Suzuki APV – Toyota Avanza Alternative
For those looking for an alternative to the Toyota Avanza, there is another lower priced 7 seater. Although some might not like the van like shape, the Suzuki APV have its own fans. Similar to many MPVs today like the Estima, Elgrand and other makes from Japan, boxy MPVs have their fair share of owners who don’t mind a boxy shape in exchange for more space.
The new Suzuki APV is sort of a small van. The greatest attributes of the APV is space. It will seat eight adults comfortable with generous legroom for each of them. It’s impressive when you consider the fact that it is shorter than a Toyota Corolla Altis.
It is no secret with car of this genre when manufacturer are building up like cities short of space. The height of the APV allows dinner chair-high seats. This comes with plentiful headroom. While Toyota’s Innova wins with more space and comfort up front and in the middle, the APV easily trumps the Innova in third-row habitability. Access to the third-row easily beats most other SUVs and crossovers, including the Innova and Fortuner.
The short nose that looks a bit like a vertical wall, houses fluid bottles and maintenance items, and also some tools like the jack. While the engine is under the driver’s seat. Technically a mid engine car. Due to the mid-engine, rear-drive layout significant amount of weight is removed from the front wheels. The steering might be a tade too light when empty but on a full load, it would be most appreciated especially on tight turns.
Ride quality for APV type cars is a bit choppy, due to the rear leaf-springs rear, but not harsh. Designers have to compromise full load capacity versus just a driver up front. This is to be expected. Then again, at an entry price of lower than the Avanza, the driver probably won’t complain.
Pro’s
Spacious, cheaper on the road, people carrier.
Con’s
Maintenance cost unknown, van like look.
Specifications
Description 8 passenger, 5-door minivan
Price RM 68,000 to 77,000 on the road
Engine 1600-cc 16-valve inline-4 SOHC EFI
Max. Power 91 bhp @ 5750 rpm
Max. Torque 94 lb-ft (127 Nm) @ 4500 rpm
Weight/power ratio 32.03 lbs. per hp
Tranmission 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Dimensions (LxWxH) 163.6 x 65.2 x 73.0 in. (4155 x 1655 x 1855 mm)
Wheelbase 103.3 in. (2625 mm)
Curb weight 2915 lbs. (1325 kg)
Chassis type Full-length ladder-frame
Front suspension Independent; McPherson strut
Rear suspension Rigid axle; leaf spring
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