Toyota Avensis 2009
New Avensis is coming to the market at the probably worst moment imaginable - financial crisis is hitting hard, especially the upper middle class Avensis aims at. Still, there's no retreat - new Avensis is here. It's here to stay.
Its design was always clean, almost clinical. That haven't changed, but it has a whole lot to offer under the hood. Toyota has decided to attack competition on all fronts - uncompromised driving characteristics coupled with luxurious interior leave not much room for the competitors.
Last Avensis was a comfortable car, but not a driver's car. New one feels like Lexus IS! You will fight the urge to speed constantly - it's that well driven. Toyota puts the wealth of electric assist systems to real life, rather than use them for marketing purposes (as a lot of competitors do)... A standard activity package consists of ABS, EBD, BA, VSC+ and TRC - so many abbreviations for a "great drive". It all works smoothly; no electric assistant will frighten an inexperienced driver no more.
Petrol engines come in three versions, ranging from 132bhp to 152bhp. They all belong to new valvematic series, with power increased by 3-20%, while fuel consumption is reduced by 10-26%. CVT automatic transmission, with manual option and 7 gears makes driving a breeze and a true enjoyment.
Diesel engines are more efficient than old D-4D ones. Top model is 2,2l D-4D 180 - it has 177bhp but even at that power it consumes less than 6l per 100km.
Having a well driven and a comfortable car is a taunting task, but Toyota mastered it, too. A bunch of premium class gadgets are built in. Add a lot of space and you will realize that new Avensis is a great car for upper middle class; wagon version is built for a manager with large family.
Restyled Aygo is on sale in March, while hybrid Toyota Yaris HSD is scheduled for May.
June is Prius month - that's when Prius plug-in and MPV Prius + will get into stores.
Second generation of Auris and new GT86 are scheduled for the end of the year.
Toyota's SUV flagship, Land Cruiser V8 (4.5l, 286bhp), is redesigned and will be on the market this year.
Cube chaped fog lights have replaced oval ones, and are integrated into a new front bumper, along with daily LED lights.
Front grille is also changed, as well as outside rear view mirrors and back lights.
After many announcements and two concept studies, Toyota has revealed long awaited sport coupe - GT 86. Cooperation with Subaru resulted in many similarities with Subaru's BRZ - it shares the same engine, a 200bhp 2,0l boxer, but has a lower mass center and better mass distribution (front 53%, rear 47%).
Toyota GT86 is successor to legendary Toyota's sport coupes - sport 800, 200 GT and Celica.