2012 Toyota Avensis

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The 2.0-liter D-4D engine has been revised to give significant improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With a tax threshold at 120 g/km in almost a third of European countries, the 2.0 D-4D's 119 g/km will attract generous tax benefits for both private and fleet buyers.

Designed and engineered in Europe and built exclusively at Toyota's Burnaston factory in the UK, Avensis was launched in 1997 and is now firmly established in the European D-segment, selling 70,585 units across the region in 2010 to take a 5.8 per cent segment share.

Exterior Design

The overall dimensions of the Avensis saloon and tourer remain unchanged, but both have been extensively restyled.

A bolder, more refined frontal treatment displays the new Toyota family 'face'. A key element in this is a change in the proportions of the upper and lower grilles, with the emphasis now on making the lower grille larger for a more assertive, dynamic look.

The new grille design is flanked by narrower headlamps which emphasize the elegant proportions of the new styling. The headlamps now incorporate daytime running lights.

The lower bumper is sculpted with a strong, protruding centre section that houses a large air intake, focusing attention on the lower half of the vehicle. Together with the crisp detailing of integral foglamp housings at each corner, the design gives Avensis a wider, more purposeful stance and ground-hugging appearance.

At the rear there is new rear bumper, which incorporates a center guard on saloon models. The combination lamp clusters and foglamps have been redesigned, making them more prominent and improving visibility. A new chrome trim for the licence plate adds a further touch of elegance.

The 16-inch steel wheels have new-design covers and the 17-inch Fuji alloys have new color and machine facings. The other 17 and 18-inch wheels available for Avensis gain a new, darker finish treatment.

Toyota Avensis: Review (2/2)