Carmall.com - If in the previous article (read here), CarMall.com reviewed the changes done to the exterior, this particular article will elaborate what interior and engine refinements have PT. Toyota Astra Motor and PT. Astra Daihatsu Motor applied to the All New Avanza-Xenia.

As a basic overview of the All New Avanza-Xenia, this two latest generation low-end MPVs have slightly bigger dimensions, namely an addition of 20mm and 25mm in length and width respectively. The All New Avanza-Xenia now measure at 4,120mm x 1,635mm x 1,695mm (l x w x t) with a wheelbase of 2,655mm.

Main changes inside the cabin

The increased dimensions of the All New Avanza-Xenia greatly affects the cabin space. PT. Astra Daihatsu Motor as the producer of Avanza-Xenia have made changes, to the second and third row seats in particular. The second row seats now apply a sliding seat system, allowing each individual seat to be slid forward or backward by 60mm on a pull of a lever.

As for the third row seats, they are separate seats each equipped with a head rest and a pair of seat belts. The space between the seat's back rest and the luggage door are added by 40mm, meaning that the owner of this low-end MPV can afford more luggage due to a now bigger capacity. Numerous console boxes scattered throughout the car allow easier storage of bits and pieces for the driver and passengers.

The more spacious feel inside the All New Avanza-Xenia's cabin is further heightened by their two-tone interior. Another factor that adds to this spacious feel is the wider side windows.

Not only spacious, this favourite car for Indonesian families also comes with other refinements, including an upper air vent to provide the best air circulation for all passengers, while for some All New Xenia variants (X and R) and all Avanza variants, Daihatsu have equipped the rear section of the cabin with an double-blower AC, which has been integrated to the car's ceiling.

Furthermore, to enhance comfort during the riding experience, there's also a single-DIN entertainment system for the lowest variant, and a double-DIN entertainment system with additional audio controls for the highest variant of the All New Avanza-Xenia.

Suspension resetting

Body roll on low-end MPVs such as the Avanza-Xenia is perhaps a common fact, but this latest generation seems to have overcome this shortcoming. In spite the use of the same set of suspension system, namely McPherson Struts (front) and Multi-link (rear), the manufacturer has apparently done some recallibration to the springs and shock absorbers to give the vehicle better stability.

For its power source, the All New Avanza-Xenia still use the same engines as their predecessor. The All New Avanza offers two engine choices, namely a 1,300cc K3-VE engine (type E & G) with automatic or manual transmission, and a 1,500cc 3SZ-VE engine (type G) with manual transmission. Meanwhile, the All New Xenia ventures in the smaller cc segment with a 1,000cc EJ-VE DOHC VVT-i engine (D & M) with manual transmission, and a 1,300cc DOHC K3-VE engine with manual transmission for the X variant, and automatic or manual for the R variant.

However, the All New Avanza-Xenia is claimed to have an improved fuel efficiency. Several other developments include the application of EPS (Electronic Power Steering) and a 50rpm reduction during idle engine situations.

It's these improvements to the suspension system and wheels, which allow an improved stability, as well as improvements to the engine, that have made the All New Avanza-Xenia so eagerly awaited and attract the interest of Indonesian families. However, this reality must also be faced with a good plan, as for both PT. TAM or PT. ADM, the number of orders for the All New Avanza-Xenia have gone beyond their capacity to produce.

Safer even without airbags and ABS?

Although the All New Avanza-Xenia are not equipped with safety features such as airbags and the ABS, several anticipative safety features have been applied by the producer. One of which is the GOA Body technology for the Avanza and the TAF Body technology for the Xenia, for absorbing impact during collisions. As a note, only the All New Avanza Veloz is equipped with the ABS.

Even PT. ADM's Director of Marketing, Amelia Tjandra, stated that both those features are not really necessary yet for the road conditions in Indonesia. "However, all global standards for vehicle safety have been applied on both vehicles, and they have been appropriately tested," says Amelia. PT. TAM's Director of Marketing also added that focus will still be directed at safety, in addition to comfort.