Toyota Avensis test drive 2003 - 2006 sedan

Without an accent

Restyled model and new where is the line that shares them? What does it mean new when a new body or a new platform? Such questions arise constantly, however, mainly they torment journalists. A normal consumer is usually interested in how good a new car is. So what does it mean new?


Toyota Avensis of the first generation was born almost five years ago, replacing the legendary Carina E, and in almost the same form lived until the year, when a new Avensis appeared. Both of her predecessors performed well in the market, so the company's task is difficult to increase its already large achievements.


Toyota models have always been reproached for the absence of zest. Perhaps, in connection with this, Avensis, pure Fukusato of a great fan of European culture, was attracted to the creation of a new generation of Avensis. In addition, the company positions Avensis as an absolutely European model, without an accent.


Therefore, they created it in a design center in Nice. The new Avensis is made in the spirit of the last Corolla. In front, the car resembles Opel Vectra, only much more plastic and interesting. A peculiar appearance, despite the fact that it is not rapid and not aggressive, but solid. Large inflated sidewalls, high hood, bright optics, clear faces. Fresh and lively. The body is massive, even 17-inch cast discs seem small. And this is not only sensations, Avensis has grown and in numbers became 140 mm longer and 50 mm wider and higher. It’s a pity, there were no universals on the test, in this body Avensis is more proportional and balanced.


We were given two cars in two extreme trim levels for the test. Speaking in a simple way with cloth and leather salons. So, even crossing from an expensive option to cheap, you don’t really feel the difference in price. Solid materials, perfect fit. Wood, aluminum. A high -quality and stylish interior would suit Lexus. Even the doors are closed in a way.


The salon is not only beautiful, but also convenient. Everything is at hand. The ranges of adjustments of the driver's seat will allow any person to accommodate in it. In the expensive version of Avensis, the adjustment of the seats is fully electric, including adjusting the lumbar support. Planting is perhaps high.


The salon is light. There are enough places everywhere and thanks everyone increased by 70 mm wheelbase. SOL budget equipment offers separate climate control, an audio system with eight speakers and driving, immobilizer, an electric rear-view mirror, seats and heating mirrors, rain sensor. Well, everything is! Until recently, such an abundance was available only to Lexus owners.


It is worth saying that the new Avensis received five stars on passive safety tests carried out by Euro NCAP. Renault Megane and Laguna, but 34 points scored by Avensis, an absolute record, performed equally successfully there. The car has nine airbags, including one under a head column, to protect the driver's legs.


Naturally, the tested Avensis were different engines. On a cloth of 1.8 liters of gasoline with a well-known Toyota system of phases of gas distribution VVT-I with a capacity of 129 hp. On a leather new 2 l of a motor with direct fuel injection, developing 147 hp. The first is aggregated with a mechanical checkpoint, the second with a four -speed automatic machine with manual mode. In the factory gamut there is 1.6 liters of a gasoline engine and turbodiesel, but Avensis equipped with Russia will not be supplied. Like, however, Avensis-Hatchback.


Interesting little thing EMPS power steering (Electric Motor-Assisted Power Steering). The essence instead of a hydraulic pump is used by electronic control, changing the force depending on the speed of movement. It is curious that only 1.8-liter Avensis is equipped with this novelty. The company explains this by the fact that the electrical power is not yet brought in the parameters of the two -liter engine.


The motors are very quiet. On idle, only devices resemble the fact of their work. A 1.8-liter Avensis pleased with a combat mood after 4000 rpm. And with a clear operation of the gearbox drive. The car shoots perfectly, especially from the place. The second gear, however, is far from the first in transmitted numbers. You have to twist the engine. And still quiet, noise is not pressed at high speeds.


2 l of the motor is almost 15 forces more powerful, but this advantage is eaten by an assault rifle that throws more than 1.5 seconds. Compared to mechanics. The manual regime is more fun, the connection of the wheels and the engine is almost stiff. The motor, having promoted, hangs at maximum speeds near the limiter, waiting for the driver’s command to switch. Switching down is fast and allow you to effectively brake the engine.


Now about how the electric power challenge showed himself. It is not bad, and really changes the effort on the steering wheel depending on the speed, you can’t refuse to the speed either. When parking, the steering wheel rotates literally with a finger. But I liked the usual hydraulic rod on the 2-liter Avensis more. Elastic, clear, with a stable zero. From the stop to the stop only three turns (with an electric power capacity 3.5). Avensis is more collected with it, the reactions are more natural.


The chief designer of Fukusato, a former ralist, personally controlled the refinement of the running qualities of the new Avensis. In the front suspension scheme, the changes are small, but the back is based on the latter Celica suspension. The suspension is generally tough, the rolls are almost invisible. She in good faith swallows unevenness, without painting. Avensis passes turns, strictly following the given trajectory, at high speeds, but serious irregularities cannot knock it out of the course.


The brakes are understandable and effective. Both Avensis are equipped with ABS with EBD. And the two -liter is also armed with an anti -circus system (TRC), a course stability system (VSC) and an emergency braking system (Break Assist). What is important, these systems do not wake up ahead of time and do not annoy their presence. Thanks to the chief designer, the driver turned out.


I liked Avensis. The model has ceased to be a gray Japanese woman, now it is bright and memorable, moreover, it has grown up in all respects and in size and quality and class. A solid and stylish, Avensis, of course, costs the money that they ask for it. The machine in the SOL configuration and with a 1.8-liter engine costs $ 22.900. And with 2-liter $ 29.400. I would choose a 2-liter version with mechanics there and a hydraulic steering wheel, but the skin is supplied only with an automaton. I think it’s still better to give preference to a mechanical box, in addition, a cloth interior is not at all bad.


On July 20, a ship set off from English Southampton to the Japanese shores, on board of which there are 350 Toyota Avensis cars. The estimated time of arrival at the port of Tahara on August 21. What is special here? But what. This is the first case in history when the Toyota cars of the European assembly are exported to Japan.


The event is actually significant. The Japanese are very reverent about the quality of the cars that they ride, and the fact that they agreed (this, however, remains to be checked in practice) to buy cars assembled in another country, should show the whole world the confidence of Toyota that cars English origin is no worse than Japanese.
 
Sergey Yakubov
 

A source: Motor magazine [August 2003]