Toyota Avensis Road Test

Toyota Avensis

Aside from that the 2.2 D-4D unit is fast and frugal. In combination with the 6-speed manual gearbox, which is so good you wouldn’t want an automatic ever again, the 0-62mph time is 8.6 seconds and the top speed is 137mph. All well and good as is the power output of 175bhp at 3,600 rpm but the best part is the delicious 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,600 rpm.
It is very noticeable at motorway speeds but in the lower gears it comes in like a kick up the proverbial.

A main torque band of 600rpm doesn’t appear to be very broad but considering that 30mph in third gear shows 1,700 rpm and 50mph in fourth is just on the lower edge at 2,000rpm (as is 75mph in fifth) there is plenty in hand for speedy acceleration and safe confident overtakes.

Toyota have retained the 1.8-and 2.0-litre VVT-I petrol engines for 2007 along with the D-4D 150 but has added a new 2.0 D-4D 130.

As part of the re-engineering, the Toyota boffins took a good hard look at the rigidity, suspension and steering systems. The result is an extremely smooth, comfortable ride, agile handling and good steering responses without the loss of feedback.

And because the fuel consumption is on the better side of reasonable, you don’t mind taking advantage of the engine. Figures for the test car are; 37.2mpg, 54.3mpg and 46.3mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined respectively. The other diesel engines are a little more frugal but the T180 is much more fun.

The new Avensis is fitted with the latest ABS in combination with EBD and Brake Assist, which is quite common these days but for additional safety there’s also Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) as standard across the range. That’s to help keep the car and occupants out of trouble. Should the unthinkable happen, the Avensis has a strong safety cell as part of the Toyota MICS (Minimal Intrusion Cabin System). The system works so well that the Avensis was awarded five stars for occupant protection by Euro NCAP and achieved 100 per cent rating for side impact protection.

All versions of the Avensis come with nine airbags including one for the driver’s knees and we are told that the 2003 Avensis was the first of its kind in Europe to include this extra protection. Not only are the front airbags dual-stage but the driver’s uses sensors to detect the seat position so that anyone sitting close to the steering wheel doesn't get the full force of the cushion unless it’s needed.

I was quite taken with the Avensis T180 - it is extremely comfortable, very smooth, it has elegant looks, a huge boot, an exceptional gearbox and a very flexible, torquey engine. In fact it’s a fine all-rounder and if that means it is bland, then I’m all for it.

Toyota Avensis