New Toyota Avensis Awarded Best Ever Euro NCAP Score

The new Toyota Avensis has been awarded the highest ever score under the stringent Euro NCAP crash safety rating system with 34 points. It is also the first car to be awarded the maximum 5 stars by Euro NCAP under a new, tougher testing regime.

The new Avensis, which features nine airbags, including a unique in this class knee airbag, excelled in the revised Euro NCAP tests. The tougher tests now include more accurate measurement of pedal movement and the use of an even more sensitive side impact dummy to predict more accurately the potential injury risk resulting from the crash.

"We are very proud that Euro NCAP has recognised that the new Avensis sets a new benchmark for safety with a record score," commented R Graham Smith, Managing Director of Toyota GB. "Toyota engineers designed everything on the car to a superior level of quality, aiming to give customers the very best in many areas, including running costs, reliability as well as safety."

The new Avensis features many active safety features, such as the latest-generation ABS system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard. Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) are also available to provide additional safety under slippery conditions or during high performance driving.

In terms of passive safety the new Toyota Avensis is top of its class. In addition to the nine airbags it features a strong, rigid body structure in which components are designed to help absorb and disperse impact energy, minimising cabin distortion.

The front driver and passenger airbags feature dual-stage inflators, a seat-position sensor on the driver’s side and an impact severity sensor in the front. Side and curtain-shield airbags offer protection to front and rear passengers in the event of a side impact.

Emphasising the importance of wearing seatbelts, the new Avensis has an innovative two-step seatbelt warning system that reminds occupants that seatbelts must be used.

ISOFIX child seat fittings in the rear seat are standard. In addition, the Child Restraint System (CRS) is equipped with a top tether to help prevent the child seat from tipping forward in the event of an impact.