Toyota Calya 2018 Manual: Honest Review & Insights

by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a comprehensive review of the Toyota Calya 2018 manual transmission variant. This car has been a popular choice in the affordable MPV segment, especially in Indonesia, and for good reason. If you're considering buying one or just curious about what it offers, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior comfort and overall value. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of Toyota Calya 2018

The Toyota Calya 2018 is a seven-seater MPV designed with practicality and affordability in mind. It's essentially Toyota's answer to the growing demand for budget-friendly family cars that don't skimp too much on features. The Calya shares its platform with the Daihatsu Sigra, and both are often considered twins in the automotive world. However, the Toyota badge carries a certain weight in terms of reliability and resale value, which often makes the Calya a more attractive option for many buyers.

When it comes to the 2018 model, Toyota made a few subtle tweaks to keep things fresh. The exterior received a minor facelift, including a slightly redesigned front grille and bumper. These changes, while not groundbreaking, gave the Calya a more modern and appealing look. Under the hood, the Calya is typically powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, which we'll delve into more detail later. The manual transmission version is particularly popular among those who prefer a more engaging driving experience and potentially better fuel economy.

The interior of the Calya is designed to be functional and spacious, with three rows of seating to accommodate a larger family. While the materials used are not exactly luxurious, they are durable and easy to clean, which is a definite plus for a family car. The Calya also comes with a decent list of features for its price point, including air conditioning, a basic audio system, and power windows.

Overall, the Toyota Calya 2018 is a well-rounded package that offers a lot of value for its price. It's a practical and reliable MPV that's perfect for families on a budget. Now, let's move on to the specifics and see what makes the manual transmission version stand out.

Performance and Handling

Let's talk about performance – specifically, how the Toyota Calya 2018 manual handles on the road. The heart of this MPV is a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine, producing around 87 horsepower and 108 Nm of torque. Now, these numbers might not sound like much, but remember, the Calya is designed for efficiency and practicality, not for setting speed records. In city driving, the engine feels adequately powered. The manual transmission gives you more control over the engine's power band, allowing you to extract the most out of those 87 horses.

The clutch is light and forgiving, making it easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic. The gear ratios are well-spaced, providing a smooth and relatively effortless driving experience. However, when fully loaded with passengers and cargo, you might find the engine struggling a bit on uphill climbs. You'll need to downshift and rev the engine higher to maintain momentum. Overtaking on the highway also requires some planning and strategic gear changes. The manual transmission helps you to keep the engine in its sweet spot, but don't expect blistering acceleration.

Handling-wise, the Calya is decent for its class. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so it absorbs bumps and potholes reasonably well. However, it's not the most agile car, and body roll is noticeable in corners. Remember, this is an MPV designed for family use, not a sports car. The brakes are adequate for everyday driving, but it's always a good idea to maintain a safe following distance, especially when carrying a full load.

Overall, the Toyota Calya 2018 manual offers a balanced driving experience. It's not the fastest or most exciting car, but it's practical, reliable, and easy to drive. The manual transmission adds a layer of engagement that some drivers will appreciate, especially in city traffic. Just be mindful of its limitations when fully loaded or driving on challenging terrain.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the biggest selling points of the Toyota Calya 2018 manual is its impressive fuel efficiency. This is a crucial factor for many buyers in this segment, especially those who use their cars for daily commutes or family trips. The Calya is designed to be economical, and the manual transmission helps to maximize fuel savings. Under normal driving conditions, you can expect to achieve fuel consumption figures of around 18-20 kilometers per liter. This is quite remarkable and makes the Calya one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in its class.

Several factors contribute to the Calya's excellent fuel economy. The 1.2-liter engine is designed for efficiency, and its lightweight construction also helps to reduce fuel consumption. The manual transmission allows you to control the engine's RPMs more precisely, enabling you to drive in the most efficient gear. Additionally, the Calya is equipped with features like Eco mode, which further optimizes fuel consumption by adjusting the engine's performance.

Of course, real-world fuel efficiency can vary depending on driving conditions, traffic, and your driving style. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will negatively impact fuel economy. However, if you drive smoothly and maintain a consistent speed, you can easily achieve the advertised fuel consumption figures. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your tires properly inflated and changing the engine oil on time, is also essential for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency.

In comparison to the automatic transmission version, the Toyota Calya 2018 manual generally offers slightly better fuel economy. This is because manual transmissions are typically more efficient than automatics due to their simpler design and direct mechanical linkage. However, the difference is not huge, and some drivers may prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission, especially in heavy traffic.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Toyota Calya 2018, you'll find a cabin designed with practicality and functionality in mind. It's not the most luxurious interior, but it's certainly comfortable and well-suited for family use. The seats are upholstered in durable fabric, which is easy to clean and maintain. The front seats offer decent support, even on longer journeys. The driving position is comfortable, and the controls are logically laid out and easy to reach.

The second-row seats can comfortably accommodate three adults, although legroom might be a bit tight for taller passengers. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. Access to the third row is relatively easy, thanks to the foldable second-row seats. When all three rows are in use, cargo space is limited, but you can fold down the third-row seats to create a larger cargo area.

The Calya comes with a basic audio system, which includes a radio, CD player, and USB port. The sound quality is decent for its price range. Air conditioning is standard, keeping the cabin cool even in hot weather. Power windows and central locking are also included, adding to the convenience. However, some features like a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors are not available, even on the higher trim levels.

Overall, the interior of the Toyota Calya 2018 manual is functional and comfortable. It's not the most luxurious or feature-rich cabin, but it's well-suited for family use and offers good value for its price. The durable materials and practical layout make it easy to live with, even with kids.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Toyota Calya 2018 manual:

Pros:

  • Affordable Price: One of the most budget-friendly MPVs on the market.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Excellent fuel economy, making it ideal for daily commutes.
  • Seven-Seater Capacity: Can comfortably accommodate a large family.
  • Reliable and Durable: Toyota's reputation for reliability is a major plus.
  • Easy to Drive: Light clutch and responsive steering make it easy to maneuver.

Cons:

  • Limited Power: The engine can feel strained when fully loaded.
  • Basic Interior: The interior is functional but lacks luxury features.
  • Limited Cargo Space: Cargo space is limited when all three rows are in use.
  • Lack of Features: Some desirable features like a touchscreen and parking sensors are not available.
  • Modest Handling: Not the most agile car, with noticeable body roll in corners.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the Toyota Calya 2018 manual? It's a practical, reliable, and affordable MPV that offers excellent value for its price. It's perfect for families on a budget who need a spacious and fuel-efficient car. While it's not the most powerful or luxurious vehicle, it excels in the areas that matter most to its target audience: affordability, reliability, and practicality.

The manual transmission adds a layer of engagement that some drivers will appreciate, and it also helps to maximize fuel economy. However, if you prioritize convenience over fuel savings, the automatic transmission version might be a better choice. Overall, the Toyota Calya 2018 manual is a solid choice in the affordable MPV segment. If you're looking for a budget-friendly family car that won't break the bank, it's definitely worth considering.