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SLIDESHOW: The Toyota Avensis tourer in a gallery of pictures
Read Alan Candy's road test of this stylish, mid-sized luggage-lugger
The Japanese have a word for it – kaisen. It means continuous improvement and that's the philosophy behind the latest third-generation incarnation of their mid-sized Avensis.
While widely admired for their comfort, ease of driving and legendary reliability, previous Avensis models have been criticised for blandness.
But this is no time in motoring history for shrinking violets, so this latest Avensis is far more dynamic, aggressive and visually stimulating.
Toyota are searching here for what they call the "J-factor" (Japanese aesthetics) for some originality that will globally appeal. And it's true to say that Toyota achieve what they set out to do, cleverly combining the mathematical precision of their surfaces with movement and "emotion" to keep the design fresh and energised.
But it's not all about looks. This Avensis benefits from its Optimal Drive fuel-saving features that use low-friction, lightweight components and new engine technology to cut carbon dioxide emissions and boost power.
And there are all-new underpinnings to transform this into more of a "driver's car". The new model is 50mm longer than the old one and the front axle has been moved forward to improve balance. And front and rear tracks are wider to improve handling.
Yet while the Avensis is stable, comfortable and confident at motorway speeds, it lacks the satisfying steering feel of rivals such as Mondeo and Insignia and isn't as agile or entertaining.
But it's still hard to fault. The tourer version I drove is superbly built, with painstaking attention to detail and solid, squeak-free construction.
It's comfortable, easy to settle into and drive and the D-4D T Spirit test car was remarkably well insulated from the outside world, so that everyone on board feels well cocooned and remote from the outside world.
The tourer does firm up better on the move and its super-smooth diesel power is refined in its delivery and orchestrated with a truly slick, quick and light six-speed manual gearbox.
Interiors are refreshingly different and the test model had an unusual grainy finish dashboard, with a tactile, rubbery feel, replicated on the door cappings.Sharply-defined main displays really stand out and are highly legible, with neon-sharp numbering and orange needles.
The centre stack is dominated by a main information display surrounded by no less than 14 pushbuttons for the various options. Despite its rather intimidating appearance, it proves user-friendly, with excellent touch-screen operations.
Dual climate controls below mean that driver and passenger can choose their own cabin temperature individually and the test car benefited from graded seat heat settings – such a plus in sub-zero temperatures.
New Avensis has plenty of oddments space and boasts as astonishingly deep centre console box with an impressively engineered sliding lid – there are two cup-holders in this area.
Quirky and futuristic features include keyless entry and start-stop button, plus a parking brake operated by a button on the dashboard (it releases automatically when the car sets off). Trouble is, both the start-stop and parking buttons are awkwardly placed behind the steering wheel and hard to see.
The tourer is a truly capacious estate, with massive load length and bumper-level floor, with the benefits of tie-down hooks, extra space in each side panel and an easy slide-over cover. Rear seat backs fold easily forwards and create a completely flat load floor.
Designed as a tourer in its own right, rather than a bolt-on afterthought, the estate model has a majestic, streamlined profile and is dynamic and attractive.
Large pillars, particularly the rear ones, can be visually obstructive, and the tourer's striking length can make it a bit of a beast to manoeuvre and park, although the test car had the benefit of a rear parking camera and tight lock.
While lacking the driving sharpness of some rivals, Avensis is visually arresting, futuristic and achieves outstanding fuel economy. That, and Toyota's laudable long-term value, will endear it to many in the class. Make no mistake, Avensis is on the move in the market.
Fast facts:
Third generation Toyota Avensis designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe.
Prices 15,760-24,570.
Built at Toyota's Burnaston factory.
Reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption while increasing performance.
50mm longer and wider than previous model.
New-look instrument panel with soft-grained, textured finish and option of panoramic roof.
Newly-developed six-speed manual transmissions, six-speed auto also available, plus Multidrive S (with seven-speed sequential mode).
Stiffer platform for dynamic yet comfortable ride.
Very low drag coefficient; 0.28 for saloon, 0.29 for tourer.
Advanced soundproofing in cabin.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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