Toyota Avensis Revisited
New Avensis is coming to the market at the probably worst moment imaginable - financial crisis is hitting hard, especially the upper middle class Avensis aims at. Still, there's no retreat - new Avensis is here. It's here to stay.
Its design was always clean, almost clinical. That haven't changed, but it has a whole lot to offer under the hood. Toyota has decided to attack competition on all fronts - uncompromised driving characteristics coupled with luxurious interior leave not much room for the competitors.
Last Avensis was a comfortable car, but not a driver's car. New one feels like Lexus IS! You will fight the urge to speed constantly - it's that well driven. Toyota puts the wealth of electric assist systems to real life, rather than use them for marketing purposes (as a lot of competitors do)... A standard activity package consists of ABS, EBD, BA, VSC+ and TRC - so many abbreviations for a "great drive". It all works smoothly; no electric assistant will frighten an inexperienced driver no more.
Petrol engines come in three versions, ranging from 132bhp to 152bhp. They all belong to new valvematic series, with power increased by 3-20%, while fuel consumption is reduced by 10-26%. CVT automatic transmission, with manual option and 7 gears makes driving a breeze and a true enjoyment.
Diesel engines are more efficient than old D-4D ones. Top model is 2,2l D-4D 180 - it has 177bhp but even at that power it consumes less than 6l per 100km.
Having a well driven and a comfortable car is a taunting task, but Toyota mastered it, too. A bunch of premium class gadgets are built in. Add a lot of space and you will realize that new Avensis is a great car for upper middle class; wagon version is built for a manager with large family.