The latest performance diesel engine on the market comes from Toyota and has been fitted to the Avensis saloon. As is the trend, the new engine is a 2.2-litre and features all-aluminium construction to keep weight to a minimum. A brief scan through the specification shows that the new D-4D unit compares favourably with Honda's benchmark engine: 148 vs. 138bhp; peak torque of 229lb.ft vs. 251; combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg vs. the Honda's 52.3; 156g/km of carbon dioxide emissions where the Accord's 2.2-litre emits 143g/km.

This 148bhp engine joins the existing 2-litre (only 114bhp) diesel and will be complemented by a 175bhp version from 2006. The 2.2-litre engine is said to be an important one for Toyota, predicted to take up to 29% of Avensis sales in Europe. The Avensis sits in a category that saw diesel account for 58% of sales in the UK for 2004.

Allied to the new engine is the obligatory six-speed manual gearbox, helping to extract performance figures of 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds onto a top speed of 130mph. Figures have already been released for the 175bhp version: 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. No doubt the in-gear acceleration will be this car's strong point. Toyota has gone to great lengths to suppress noise and vibration, fitting a special acoustic windscreen to cars equipped with the new engine, and the powerplant itself features a balancer shaft.

Toyota makes the 2.2-litre engine in Poland. From July 1st you can order your 2.2-litre Avensis. The prices are as follows:

Avensis T3-S: £18,145
Avensis T3-X: £18,145
Avensis T4: £19,645
Avensis T Spirit: £20,895

The prices above are for either saloon or hatchback. Add £1,000 for the Tourer versions.

Shane O' Donoghue - 30 May 2005