The New Toyota Avensis: A Superior Quality Experience
Published: 26th February 2003
Key Points
- All new car launched in the UK on 1 March in saloon, hatchback and Tourer bodystyles
- On the road prices from £13,995 for T2 saloon/hatchback to £21,495 for T Spirit Tourer with sequential automatic transmission
- Available in five specification grades – T2, T3-S, T3-X, T4 and T Spirit – offering a wide choice of equipment
- Superior quality concept introduces premium model levels of comfort, convenience and performance to the D segment
- Built exclusively at Toyota Manufacturing UK factory at Burnaston, near Derby
- Target of c27,000 full-year UK sales
- New Toyota flagship model in Europe, forming core of product range with Yaris and Corolla
- Designed and engineered in Europe and extensively tested on European roads to ensure strong appeal to local markets
- All engines, petrol and diesel, comply from launch with EURO IV emissions legislation – a world-first achievement
- Two petrol engines available at launch – 1.8-litre VVT-i and 2.0-litre direct injection
- 2.0-litre direct injection D-4D diesel available from May 2003 offers a three per cent saving in company car tax (BIK) over all competitors
- All models equipped with nine airbags as standard, including driver’s knee SRS airbag – a European first
- Highly rigid Minimum Intrusion Cabin Structure (MICS) increases passenger safety
- All models equipped with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- All 2.0-litre petrol models additionally equipped with Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- ISO-FIX child seat anchors with top tether fitted as standard
- 2.0-litre diesel engine with Diesel Clean Advanced Technologies (D-CAT) available from last quarter of 2003
- D-CAT achieves new low in emissions levels for diesel engine, substantially below EURO-IV requirements for Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM)
- Double-wishbone-type rear suspension derived from Celica sports coupe offers excellent handling performance
- Electric Motor-assisted Power Steering (EMPS) fitted to 1.8-litre petrol models for greater steering feel and improved fuel economy
- Optional sequential automatic transmission available on all petrol versions
- Standard-fit Optitron instrumentation offers clear read-out in all conditions
- Eight speaker audio system with CD player and steering wheel-mounted controls fitted as standard
- New Ultra Light ConceptTM (ULC) insulation achieves new levels of absorption of engine and road noise offering substantial weight savings, aiding fuel economy
- Class-leading insurance groups, extended service intervals and reduced parts and material costs contribute to excellent cost of ownership profile
