I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there is a seven-seater Toyota with SUV-type ground clearance with a full complement of airbags (driver, front passenger, side, and curtain), blind-spot monitoring, and even rear cross-traffic alert at just a smidge over one million pesos (P1.071 million). It's the top-of-the-line Avanza G.

The shape may be too boxy for many because that's the feedback I get from several people, but I'll tell you how its 'end' justifies the means. The wide grille (that borrows design cues from Lexus' spindle grille), prominent body lines, shapely tailgate, and rear roof spoiler more than make up for it.

Compared to a few rivals in the segment, this ultra-affordable MPV also has better (and slimmer) lighting equipment , like LED split-type headlamps and rear combination lamps. Plus, it has a clearance lamp, front fog lamps, and even turn signal lamps on the side view mirror.

Granted, it isn't the most stylish MPV, has no wraparound body cladding, and sits on 16-inch alloys, but I don't think it will ever be wrong for a multi-purpose vehicle to prioritize function over form.

To increase the Avanza's appeal, Toyota should have thrown in those passive-keyless-entry door handles. Right now, you'll have to fumble for the keyfob and physically click the unlock button to open the vehicle.

Not surprisingly, the cabin is an all-plastic affair. There aren't even any padded surfaces, but at least the cabin had color-coordinated black and brown fabric seats and door panels.

One of the things that put Toyota behind rivals in the segment is the infotainment screen size. The range-topping Avanza G only has an eight-inch touchscreen. It has wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it was glitchy at best, and I couldn't get it to work during the seven-day test drive. The Bluetooth audio streaming paired and worked effortlessly. I'm sure more speakers would be better, but my Lauv playlist sounded fine with its four speakers. The third row offers enough space for two children with dual cup holders on either side.

The center console has no cup holders, but I liked where Toyota moved them. The cup holders for the front passengers pop out in front of the side air vents. It's bad if you have hot coffee, but perfect if you want your beverage cool. Despite the space limitations, occupants will find numerous storage spaces for loose items.

Other highly-appreciated ease-of-use features included a push-start button,4.2-inch multi-information display, tilt & telescopic multi-function steering wheel (variant exclusives), speed-sensing locks, USB connectivity (four ports), and overhead rear air vents (with controls).

That boxy shape and function-over-form philosophy is very evident in the seating configuration/design of the Avanza G. The third row has a 50:50 tumble-down mode while the second row has a 60:40 tumble-slide system, but what families will love is its long sofa mode and recline feature. I personally tried it, and I must say, it is a setup you can actually sleep in.

A small displacement 1.5-liter gasoline engine (variant exclusive) powers the Avanza G. Its meager output of 106-PS and 138-Nm of torque goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Understandably, it doesn't feel sufficient on the highway and will strain and groan under heavy throttle pressure. But in city driving, it will be more than enough. A lot of the torque kicks in early, which allows the MPV to accelerate quickly from a standstill. It returned 14.8-km/l in combined driving conditions.

The ride is a bit stiff, a common characteristic in the segment, but it does a great job keeping noise, vibration, and harshness levels low. It is stable around corners and on the highway, making anyone feel confident behind the wheel.

Spacious, functional, versatile, and, most importantly, affordable. Those qualities of the Toyota Avanza 1.5 G CVT stand out. But what really attracts buyers to it like a moth to a flame is the marque's renowned durability, reliability, and resale value.