TOYOTA AVENSIS RANGE

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE
Toyota's Avensis has proved to be a hit right across Europe, an even greater sales success than even Toyota could have expected. Some experts are puzzled as to why. It doesn't sell on image. There's no sporty version. No V6 petrols or diesels. Instead, Toyota have concentrated on quality and value and it's worked. At least it has so far. The British importers hope sales will continue in a similar vein with the recently improved version we're looking at here.
The car received a mild facelift in 2006 and, more importantly, was given two advanced new diesel engines, the 2.0-litre D-4D 130 unit and 2.2-litre D-4D 180, to supplement the 2.2-litre D4-D 150 option carried over from the pre-facelift range. At the same time, the suspension and steering systems were sharpened up, sorting out the previously rather woolly handling.
That only left equipment, more recently tweaked to suit a largely business-orientated market that these days prioritises clever satellite navigation systems. Hence the fact that sat nav is now standard on T3-S, T4, T Spirit and T180 grades - and not just any sat nav. This is Toyota's full-map, touch-screen system borrowed from top Lexus models, recently improved and able to guide you automatically around traffic hold-ups. As a bonus, it can also play MP3 and WMA digital music files stored on disc. Other trim tweaks across the range include smarter alloy wheel designs, with the wheels themselves up from 16 to 17 inches on D-4D models. Plus there's also smarter interior fabric and extra metallic colours on key models.
Enough of the trim detail - back to the basics. Prices start at £14,495 and, as before, two petrol engines are on offer. Customers can choose either a 129bhp 1.8-litre VVT-i engine or a 147bhp 2.0-litre direct injection VVT-i powerplant. The VVT-i set-up is Toyota's variable valve timing system which offers decent torque and fuel economy at low revs and a hefty slug of power at full throttle. All models come with vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRC) and brake assist (BA) to boost the already impressive Avensis safety credentials. Safety has been prioritised with all models continuing to be equipped with no fewer than nine airbags as standard, including a driver knee airbag. Secreted beneath the steering column, this system protects the driver's knees and lower legs from injury.
What really sells this car however, is its inherent quality. The doors thunk shut like a Lexus and it was to their luxury division that Toyota looked to imbue the Avensis interior with a genuinely upmarket feel. It seems to have worked. Soft touch plastics, neat metallic finishes and a huge cabin make the Avensis feel a class up.
Undertake an extended back-to-back drive against best in class rivals and you can form your own opinions as to whether Toyota have hit their marks on chassis dynamics, engine characteristics and overall ergonomics. Whatever your perspective, you'll probably have to agree that they're not far off. Whether you view the purchase of a car like this practically or passionately, the Avensis still looks a class act.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Avensis range
PRICES: £14,495 - £23,145 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 7-12
PERFORMANCE: [1.8] 0-60mph 10.3s / Max Speed 124mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8 Tourer] (urban) 30.1mpg / (extra urban) 48.7mpg / (combined) 39.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, ABS, EBD, VSC, TRC, BA, ISOFIX child seat fixings
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height mm) 4630/1760/1480
WHO TO SEE:
March 4th 2008