Focus on fuel efficiency and low emissions

Toyota has expanded its engine line-up for new Avensis, introducing two new units that further strengthen the fuel efficiency and emissions performance achieved across the range. As well as adding the 1.6 Valvematic petrol and 2.2 D-CAT 150 diesel, it has also made the popular 1.8 Valvematic engine more widely available, with both six-speed manual and Multidrive S transmissions.

New 1.6 Valvematic petrol engine
Valvematic engine technology is one of the key elements of Toyota Optimal Drive. Based on Toyota’s proven dual Variable Valve timing – intelligent (dual VVT-i) technology, it achieves a breakthrough in combustion efficency with a control system that continuously varies the lift of the inlet valves,  giving better control of the volume and speed of the intake airflow. Simply put, this helps deliver more power for less fuel.

Available in T₂ and TR grade saloon and tourer models, the engine is matched to Toyota’s compact and lightweight six-speed manual transmission. It returns 43.5mpg in combined cycle driving, with 152g/km CO₂ emissions (153 tourer). Acceleration from nought to 62mph takes 10.4 seconds (10.6 tourer).

Increased availability for fleet-friendly 1.8 Valvematic
Tailoring the range to meet customer demand, Toyota has made its 1.8 Valvematic engine more widely available, extending it to T₂, TR and T₄ grade saloon and tourer models. Moreover, it can be specified in each case with either six-speed manual or Multidrive S transmission.

Together with the introduction of the new 1.6 Valvematic, this greatly increases the number of Avensis models that achieve sub-160g/km CO₂ emissions, the threshold for the 10 per cent Capital Write Down Allowance. This makes Avensis an even stronger prospect for company fleet operators looking to save on their Corporation Tax liability.

2.2 D-CAT 150 with automatic transmission
The 2.2 D-CAT 150 engine, newly available in Avensis, matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission. The unit produces 148bhp at 3,600rpm and maximum torque of 340Nm between 2,000 and 2,800rpm, enabling nought to 62mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds for the saloon and 9.8 seconds for the tourer.

Equipped with Toyota’s clean diesel D-CAT technology, it produces CO₂ emissions of 169g/km (174 tourer) and returns 44.1mpg in combined cycle driving (42.8 tourer).

Pre-Crash Safety Pack
T Spirit versions of Avensis with the new 2.2 D-CAT 150 engine can be optionally specified with a Pre-Crash Safety Pack, which marks the first availability of these advanced preventive safety systems on a UK Toyota model.

The pack has three elements:

• Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning (LKA/LDW)

The Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system uses miniature radar monitoring to predict when a collision is imminent and initiate warnings and safety systems to prevent an impact, or mitigate the consequences should the worst happen. It first warns the driver of a danger ahead and, if a crash is determined to be unavoidable, it automatically triggers the seatbelt pretensioners and applies full braking force.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with the PCS, using the same radar technology. When activated, it will maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front, even if that vehicle varies its speed. Once the road ahead is clear, ACC automatically returns to the pre-set cruising speed.

Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are linked to digital cameras mounted on the top edge of the windscreen that monitor the white line markings on the road. LDW operates when the ACC is active, triggering sound and dashboard light alerts if it detects that the driver is drifitng out of lane. If no corrective action is made, Lane Keep Assist applies steering torque to make it easier for the  driver to bring the vehicle back on course.  

T Spirit now with advanced HDD navigation pack
Avensis customers have proved so keen to take up the option of Toyota’s advanced HDD (hard disc drive) navigation system as an option, it has now made it a standard feature on T Spirit models (it remains an option on T₄ grade versions).

As well as providing comprehensive pan-European mapping and route planning, the system also provides a 10Gb music server function for storing digital files. Bluetooth and a rear parking camera are also part of the package.

Avensis pricing, VED and insurance

The Pre-Crash pack option costs £1,400, including VAT.