The Toyota Avensis is a mid-size/large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by Japanese automaker Toyota since October 1997. It is the direct successor to the European Carina E and is available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate. In Japan, the Avensis is available at all Japanese network dealerships, and serves as the top level vehicle offered.
A large MPV called the Toyota Avensis Verso (Toyota Ipsum in Japan and previously the Toyota Picnic in other markets) is built in Japan on a separate platform. The Avensis is not sold in North America, where the Camry sells better, but is related to the Scion tC coupe. It also shares a platform with the Toyota Premio and the Toyota Allion.
The Toyota Avensis was introduced in 1997, to create a more modern name when compared with the Toyota Carina E. The Avensis proved a sales success for Toyota Europe. Over the years, the Toyota Avensis has advanced in size, technology, power, and economy to challenge its worldwide known rivals, such as the Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Citroën C5, Peugeot 508 and ?koda Superb.
The Avensis name is derived from the French term avancer, meaning "to advance." Avensis also means "to carry away" in Latin.
Video Toyota Avensis
First generation (T220; 1997-2002)
Toyota introduced the Avensis nameplate on its new model, which was launched at the end of 1997. Although an extensive revamp of the previous generation Carina E, the only main common parts were the engines, with an all new style of body. The car was built at the Burnaston factory in Derby. At the same time, production of the five door Toyota Corolla also started at the British plant.
The original 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.
The Avensis received a facelift in August 2000. The engines were fitted with variable valve timing, satellite navigation was included as a standard feature along the range and the sporty Avensis 2.0 L SR (with body kit and tuned suspension) was added but overall sales remained low.
Engines
Petrol
- 1.6 litre 4A-FE 81 kW (109 hp)
- 1.6 litre VVT-i 3ZZ-FE 81 kW (109 hp)
- 1.8 litre 7A-FE 81 kW (109 hp)
- 1.8 litre VVT-i 1ZZ-FE 95 kW (127 hp)
- 2.0 litre 3S-FE 94 kW (126 hp)
- 2.0 litre D4 VVT-i 1AZ-FSE 110 kW (148 hp)
Diesel
- 2.0 litre TD 2C-TE 66 kW (89 hp)
- 2.0 litre D-4D 1CD-FTV 81 kW (109 hp)
Avensis Verso
The Toyota Avensis Verso was a large MPV introduced in 2001, with room for seven occupants and only available with 2.0-litre engines. The Verso's platform preceded the second generation model. The Avensis Verso won Australia's Best People Mover, and was known in that market only as the Avensis, other variants being unavailable there.
Maps Toyota Avensis
Second generation (T250; 2003-2009)
The second generation Toyota Avensis (model code T250) was launched in February 2003, in an all new format; this time it offered more in the way of driver involvement and visual appeal. It was launched in Japan in saloon and estate form in October 2003. Like the Toyota Echo and Toyota Corolla, it was penned by the company's design studio in France. Production officially began on January 6, 2003.
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. This was the first Avensis to be exported to Japan. Due to the Camry Wagon ending production, the Avensis Wagon is exported to New Zealand, in both 1.8 and 2.0-litre forms. In Britain, there were no 1.6 versions available.
In the 2004 European Car of the Year contest, the Avensis came in fourth place behind the; Fiat Panda (Winner), Mazda3 (Second) and the Volkswagen Golf (Third). However, it won the 2004 Semperit Irish Car of the Year. What Car? also awarded the Avensis as the "Best Family Car" for 2004 and 2005.
Following the withdrawal of the Toyota Camry in 2004 (2005 in Switzerland), the Avensis became the largest Toyota saloon sold in Europe.
Trim levels in the United Kingdom were T2, T3-S, T3-X, T4, T Spirit, T180 and the TR. There is also a special edition, based on the T2 called the Colour Collection. In Ireland, there were five trim levels - Terra, Aura, Strata, Luna, and Sol.
The original 115 PS (85 kW) D-4D Diesel engine has been complemented with a 2.2 L D-4D in 136 PS (2AD-FTV) and 177 PS (2AD-FHV) versions. Newer versions have dropped the "D-4D" and "2.0" badging from the front wings and tailgate respectively.
In Japan, the Avensis is sold as 2.0 Xi, 2.0 Li, and 2.4 Qi. Only the base model 2.0 Xi is offered with 4-wheel drive.
In 2003, the Avensis became the first Japanese vehicle to receive a rating under the Euro NCAP's redone testing, with 34 total points it also became the highest rated vehicle they had tested. The 2003 Avensis also became the first vehicle sold in Europe with a knee airbag.
This is first and only generation of Avensis sold in Egypt and Morocco, not in Persian Gulf countries.
From 2005, the 2.4L version was fitted with a 5 speed automatic transmission.
The Avensis Verso continued to be available alongside the new Avensis until 2006. A replacement to take over from the Avensis Verso, Toyota Previa and Toyota Sienna was never unveiled, and was rumoured to feature Toyota's 2.2 litre D-4D engine.
Facelift
The new facelifted Toyota Avensis became available in June 2006. Some changes from the old model are the inclusion of turn signals in the side mirrors, an MP3/WMA/ASL-ready audio system, new front bumper, and a new grille. Interior materials and cloth seats have also been changed for 2006. Its multi display with on-board computer will be integrated in optitron display and is navigation ready. Also added are automatic headlights and a height-adjustable front passenger seat.
The most notable mechanical difference is the addition of a 124 bhp (92 kW) D-4D engine. This, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, has lowered fuel consumption, emissions, and gives a quoted 0-60 mph time of 10.5 seconds.
Engines
Petrol
- 1.6 litre VVT-i 3ZZ-FE 81 kW (109 hp)
- 1.8 litre VVT-i 1ZZ-FE 95 kW (127 hp)
- 2.0 litre VVT-i 1AZ-FSE 108 kW (145 hp)
- 2.4 litre VVT-i 2AZ-FSE 120 kW (161 hp)
Diesel
- 2.0 litre D-4D 1CD-FTV 85 kW (114 hp)
- 2.0 litre D-4D 1AD-FTV 93 kW (125 hp)
- 2.2 litre D-4D 2AD-FTV 110 kW (148 hp)
- 2.2 litre D-4D 2AD-FHV 130 kW (174 hp)
Third generation (T270; 2009-present)
The third generation Toyota Avensis (model code T270) was revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, before going on sale in January 2009. Like the previous model, it is built at Toyota's Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, England. This generation is available in sedan or station wagon styles only.
Toyota ED2 initially designed the Avensis giving it a more sleek and athletic stance. Coefficient of Drag (Cd) figures are 0.28 for the sedan and 0.29 for the wagon body. Other design goals were to create the most comfortable suspension in its class while still offering sporty handling. The Avensis continues to use front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones. Unlike the previous generations Avensis models, there is no five door hatchback body style in this lineup, in favour of sedan and wagon body styles.
Major options include bi xenon HID headlamps, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and adaptive cruise control.
For safety, seven airbags are standard, including two front row side torso airbags, two side curtain airbags for both rows, and a driver's knee airbag. For rear collisions, active front headrests designed to help reduce whiplash are standard as well as brake lights that flash under emergency braking. Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+) applies torque to the steering wheel to aid the driver in steering. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) becomes optional which includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).
The Avensis received a five star rating () under the latest Euro NCAP ratings scheme with an 81% overall score and a 90% score for adult occupant safety.
The Avensis wagon began being imported again to Japan in mid-2011, with 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and CVT transmission in Li and Xi variants.
2012 Facelift (2012-2015)
The Avensis underwent a facelift in January 2012. This included a revised front grille and modified taillights. The changes were first shown at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show before sales started in January 2012.
2015 Facelift (2015-present)
A further facelift was shown at the March 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The facelifted vehicle was officially launched in June 2015. This included a revised front grille, rear view, headlamps and taillights and a new interior. In addition to the new "Toyota Safety Sense", new engines were also shown. The 1.6 litre diesel replaces the previous 2.0-litre engine.
Engines
The Avensis offers three petrol and four diesel engine options. Petrol engines are sourced from Toyota's Deeside Engine Plant. The new engines feature more power and lower CO2 emissions. The new ZR engines became the first to introduce Toyota's Valvematic technology.
Petrol
- 1.6 litre 1ZR-FAE 97 kW (130 hp) 2008-present
- 1.8 litre 2ZR-FAE 108 kW (145 hp) 2008-present
- 2.0 litre 3ZR-FAE 112 kW (150 hp) 2008-present 2008-2011 (Germany)
Diesel
- 1.6 litre D-4D 1AD-FAE 82 kW (110 hp) 2015-present
- 2.0 litre D-4D 1AD-FTV 91 kW (122 hp) 2011-2015
- 2.0 litre D-4D 1AD-FTV 93 kW (125 hp) 2008-2011
- 2.0 litre D-4D 1AD-FTV 93 kW (125 hp) 2015-present
- 2.2 litre D-4D 2AD-FTV 110 kW (148 hp) 2008-present
- 2.2 litre D-4D 2AD-FHV 130 kW (174 hp) 2008-present
All engines are mated to a six speed manual transmission while the 1.8 L and 2.0 L petrol engines are available with a Multidrive S CVT transmission. The 2.2 litre D-4D 150 hp engine is available with a six speed automatic transmission.
Motorsports
On 2 August 2010, it was announced the British Touring Car Championship's NGTC prototype car would be built around the Toyota Avensis.
Series organiser TOCA, which would fully introduce the new low-cost NGTC technical regulations in 2011, said that the Japanese manufacturer would supply a donor car and a new body shell to the programme.
As of the 2017 season, the Avensis was still being used by Speedworks, driven by Tom Ingram.
References
External links
- Official Toyota Avensis site - UK (in English)
- Official Toyota Verso site - UK (in English)
- Official Toyota Avensis site - Japan (in Japanese)
Source of article : Wikipedia
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