Actually there is a lots of loop holes for car maker to convert a CBU car to CKD.. which include what mention above plus they now include some 5 years warranty which will also added local cost content into the total cost of the car which above a certain percentage as to declare the car as CKD.. Anyway, the car maker pricing will also need to be approved by our government agency, i.e trade minister which incurred since Proton was introduce before they can launch it. Certainly the car maker will also need to make sure those new model which they introduce will not cannibalized some of their existing model or market segment and this is why Sienta price will never be lower or the same as Avanza unless they decided to pull out Avanza from Malaysia market.

The other thing in regards to the differences between Avanza and Sienta is that, Avanza is based on a van chassic but Sienta is based on the sedan car chassic so Sienta will not be bumpy as Avanza. Just like when you are comparing Avanza versus Alza or Livina or wish and Avanza is definitely more bumpy than any of them.

One last thing is that, Avanza is not being sold in Japan for few reason, beside popularity, Avanza will not be able to pass the Japanese safety requirements due to the car height and stability which not suitable as MPV. Perhaps might be fine to be like a commercial van which can only allow to drive at lower speed limit and some restriction.

Anyway, one things funny when comparing the height of Avanza and Sienta is that, both car having the same height now but clearance from car base to ground is much lower for Sienta. The Japanese Sienta is slightly lower as compare to one make in Indonesia so think the Indonesia version does have some minor adjustment in the height.. not sure is it because of engine or maybe just because of the rear aircond blower which make the roof higher?

For a saving of RM30K Avanza is still a pretty good option. You don't buy an MPV for driving dynamics and the Sienta has only one extra airbag.

This post has been edited by Ginny88: Jul 28 2016, 02:19 PM

Well, I dont think is 30K for price comparison between Sienta versus Avanza.. In fact I did a comparison between the two as to justify why should I buy Sienta instead of Avanza.

Avanza S spec comparing with Sienta G spec, retail price different is RM92,900 compare to RM83980 so differences is only 8.9K as both Avanza S and Sienta G also dont have AVX, reverse camera and security tint. Exclude other features which available in Sienta G spec that include VSC, 7 CVT, 1 sliding door, dual disc break, etc which I think is justify for me to go for Sienta with that additional 8.4K

Anyway, I am considering Sienta as an upgrade for me after driving my Avanza for close to 10 years by now

Agree with you point, there are lots of loop holes to convert CBU to CKD.
If I'm correct, one of the example is Naza Forte.

About the height, it did mention some time ago and I found this from wikipedia for Indonesian market:
"To meet the standard geological conditions in Indonesia, it is 20 mm higher than JDM Sienta."

Interesting about the height increase

Anyway, when I saw the actual car in Mitsui outlet, feel it is lower somehow.. even the SA also said so..

Airbags aren't everything. The Avanza failed in the CNCAP test, which at that time tested at lower speeds. It probably wasn't designed with safety in mind, and it probably wasn't designed by engineers that are experienced in that field. The car needs to be well designed in the first place for airbags to make sense. Then there need to be seatbelts, and they have to be in use. And finally, airbags. One of these things missing, and the result is catastrophic. All needs to come together.

So I guess one design in Japan and selling in Japan will always be safer as Asean safety standard is always much lower as compare to Japan.. Our life is always cheaper

Until not too long ago I'd say so. These days even Perodua is putting in some effort to improve safety... not Japanese or conti standard, but at least an improvement. And since the Preve Proton has been striving to reach and fulfill international safety standards... I'd say successfully.

But those Indonesian and Indian designed Toyotas for example are... not so safe. Same goes to for example the Datsun Go, which is dreadful. Global NCAP IIRC went so far to say that it doesn't matter if they add airbags... the car is a deathtrap.

Malaysian lives are only as cheap as Malaysians make them. As long as cars with poor safety are preferred over ones with good safety, car makers will offer that. There is a reason why in Europe the most basic Golf comes with 85 hp, no FM radio (!!!), tiny steel rims and misses 2 doors, but includes 6 airbags and stability control. And the reason isn't the government. It's customers.

This post has been edited by kadajawi: Jul 28 2016, 09:46 PM

I heard this car is start selling in August? Not yet?

Think by the end of August as according to the SA, definitely will be later than 20 August

should be around 26-28 August
as for color, not sure which is the best for maintenance.. orange color should be similar to what color (for current car) to maintain?
white is off the chart, while other color seem dull..

Saw from Toyota Malaysia Facebook page mention that they will have Fun road show from this weekend onward in various places.. hopefully they will put at least 1 Sienta car at 1U roadshow this weekend.

I had place the booking for silver as usual and dumb color but think easier to maintain.. the orange is something similar to the Subaru XV, unless you will park your car indoor most of the time or else after time, think the color will faded.. Whilst for the white color, as according to the SA, it is different from the current white in Malaysia Toyota as it is call Super White II and those current white in Malaysia Toyota car is call Super White I so maybe more glossy white perhaps..

like the idea about easier to maintain.. Subaru XV orange seem a bit dull

but i saw japan version the gear is on the dashboard, and from front can go back coz no obstacle between driver n passenger at front row..

this features i like the most for MPV.. Honda Freed offer that features but no rear aircon.. Estima is too big and with 2400cc engine, its higher to maintain..

depend on ur usage lo .... small family or full load guy (like me, too many outdoor hobby), i think this car suit me nice.
previously was thinking of trade in my old storm to old volvo Xc70 (2000 model,i like this car), but seem like this car more pratical

here is japan version

japan


indon n malaysia

maybe there will be facelift if the sales is good..

driving old pickup truck too. Was thinking of getting something like Kangoo or Belingo (both no longer selling here) until I saw this MPV. Got all safety features, just being too small fr pickup truck driver view.

Main reason why they change the dashboard design is because they need to include the manual option for the ASEAN market.. sort of beside the gearbox is different as compare to the Japanese version which probable wont need much of "Interaction" so it is fine to place at the front dashboard instead of the lower part.. and think lower part is more suitable for gearbox with lots of interaction needed, i.e manual and sort of shiftronics things..