Toyota Avensis Strata
1.6 petrol saloon

This new Avensis is an impressive looking car. It has more of a premium sector image than its predecessors. Inside it is attractive and well finished as well. My test car was powered by Toyota’s 1.6 litre petrol engine with variable valve lift and timing and high pressure fuel injection.
Its performance should be more than satisfactory considering our overall national speed limits and the pathetic standard of our national road network. Overall top speed is given as 200 kph (124 mph), while its 0-100 kph acceleration time is 10.7 seconds. It is thus not the fastest saloon of its size on the roads, but its performance should be more than satisfactory. Perhaps of greater interest to buyers will be its urban cycle fuel consumption of 34 mpg (8.3 lt/100 km), while out on the open road, its extra urban consumption is quoted as a highly satisfactory 52 mpg (5.4 lt/100 km). This gives a combined cycle average of 43 mpg (6.5 lt/100 km). These figures give an exhaust emissions figure of 152 gm/km, putting the Avensis into Irish road tax band C, which at present rates, demands an annual payment of 302 euro.
The Avensis has always been very popular as a company car, besides being highly regarded by private owners as well. This new model should thus retain that loyalty, besides being of interest to a whole new band of owners. Perhaps potential owners’ biggest dilemma will be which form of motive power to choose, the petrol or diesel ? To underscore this point, my 2.0 litre diesel estate version, tested recently, had the same top speed, was marginally quicker in its acceleration and even more impressively economical in its thirst for fuel. As a result it fell into Irish road tax band B, which is far less expensive to tax.

From a driving point of view the car is comfortable and well laid out. The leather covered steering wheel has a quality feel and it adjusts for both reach and height. The main instruments are in a hooded binnacle behind the steering wheel. The large analogue dial on the left is the tachometer, while the matching one on the right is the speedometer. The tachometer has a gear shift indicator, while the speedometer has a handbrake warning light. Between them are two, vertically stacked digital readouts, for engine temperature (left) and fuel level (right). Above them, there is a digital panel that shows a wide variety of information, such as a door open, seat belt unfastened, trip distance recorder and the total mileometer, amongst other things.
The audio system and the heating/ventilating controls occupy the centre console, below the two rectangular air vents. The audio system consists of a radio/CD with MP3 compatibility. It broadcasts through six speakers. There is also an auxiliary socket for other noise related instruments. In addition to the normal controls, there are additional controls for the system on the left hand arm of the steering wheel.
Below the audio installation there is a dual zone climate control unit. Unlike the Aura specification Tourer model tested recently, this higher specification Strata saloon had the temperature settings for either side shown in figures, so you knew exactly what temperature you were selecting. While it appeared to be efficient at keeping the windows from misting up, I was less than impressed with its ability to keep the interior of the car fresh and cool. Fortunately, the Strata specification comes with four electric windows, so I was able to open the windows to keep the interior cool and fresh in warm weather. This could become a bit of a problem in cold weather if the ventilation equipment fails to keep the interior fresh.

The tunnel between the two front seats has a central armrest, with a large storage box below. Ahead of that is a cupholder with a sliding cover and then the gearlever. The 60/40 split rear seat also has a folding central armrest that incorporates two cupholders. Behind this armrest there is a hatch into the luggage space, that allows long items like skis and fishing rods to be carried.
Safety is a very important aspect of the design, so Toyota provide fire resistant upholstery, a collapsible steering column, automatic door locking, with childproof locks on the two rear doors, plus ISOfix fittings for the two outer rear seats. There are two front and two side airbags, plus two air curtains and a driver’s kneebag.

From a driving point of view the car is comfortable and relaxing to drive. The driver’s seat is reach and height adjustable, there are heated, electrically adjustable exterior rear view mirrors, four electric windows, electric power assisted steering and front fog lamps. The steering is geared to give 2.8 turns from lock to lock. The ride is comfortable over most surfaces and the car handles easily. Toyota provide an electric handbrake, operated by a rocker type switch on the lower edge of the facia, just above the driver’s left knee. Unusually you press it down to set it and lift it up to release it.
The shift indicator, incorporated into the tachometer, can be rather annoying if you care to watch it. Despite the fact that maximum torque is developed at 4,400 rpm with this engine, as soon as the revs go above 2,000 rpm, it suggests an upward change, while as soon as engine speed drops below 1,500 rpm, it suggests a downward change. Anyway you have to look down and thus take your eyes off the road, to look at it, which is hardly best practise from a safety point of view. I found it a lot simpler to concentrate on the road and traffic conditions ahead and to listen to the sound of the engine to judge my gearchanges.
The braking system has anti-lock, with emergency brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. It includes vehicle stability and traction control. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at the front with plain discs at the rear. The ten spoke cast alloy wheels are shod with 205/60 R 16 tyres. The spare wheel is a Spacesaver, fitted to a pressed steel wheel. It is housed in a well below the luggage compartment floor. Family cars naturally need to be adaptable. On that score this Avensis has a braked trailer towing capacity of 1400 kg, while unbraked trailers are limited to 500 kg.
Normal luggage capacity is 0.509 cubic metres and this can be increased by folding down the backrest of the 60/40 split rear seat. Below the luggage floor there is a compartmentalised black polystyrene tray, covering the spare wheel, which can be used to store small items.
Toyota give a three years/100,000 km warranty, with three years Europe wide roadside assistance, plus three years paint cover and twelve years anti-perforation warranty. Regular servicing is required every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) or every two years, whichever comes first.
This latest Avensis is a fine family car. It is offered in a variety of specification levels and with a wide choice of power plants. Buyers thus have a good variety from which to select the model that suits their requirements best.

Technical data