Possible Toyota Avanza replacement?

Daihatsu Boon Luminas/Toyota Passo Sette

Toyota announced a new compact 7-seater MPV that will also be sold under the small-car brand Daihatsu.  Called the Toyota Passo Sette and the Daihatsu Boon Luminas, it will be powered with a 1.5 liter engine via the front wheels. From the spec sheet and photos, it looks like a possible successor to the popular Toyota Avanza/Daihatsu Xenia model.

Specs are similar too with the current model: it will have the same 1.5 liter engine, seating for 7 people, and a 4-speed automatic. The Boon Luminas (frankly, who comes up with these names?) is also bigger in almost every dimension. Width is up 65mm, length up 60mm, and more importantly wheelbase is up 95mm. The only thing lower is its height which is down 75mm.

And those increased dimensions help inside. Cabin length stretches 100mm, cabin width is up 15mm, and in spite of the lower exterior, interior height is up 50mm. This is mostly likely thanks to the transition from rear drive with a solid rear axle to a more conventional front wheel drive setup.

Toyota Passo Sette

More on the possible Toyota Avanza replacement here…