Paris Show: Toyota launches new Avensis saloon and Tourer
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 02 October 2008
Toyota has launched the new third-generation British-designed Avensis at the Paris Motor Show.
Both saloon and Tourer estate models get a lower bonnet, flowing A- and C-pillars and improved aerodynamics and both models are 50mm longer and wider than the outgoing models. All four wheels are pushed out towards the edge of the car, leading to a more purposeful stance.
Toyota says the interior offers more headroom, while seats fold flat at the touch of a button in both models. The option of a panoramic roof gives the illusion of further space.
Dials on the dash are crisply lit and have chrome bezels, while Toyota says the 'Optitron' display ensures excellent legibility, regardless of lighting conditions. A range of interior colours and trims are available.
The new Avensis will be powered by a selection of petrol and diesel engines, offering CO2 reductions of between 10-26 per cent on outgoing engines. CVT-like Multidrive S transmissions are available with petrol models, while six-speed autoboxes are available for diesel models.
Toyota says its 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol boost power while reducing consumption and emisisons over the comparable outgoing engines. The Japanese manufacturer claims that Valvematic engines deliver a class-leading power to CO2 ratio.
The Avensis diesel engine line-up offers more torque at lower speeds and lower emissions, utlising new piezo injectors and a higher injection pressure of 2,000 bar. 2-litre and 2.2-litre engines are available
The new six-speed automatic transmission allows for a fast shift response, and includes a sequential manual mode that allows for the use of gear stick or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
All new Avensis models are fitted with driving indicators to indicate the most economical driving style on six-speed automatic and Multidrive S transmissions. Manual versions come with a Gear Shift Indicator, which advises the driver on the best timing for up and down gear changes.
A new platform includes a re-engineered MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspensionto upgrade torsional stiffness and roll rigidity. Front shock absorber and rear lateral force steer specifications have also been upgraded.
New, large diameter wheels with wider tyres enhance stability and dynamic handling.
New high-tech safety features include seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag, while active front seat headrests reduce whiplash injuries in the event of a rear end collision.
Steering assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) adds steering torque in the event of sudden sideways movement; an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) to match headlight direction to vehicle direction is included when High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights are specified; while an emergency brake signal, which activates flashing brake lights to warn following vehicles of sudden hard braking, is standard.
Top grade versions of the 2.2 D-4D 150 with six-speed automatic transmission will have the option of a new Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system, which predicts an imminent collision and activates the seatbelt pretensioners and applies full braking force.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses radar technology to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. PCS also inlcudes Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which warn the driver and apply steering wheel torque to help the driver stay on the right course, if the driver departs from the correct course.
Toyota says the new Avensis uses lightweight insulation material to reduce Noise, Vibration and Harshness, making it one of the class leaders in this area.
The new Avensis will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s factory at Burnaston, while the Deeside plant will supply 1.6 and 1.8 Valvematic engines.
Toyota says kit on the new Avenis will include dual zone automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, full-map touch-screen satellite navigation with Bluetooth, Smart Entry and Start system, a panoramic roof for the Tourer, and an 11-speaker premium audio system with the 10Gb hard disc drive.
New Avensis Chief Engineer Takashi Yamamoto explains: “We have put a strong European mark on the project from the start. Thirty-five engineers from Toyota Motor Europe were invited to Japan to join forces with the Toyota Motor Corporation development team.
"When the project team returned to Europe for finalisation, these engineers played a key role in the knowledge transfer between the two development teams.
“I think this one of the key reasons why today we can look back at a highly efficient development process and be proud of our achievement, which I believe is nothing less than the ‘cutting edge’ of the D-segment.”
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