza. It can load your cargo, but the space is limited, especially when third row seats are reclined. However, if third-row seats are folded flat, the cargo space could be added.

Safety and Security

In terms of safety, Toyota Veloz comes with more safety and security features than the Toyota Avanza. It has the standard driver and passenger airbags, front side airbag, child safety locks, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, parking sensors, hill-start assist, front and side-impact beams, vehicle stability control, engine immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, power door locks, anti-theft device, central locking, door ajar warning, crash sensor, EBD, day and night rearview camera, seat belt warning, engine check warning, and 360-degree view.

The Toyota Veloz may be enormously similar to its origin model, but Toyota did upgrade several features and style to make it a stand-alone car model.

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