All-new Toyota Veloz set for April 29 launch
TOYOTA MOTOR Philippines (TMP) has confirmed that it will bring in the Veloz, a spirit sibling of the Avanza MPV (whose all-new version was launched here last March) but is positioned as a subcompact SUV.
The vehicle will be officially unveiled via a livestreamed event on April 29, 11 a.m., through the Toyota Motor Philippines Facebook and YouTube accounts. There will also be a physical display of the Veloz at the BGC Amphitheater from April 29 to May 1, where people may join “experience activities,” said TMP in a statement. Dealerships will also be displaying the model from that date.
“The upcoming introduction of the all-new Veloz marks another milestone for Toyota in the Philippines,” said TMP First Vice-President for Vehicle Sales Operations Sherwin Chualim. “Previously known as the top-grade variant of the Avanza compact MPV range, the Veloz has evolved to become a new standalone brand ready to claim its position as a subcompact SUV of choice for customers seeking new adventures.” Dealerships started taking reservations last April 23.
TMP’s release provided scant information outside of saying that pricing of the Veloz will start at P1.185 million. However, a reliable source shared with “Velocity” that there will be two trims of the model: 1.5 G CVT (which takes the aforementioned tag) and 1.5 V CVT (priced at P1.225 million). The Veloz will be available in four colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica (plus P15,000), Purplish Silver Mica Metallic, Black Metallic, and Dark Red Mica Metallic.
The all-new seven-seater Veloz stretches 4,475mm, is 1,775-mm wide, and stands 1,700mm; it clears the ground by 190mm. Compare this to the Avanza, which measures 4,395mm, is 1,730-mm wide, and assumes the same height.
Powering the Veloz is the Avanza’s familiar 1.5-liter mill, the 2NR-VE — a four-cylinder, inline, 16-valve DOHC with VVTi. Output numbers are the same: 106ps and 138Nm, coursed to the front wheels. Speaking of which, the vehicle gets 17-inch alloys fitted with 205/50 tires (the top-spec Avanza gets 195/60R16s).
More significantly, the higher variant of the Veloz will get Toyota Safety Sense features — particularly the pre-collision system, automatic high beam, and lane departure alert. These join the blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and the four SRS air bags standard only on the aforementioned range-topping Avanza G CVT.
“The Veloz basically addresses what’s lacking in the Avanza,” said our source. “Plus, it’s really sporty. It provides more value for money, for sure.” — KMA
