Toyota has increased the engine range offered in its mid-size Avensis. As part of the Optimal Drive programme a 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol and 2.2-litre D-CAT 150 diesel engine are now available. In addition, the 1.8-litre Valvematic engine is now offered across the range.
The Valvematic engines have variable valve timing and lift, which is designed to give more accurate control of intake airflow. The 1.6-litre produces 130bhp, which is enough for a claimed 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions are 152g/km. The 1.6-litre engine comes with a manual transmission and is offered in saloon and Tourer styles with T2 or TR trim.
The 1.8-litre engine is available with manual or Multidrive S automatic transmission. It is now available in both body styles in T2, TR and T4 grades. With CO2 emissions below 160g/km, the 1.8 is expected to be a popular choice for company car drivers.
The 2.2 D-CAT 150 engine is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission to make Toyota's first diesel automatic car. The 148bhp engine is available in both saloon and Tourer and produces 169g/km of CO2 (174 for the tourer) and on the combined cycle the fuel economy is 44.1mpg (42.8 Tourer).
Prices start at £16,485 for the T2, 1.6-litre manual saloon. The 1.8 engine adds £500 to the price and the Tourer costs an extra £1,000. The 2.2 D-CAT 150 is priced from £22,985.
John Lambert - 6 Aug 2009