Toyota adds a more affordable Veloz E variant for P1.092 million

The cheapest Veloz sheds a few unnecessary features. PHOTO FROM TOYOTA

Amid the barrage of new models introduced by Toyota Motor Philippines, one of the automaker’s popular MPVs—the Veloz—receives a more affordable variant in the 1.5E. This goes for P1.092 million, a healthy P118,000 less than the midrange 1.5G. But what do you lose compared to that?

Honestly, if you don't mind the cosmetic differences, the E variant makes very good value. SCREENSHOTS FROM TOYOTA

Most of the changes are cosmetic, with the most obvious being the removal of the over-fenders, making it 25mm narrower at 1,750mm versus 1,775mm for the 1.5G. The wheels are now 16-inch alloys, similar to the ones on the Avanza G, and the car loses the puddle lamps found in the mirrors.

Also, it is only available in three colors: Purplish Silver Mica Metallic, Black Metallic 1, and Dark Red Mica Metallic. The Platinum White Pearl Mica finish is no longer available.

Similar to the Veloz 1.5G, it still has bells and whistles like an eight-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting with sequential turn signals, fabric and synthetic leather upholstery, and a wireless charger. Toyota Safety Sense, nine-inch infotainment, and a 360° camera are all reserved for the top-of-the-line V variant.

There is a very small price difference between the top-of-the-line Avanza and the new base Veloz. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

With the addition of this model, it seems like the lines between the top-of-the-line Avanza (P1.059 million) and the base Veloz are blurred even further. Considering how mechanically similar the two are, are the additional luxuries worth the P33,000 difference between the two? That’s for you to vote with your wallet.