New Toyota Avensis improves original winning formula

The Toyota Avensis was first introduced to Ireland in 1997 and since then over 71,000 units of the car have been sold. Indeed the Avensis holds something of a record being number one for cars sold in its segment in 22 out of the last 24 years. Some achievement indeed! I think I need say little more really as most know why. The Avensis is totally reliable, economical, resells well and has decent levels of specification. Sure there are more interesting rivals, there are more sporty rivals, there are more radically styled rivals, but it would seem that the Irish motoring public are voting with their wallets and confirming that the Avensis package is the best. So when the all-new car arrived late last year many hoped Toyota would not loose the plot and radically change the car too much. Well they didn"t but they did! If it is possible they made an already very good car just about excellent. There are now some 15 different models in saloon and Tourer (estate) bodystyles. The hatch is dropped. Engines range from 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 petrol power units and 2.0 and 2.2 diesels. Naturally now with our tax changes to C02 emissions the D-4D is proving to be the big seller. Interestingly the Avensis petrol is the only D segment petrol vehicle that qualifies for the low band C road tax in Ireland due to its low emissions. There are five trim levels available, Terra, Aura, Strata, Luna, and Sol. I spent a varied motoring week testing the new Avensis 2.0 D-4D Strata to see how it has evolved. First Impressions First of all it is instantly recognizable as a Toyota but the new shape is much more dramatic than before bringing the car completely up to date with current styling trends while not being radical enough to alienate a loyal customer base. The lines are clean and angular and I must say the overall effect is very good. Behind The Wheel Inside the cabin feels huge and very well put together. Optitron instruments add to the clarity of each dial while the centre console is clearly and logically laid out. The multi-function steering wheel features controls for the trip computer and audio system. Standard equipment in the Strata includes ABS with EBD, Stability Control, seven airbags, ISOFIX points, (achieving a top five star NCAP rating), as well as a quality CD stereo with Aux input, remote locking, four electric windows, air conditioning, alloy wheels and metallic paint. I found the fit and finish to be beyond reproach. In fact the only real negative comment I could make was that the all balck coloured interior was a bit sombre. Performance The 2.0 D4-D diesel unit performs very well with loads of power available in all of the six manual gears. I particularly liked the bags of torque available even at low revs necessitating very few gear changes, even for overtaking. That 6-speed manual is super smooth and there is even a green gearshift indicator to show when it is best to change gear to facilitate best economy. On that front this car just sips diesel. Driven with any form of restraint it burned an unbelievable 5.6 litres per 100km. Over the week my average consumption was just 6.5 litre per 100km, truly excellent for a car of this size. Road Behaviour I am led to believe that the suspension set-up we get in the new Avensis sold in Ireland is different to that in the rest of Europe after Toyota undertook extensive suspension testing on our still somewhat unique Irish roads. The result is a car that rides and handles as though it were designed for Ireland, well it was! Levels of refinement have improved while the whole car just feels as though it has moved up a class. Accomadation in the new Avensis is excellent with loads of head and legroom both front and rear matched by an equally vast boot. Verdict The new Avensis improves on what was already a winning formula. Prices start at €25,565 for the entry level 1.6 petrol Terra, rising to € 44,850 for the top of the range 2.0 petrol Valvematic Sol. The 2.0 D4-D Strata as tested costs €28,320 and represents great value overall. In a week in which I encountered horrible downpours, a rapid trip across country in terrible conditions and hectic bank holiday traffic the new Avensis just kept delivering the goods and that is why this new car will enhance and continue the success of its predecessor. The new Avensis is simply excellent!