Toyota will launch the third generation Avensis at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and sales will begin later that year. The 2010 Avensis will be offered in two different body versions: sedan - to be launched first - and station wagon - that will be launched six months after the sedan version. Both version have been already caught testing by the spy photographers.
Although, since the launch of the second generation in 2003, the Avensis won the European Car of the Year award in 2004 and sales were up to 156,000 units, people say Avensis has a wiping design, with no dynamism. But the third generation Avensis will change this aspect. The 2010 model will feature a more dynamic and ascending side line, big head lights curved along the corners and a new grille.
There will also be a panoramic roof in the wagon, basicly a 4-foot glass panel instead of a metal roof. It is rumoured that there will be a Toyota Auris inspired raised gear stick in the Avensis too.
The technical part has never been a problem for Avensis, so Toyota will keep the current engines line-up: both petrol and diesel a, but will also offer a hybrid version starting 2010. As an options, the company will also offer a FWD version.
The petrol engine will include the current 1.6 VVT-i, 1.8 VVT-i, 2.0 and 2.4 direct injection and diesel engines D-4D 125 with outputs starting 125 hp.
The 2010 Avensis will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 10 seconds and will hit a top speed of 125 mph.
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History
The Toyota Avensis was first launched at the end of 1997 with sales beginning in 1998. It is offered in three different versions: four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate.
First generation: 1998-2003
The first generation Avensis had the option of four engines (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel) and three body styles (saloon, hatchback and estate). The station wagon was essentially the Japanese-market second generation Toyota Caldina.
All of the range gave solid build quality, excellent reliability, a spacious comfortable interior, generous equipment, smooth ride quality and good refinement, but very little in the way of excitement. A facelift in the summer of 2000 (which saw the engines fitted with variable valve timing) made little difference to this, although a sporty Avensis 2.0 L SR with bodykit and tuned suspension did become available.
Second generation: 2003 - present
The second generation Avensis was launched in 2003. It brings new levels of refinement, performance and economy to the family car market. The new Avensis features the very latest high technology petrol and diesel engines - plus improved interior quality, a fresh ’Toyota-family’ look, and improved passenger comfort, ride and handling.
The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines were carried over from the previous Avensis, and the 2.4-litre four-cylinder from the Camry was also added to the range. The 2.4 petrol direct injection engine is based on the 2.4 VVT-i of Previa, but shares the same technology with the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol unit also available in the Avensis range. The 2.4 petrol direct injection debuts a new 5-speed Multi-mode Automatic Transmission
Toyota’s pioneering new 2.4 petrol direct-injection engine is the largest displacement direct injection petrol engine yet to be offered in Europe for Dsegment cars. This engine is based on the 2.4-litre VVT-i engine from Previa where, among other modifications, a new engine head was adopted in order to enable fuel injection directly into the cylinder.
The new additions to the Avensis range reinforce Toyota’s commitment to engineering excellence in all aspects of this landmark model for Toyota in Europe. From the very outset, the emphasis at all times was on ensuring that the concept of “Superior Quality” was evident in every facet of the car. With the addition of these new engines, the Toyota Avensis now offers a total of 4 petrol engines and 2 diesel engines, which is the widest EURO IV-compliant engine range on the market.
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Competitors
Ford Mondeo
The new Mondeo was launched at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The dramatic and distinctive new Ford Mondeo epitomises Ford’s ’kinetic design’ styling language and introduces many new technical features to the Ford range. Mondeo’s established strengths have been built on, notably with improved driving dynamics and safety enhancements.
Three distinct bodystyles – a classic four-door limousine, a stylish and flexible five-door sedan and the capacious wagon – will be available simultaneously from launch. For each bodystyle, four distinct series are available: the Ambiente, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs, the contemporary Trend series, and, at the top of the range, the Titanium and Ghia models.
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, including the range-topping 220 PS Duratec 5-cylinder petrol unit as used in the Ford S-MAX and based on the engine of the high performance Ford Focus ST.
Starting late 2007, the range was expanded with a new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161 PS 4-cylinder petrol unit, plus a new Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sport mode that changes gear at higher engine revs.
Renault Laguna3
The Renault Laguna3 features a new elegant, fluid and dynamic exterior styling. It received a meticulous attention in choosing high quality materials and high standards that reflect the extensive work that has gone into perceived quality both on the outside as well as in the cabin.
The new Laguna is powered by a range of engines, all of them offered with a six-speed transmission. The first in the petrol range is a 2.0 16V (M4R) engine developed with the help of Nissan. The engine has an output of 145 hp. The next in the petrol range is a 170 hp 2.0 16V Turbo engine coupled to a six-speed Proactive automatic transmission.
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