The Toyota Avanza is a love/hate vehicle. Those that have them, love them but those that don't usually just see them as a budget taxi or soccer mom van that hogs the right-hand lane for no reason at all (yes, Cape Town, I'm looking at you).
It is one of the very few entry-level 7-seater on offer in the South African market today and that has contributed to its success story. It's still a viable product in the Toyota line-up but it does have a few rivals, namely the Honda BR-V and the Suzuki Ertiga.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the New Toyota Avanza
Prices for the Avanza range from R261 300 through to R313 700 for the top-of-the-range 1.5 TX model. By comparison, the Honda BR-V ranges from R258 800 to R324 800 for the 1.5 Elegance Auto model. The Suzuki Ertiga is most certainly the most affordable one in the line-up, starting at R221 900 and ending off at R288 900 for the top-spec GLX Auto which immediately gives it a head-start in this comparison (despite the fact that we're not comparing prices - but you will see why I mention this in a few moments).
Here's how they fare:
Toyota Avanza 1.5 TX
Our rating: 2/5
The Toyota Avanza is equipped with a single DIN radio in the lower models but the top-of-the-range TX model is blessed with a double DIN head unit. These systems, while equipped with more features than the single DIN items, are still little more than an audio system and cannot be considered infotainment systems.
The Avanza is fitted with a CD player and is the only one in this comparison to have one. It also features an AM/FM tuner and will accept USB, AUX and Bluetooth connections for audio streaming and hands-free telephony. This unit also features voice control for connected Bluetooth devices.
The unit features a small, monochrome LCD display and interaction is via touch-sensitive buttons with a large, easy-to-find volume knob in the centre of the unit. The Avanza also has steering wheel-mounted controls for mode, volume and track skipping.
Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance Auto
Our rating: 2/5
In the Honda BR-V, you will get a double DIN head unit with clean and clear controls. This system can also only be referred to as an audio system and doesn't qualify for infotainment status. This system is without a CD player but does have USB input and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free telephony. It is also without an AUX input.
The display is much like the system in the Avanza and is only a monochrome LCD display that takes up a single DIN slot. The buttons are large and clearly marked and have a direct feel to them. The large volume knob in the centre has a push-button function for selections when scrolling through the menus.
The multi-function steering wheel allows for mode, volume control and track/station skip control. The audio is sent through a 4-speaker and 2-tweeter audio setup in the Elegance model, Comfort models have to do without the tweeters.
Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GLX Auto
Our rating: 3.5/5
We've already addressed the difference in price between the highest spec Avanza, BR-V and Ertiga and despite the Suzuki Ertiga coming at nearly R25 000 cheaper, it is fitted with a full infotainment system.
The updated GLX model gets Suzuki's 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality which allows for seamless screen mirroring of your smartphone. It also allows for USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity and naturally includes an AM/FM tuner. It is without a CD player but that is a small sacrifice.
The menu layout is simple and colourful with a 4-tile home screen that allows you to quickly access the desired function from the home screen. Unfortunately, this system doesn't include any tactile interfaces for track skipping or volume control electing to use touch-sensitive areas on the sides of the unit. You are able to control the basic functions with the multifunction steering wheel including Bluetooth telephone controls.
Recommended next:
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