The Toyota Avensis has received a number of updates to make it cheaper to own, better to drive and more comfortable. It also gets a mild re-style.
Improvements to the 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the D-4D have cut the CO2 emissions from 139- to 119g/km with fuel economy of 61.4mpg. Power output remains 124bhp but low-speed torque is said to be improved while the engine is 3kg lighter. The 2.2-litre D-4D and D-CAT diesels, as well as the 1.8-litre petrol power units, are carried over unchanged.
Toyota has increased the rigidity of the Avensis' body shell for better ride and handling. Changes to the suspension settings have been made and the electric power steering has a quicker ratio. Small adjustments have been made to the aerodynamics and there is extra sound deadening material to reduce noise and vibration. Even the front seats have been altered to make them more supportive.
With the improvements to fuel economy and emissions Toyota claims owners of the new Avensis will save £2,000 over three years/60,000 miles compared with its predecessor. The new Avensis range starts at £18,450.
John Lambert - 2 Dec 2011
