New Avensis set to impress

Oct 13 2008 Peter Hayward

TOYOTA'S latest and third version of the Avensis was unveiled earlier this month at the Paris Motor Show and goes on sale here in January.

Prices should start at about £15,500 and although it is not particularly striking to look at, it is apparently very family friendly and will sell well for Toyota's excellent lasting qualities.

As well as lower emissions and fuel consumption the company is shouting about power increases across the range and reckons the new car is better to drive than the old model - which will make it very impressive indeed.

From launch both saloon and estate will be available, with a choice of three diesel and three petrol engines

These will be combined with four trim levels and a Multidrive S continuously variable automatic gearbox will be available with the petrols and - for the first time - the diesels will also be available with an automatic.

Every car gets seven airbags, stability control, front electric windows, CD stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls and remote locking.

Interior

Entry models get steel wheels and manual air-conditioning but all others have alloys and climate control.

There's more space in the cabin and the boot, while a pre-crash safety system on the extras list detects if a collision is unavoidable and does its best to minimise impact and injuries.

FAST FACTS

Toyota Avensis 1.8 4dr

Price : £15,500

Mechanical : 145bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : N/A

0-62mph : 9.4 secs

Combined mpg : 43

Insurance group : N/A

CO2 emissions : 154g/km

BiK rating : N/A

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo