Toyota Avensis TR 1.8

May 3 2009 Ian Johnson

TOYOTA was never in the market in the UK to go head to head with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, but the top-sellers are now looking anxiously over their shoulders because the latest version of the Avensis has a lot to offer in terms of green credentials and European looks.

This is the third generation of Toyota's European flagship and is built exclusively at the company's Burnaston factory in the UK.

One of the biggest pulls of the Avensis is Toyota's Optimal Drive technologies which deliver lower emissions and fuel consumption with no compromise in performance and driving pleasure.

First launched in late 1997, the Avensis has increased its share of the medium car market from six to eight per cent.

This third generation Avensis had a mission and that was to carry a strong European mark. And unlike previous models, it sits visually well against competitors like the VW Passat.

One of the principal challenges facing the new Avensis design team was to create a car that was powerful, safe and fun to drive, but which also made a substantial contribution to reducing carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions. Toyota has gone the extra mile to achieve this. Wherever possible, in every part of the vehicle, it has applied all its engineering efforts to reduce CO2 and drive fuel consumption down.

The heart of this philosophy is the innovative Toyota Optimal Drive technology in its range of new petrol engines, upgraded diesel power units and advanced new transmissions. These powertrains are much more planet-friendly without compromising power and driving pleasure.

The European theme is reflected in Avensis's design parentage. It was created at the company's studio in the South of France, and it does look much better in both its saloon and tourer body styles.

The previous generation Avensis was praised for its roomy interior and on the new model Toyota worked to heighten the perception of space by moving the windscreen pillar forward by almost five inches and the rea pillar back by more than two.

The interior feels particularly spacious and instrumentation is much better planned . But despite its European look, there are very Japanese undercurrents including, on higher grade models, the console having a graphic finish inspired by Takesumi - a charcoal made from bamboo.

But all eyes have been on the Optimal Drive system which is made possible by new engine technologies and advanced transmissions with low friction components, lightweight compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency.

On the new Avensis petrol engines, Toyota Optimal Drive maximises efficiency, power and torque through new Valvematic technology that allows optimal valve lift and timing to generate top-level performance.

Across the range, these valvematic engines achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of between 10 and 26 per cent, and that's a lot. In addition power is increased between three and 20 per cent, compared to the engines used by the previous generation Avensis.

The driver can also play a part in the green game and change gear up or down when advised by a green arrow on the dashboard.

This 1.8-litre Valvematic came with a new six-speed manual transmission and was a pleasant and relaxing drive.

Power is greater by 14 per cent compared to the previous 1.8 VVT-i unit at 145bhp and there torque, with a maximum delivered at 4,000rpm. CO2 emissions are down 10 per cent at 154g/km in the saloon with manual gearbox.

Other engines options are a 2.0-litre Valvematic and 2.0 and 2.2 diesels.

Key words in everyday Avensis driving are silence and refinement. Don't expect the 1.8 to be a spectacular performer but for a large comfortable saloon, its green credentials are superb

FAST FACTS

Toyota Avensis TR 1.8 4dr

Price: £18,270

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

Max speed: 124mph

0-62mph: 9.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 43.5

Insurance group: 7

CO2 emissions: 154g/km

BIK rating: 16%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles