(Images from Toyota PH)

It is in the mid-80s when people thought of the need for a family car, something that has more seats than the regular car which has five, and more powerful to carry the people aboard m one place to another. Today, this ancient problem has multiple solutions. You have the 7-seater crossovers, the SUV, the PPV, and the MPV. Each car brand in the Philippines offer their line of the ones mentioned above. From all these modern solutions, come a modern problem – which of which suits you the best.

Now this is another problem altogether. The modern family man or woman, et cetera, can only choose a car that suits precisely to their need, and thus, choosing a car is like going to a bespoke tailor. But car manufacturers are not bespoke tailors; they do not tailor fit the car to the client; rather, the client chooses which one from the available models are the best fit. So how do we go around this conundrum? The answer is, choose something that combines looks, power, function, and a competitive price point. As a person who writes about cars, I present to you, the Toyota Veloz.

The Veloz is not new in the Philippines. It is actually the top-tier Avanza which has been in Philippines as far as one can recently remember. What's new is the Veloz name. The tier of this Avanza is so far from the basic models that Toyota decided to make the top-tier a new segment, which oddly now has two more tiers. It's like the cream of the crop just got creamier.

So how did this model get any different from an Avanza?

First, let's talk about what's the main similarity, and it's under the hood. The same engine and CVT transmission in the Avanza is found in the Veloz, although for the Avanza, there are still models that have Manual Transmission. Their engine is a 4-cylinder, in-line, 16-vvalve DOHC with dual VVT-I which produces an ample 106 horsepower and 138 Newton meters of torque. It has a fuel capacity of about 43 liters. The front and rear brakes of the Veloz, being top tier, are discs; the front are ventilated. The tires are 205 and the wheel size is 17 inches, an inch bigger than the Avanza.  As mentioned, the Veloz is run by a CVT and to me, this is better for fuel efficiency.

Speaking of efficiency, the Veloz has two drive modes, power and eco. I guess you already know what each does. If you don't then make sure you select power mode when you brough the whole fam on a road trip, and eco during… well, almost every time if you want to ensure fuel efficiency.

The Veloz, like the Avanza, seats seven people. But if you think there's no difference at all, the Veloz has capitalized more on the premium feel of the seats, the sides, the infotainment system, the little things Toyota has put a lot of attention to like the AC vents, the charging sockets at the back, the little nooks, and crannies of the vehicle. Plus, a sort of sofa mode where you recline the middle seats all the way to the back becoming a sort of ottoman when you sit on the third row.

Outside the vehicle, the Veloz is more distinctive than the Avanza, even with the upgraded unit. The continuous rear brake light, the front grille that makes a honeycomb pattern illusion, the 190 mm ride height, the aggressive yet subtle look. Also add the safety the Veloz bring. It has the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology that the Avanza does not have. This system ensures the safety of all passengers through a system of cameras, sensors, and programs which include a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Prevention, and full airbag deployment for all passengers. Plus, a 360 camera that aids the sensors and back-up cameras in the Avanza.

To end, how do we decide that the Veloz is the best family car out there. There is no scientific way for sure, but logic dictates that the Toyota reliability it is very well known for in the Philippines, added to the safety features, the looks, the different driving modes, the comfort. Combine all these and you'll see that one of the greatest contenders, if not the best one, in the family car segment is the Veloz.

The Veloz is priced at PhP 1,185,000 to PhP 1,225,000.