The current, second generation Toyota Avanza is now reaching the 10th year of its model life. Granted, it has received many updates since, including two new NR series 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre aluminum block Dual VVT-i engines introduced in 2015, followed by a styling update in 2019 (now including Android Auto/Apple CarPlay).

An all-new third generation model is expected to make its global debut in Indonesia by 2022, and rumour has it that the current model’s rear-wheel drive layout will be dropped in favour of a more fuel efficient front-wheel drive layout, thus matching its younger B-segment MPV rivals like the Honda BR-V (or in the case of Indonesia, Honda Mobilio) and Mitsubishi Xpander.

Also read: Spied: Next-gen FWD Toyota Avanza spotted, basis for new Alza?

However, other sources say that the current Avanza will continue to live on in Indonesia with further tweaks, and sold alongside its donor car and twin brother the Daihatsu Xenia. There is still strong demand for a rear-wheel drive MPV, whose better traction when fully loaded makes it better suited for use in the more rural parts of Indonesia.

Also read: Next-gen 2021 Toyota Avanza to get both FWD and RWD configs

Instead, they say that the front-wheel drive Avanza replacement model could be introduced under a new nameplate, possibly as the Veloz (currently a variant name for the high specifications Avanza in Indonesia) with a hybrid option too.

Also read: Apart from RWD layout, is Toyota ditching the Avanza name for next-gen?

The latter is not too hard to believe as Indonesia is rapidly ramping its efforts to roll out electrified cars, be it hybrids or battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Currently, distributor Toyota Astra Motor Indonesia already sells 4 hybrid models there – Corolla Altis Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, C-HR Hybrid, and Camry Hybrid.

Indonesian artist bagasatriakbar recently posted this rendered image of the upcoming 2022 Toyota Avanza.

For his render, bagasatriakbar imagined the next generation Avanza replacement model to be based on 2017 Daihatsu DN Multisix concept, combining it with Toyota’s latest styling language that’s already seen in the Toyota Corolla Altis and Corolla Cross.

Also, Malaysian users will be interested to know that the next generation 2022 Toyota Avanza, or whatever it will be called, will likely lend its DNGA platform for the next generation Perodua Alza.

As Japan no longer sells the Daihatsu Boon Luminas / Toyota Passo Sette, which the Perodua Alza is based on, there is no donor car for the next generation Alza, which also explains why the Alza remains unchanged after more than 10 years. 

Also read: Say goodbye to the RWD Toyota Avanza, hello new gen Perodua Alvanza?

It would make sense for Daihatsu, which makes the Avanza for Toyota, to combine both the Avanza/Xenia and Alza into one regional market model. 

Also read: Next-gen DNGA-based Perodua Alza to get mild hybrid option?

Special thanks for Indra Fathan for the tip