The 2022 Toyota Veloz is a bold entry in the competitive MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment, offering a compelling combination of practicality, cutting-edge technology, and a touch of elegance. Positioned as a premium alternative to the Toyota Avanza, the Veloz is designed for those who need a versatile vehicle for family adventures but desire an extra layer of sophistication. In this review, we delve into the Veloz’s design, performance, features, and how it stacks up against competitors in the increasingly crowded MPV market.
Exterior Design: Modern Aesthetic Meets Practicality
Toyota has given the Veloz a design language that speaks to modern sensibilities. It’s not merely an evolution of the Avanza but rather a distinct vehicle with its own identity. The exterior strikes a balance between robustness and refinement, making it suitable for both urban settings and out-of-town excursions.
Front Fascia and Lighting
The Veloz’s front fascia is characterized by a large trapezoidal grille, flanked by sharp, angular LED headlamps that give the vehicle a commanding presence. The sleek headlights, integrated with LED daytime running lights, contribute to a modern and assertive look, while the chrome accents add a premium touch. The lower bumper is adorned with silver trim, emphasizing its sporty yet refined appeal.
Body and Dimensions
With an increased ground clearance of 205 mm and a wide stance, the 2022 Veloz sits confidently on the road. The sculpted side panels, along with the subtle chrome window lining, give it a streamlined silhouette. The vehicle measures 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height, offering ample interior space without feeling overly bulky on the outside. The 17-inch alloy wheels with a striking design further enhance its road presence.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Designed with Families in Mind
Stepping inside the 2022 Toyota Veloz, you’re greeted by a cabin that emphasizes both comfort and sophistication. The well-appointed interior, filled with thoughtful touches, makes this MPV stand out in a sea of family vehicles.
Spaciousness and Versatility
The Veloz offers a three-row seating configuration, comfortably accommodating up to seven passengers. The second row is equipped with a 60:40 split-folding mechanism, while the third row features a 50:50 split, allowing for flexible seating arrangements and additional cargo space when needed. The generous headroom and legroom ensure comfort for passengers on longer journeys, while the wide-opening rear doors make ingress and egress effortless.
High-Quality Materials and Finishes
The interior design is far from utilitarian. Soft-touch materials are generously applied across the dashboard and door panels, while the seats are upholstered in a combination of premium fabric and synthetic leather. The multi-function steering wheel, adorned with silver accents, houses controls for audio, cruise control, and hands-free communication, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The 2022 Veloz is equipped with a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier for drivers to stay connected on the go. Wireless smartphone charging is a welcome feature, as are the USB ports located in all three rows for added convenience. The 360-degree camera system aids in tight parking situations, offering a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. Additionally, the instrument cluster features a 7-inch digital display, which provides real-time driving data in a clear and intuitive manner.
Performance and Engine: A Smooth, Efficient Drive
While the 2022 Toyota Veloz prioritizes comfort and practicality, it also offers respectable performance, ensuring that driving this MPV is anything but mundane.
Powertrain and Transmission
Under the hood, the Veloz is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 106 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, this engine provides more than adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures smooth power delivery and contributes to better fuel efficiency, making the Veloz a reliable choice for long-distance travel.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Veloz is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which has been praised for enhancing both rigidity and ride comfort. The vehicle’s suspension system, comprising MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear, is tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively, providing a comfortable ride for passengers even on rougher surfaces. Steering is responsive, and the vehicle handles corners with composure, though it’s not designed for spirited driving. Nonetheless, for an MPV, the Veloz offers a refined and stable driving experience.
Safety Features: A Well-Rounded Approach to Protection
Safety is paramount in a family vehicle, and Toyota has equipped the 2022 Veloz with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect both driver and passengers.
Active and Passive Safety Systems
The Veloz comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes features such as pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle also boasts stability control, hill start assist, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), all working in concert to provide a secure driving experience.
Airbags and Structural Integrity
In terms of passive safety, the Veloz is fitted with six airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, ensuring that passengers are protected in the event of a collision. The reinforced body structure provides additional protection, and crumple zones are designed to absorb the impact energy, safeguarding occupants.
Fuel Efficiency: An Economical Choice
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor in the MPV segment, and the 2022 Toyota Veloz does not disappoint. Thanks to the optimized CVT and lightweight construction, the Veloz offers a combined fuel consumption of around 18 kilometers per liter, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class. This makes it a practical choice for families looking to reduce fuel costs, especially on longer trips.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The 2022 Toyota Veloz faces stiff competition from models like the Mitsubishi Xpander and Suzuki Ertiga, both of which offer similar seating capacity and features. However, the Veloz sets itself apart with its premium design, advanced safety features, and a more upscale cabin experience. Priced competitively, the Veloz offers an attractive package for those seeking a family vehicle that combines reliability, practicality, and modern styling.
Conclusion: A Versatile and Sophisticated MPV
The 2022 Toyota Veloz successfully merges practicality with style, offering a comfortable, tech-filled interior and a capable powertrain. Its spacious layout, family-oriented features, and comprehensive safety systems make it an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile MPV. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on a weekend getaway, the Veloz rises to the occasion with ease, making it a standout option in the highly competitive MPV market.