TOYOTA Nigeria Limited (TNL) has unveiled the all-new Avanza Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with more power, spacious interior, improve comfort and fuel efficiency.The management of TNL explained in Lagos recently that the new Avanza was launched in Nigeria following the success of its predecessor.Since it was first launched in the Nigerian market in 2007, the Avanza has made tremendous impact, especially among small business owners, families and shuttle service providers.Marketing Manager of TNL, Mr. Andrew Ajuya, who spoke at an interactive session with Journalists, explained that the new Avanza remains a buyer's choice as a multi purpose vehicle, because of its engine size, comfort, fuel efficiency and road handling.He explained that the Avanza has grown bigger in length, width and still retains its fuel efficiency with intimidating presence.The new Avanza is 20mm longer and 30mm wider than its predecessor while retaining its height and wheelbase.Making reference to the reported drop in sales of automobile in the country, Ajuya blames the development on government's inability to purchase new vehicles and the chain of events in the banking sector.According to him, the drop in sales could also be traced to the slow activities in the oil sector.'What drives automobile sales in the country is government purchase and the commercial sector, in the last five months, government had planned its revenue from oil sales, subsidy removal, but unfortunately oil production declined resulting in government to cutting down on spending.'What has been happening in the banking sector where retrenchment has been going on is also affecting the car market. You don't expect a bank that is retrenching staff to be buying new vehicles', Ajuya said.The new Avanza is available in four variants including 1.3 Manual Transmission, 1.3 Automatic Transmission, 1.5 Manual and 1.5 Automatic Transmission as against two specifications of 1.3MT and 1.5AT in the old model. It also retained its turning radius of 4.7m and ground clearance of 200mm.Meanwhile, fuel efficiency has increased in the new models, it can cover 12 kilometres with just one litre of fuel. Apart from improvement in fuel consumption and engine performance, Toyota has enhanced the steering system for more efficient performance.Available information indicates that the steering system has changed from hydraulic system to electric power type, which is smoother and softer than the former steering system. Also the all-new Avanza owes its ride-comfort and handling stability to improved suspension.The MacPherson Strut suspension and five-link suspension coupled with the Electric Steering System enhance ride- comfort and stability at all speed.Engineers from the stable of the auto firm also sustained the seven-seat configuration in the new Avanza but with more flexibility. The seats can be adjusted to take more loads depending on the need. The three-row seating can be adjusted to offer more space for cargo with the compact body.Within the interior, the dashboard has been completely redesigned with quality materials and sound system with ipod and CD player. The steering wheel is now multi-functional as the driver can control sound system without taking his hands off the steering wheel.
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