Toyota Avensis test drive 2003 - 2006 sedan

Losing and gaining

We did not wait for such Avensis. No, he did not disappoint in any case. It just turned out to be completely different, so unlike our forecasts. What were we counting on? The further evolution of design ideas embodied in the famous Carina E and have received such a successful development in the first -generation Avensis model. For known progress in terms of serial equipment with a slight rise in price relative to its predecessor. On the appearance of such fashionable sports modifications. And what is the result?

  

Let's start with the design. The photos speak for themselves: there is no trace of Karina. Another creative throwing so typical for the Japanese-Korean school? Fortunately, no. Avensis will dress and combed in accordance with the new corporate style introduced for the European market. High sides, characteristic forms of doorways, body racks and head optics allow the machine to take their place in the Yaris-Corolla-Camry family. But the most of all the car is like a Toyota flagship, Lexus LS430. And those who see Avensis II for the first time ask the same question: is this new Lexus? No, dear. This is not Lexus. This is Avensis. But frankly lecture.
 
The quality of the performance of the machine and its equipment plunge into cultural shock. A volley of direct fire to German and Swedish classmates! Huge wheels and the dead radiance of xenon light cause a surge of respect to the car around others. The doors are closed after a slight touch by inertia, with a dull thoroughbred cotton. Salon is chic: beige leather, two -tone plastic and wooden inserts. The materials are selected with an excellent taste, the panels are perfectly fitted, electric drives and microlyffs are everywhere. The optest panel of the devices comes to life with the turning of the ignition key. An approach worthy of a business class sedan!

  

The genuine decoration of the noble interior is the central console of dark gray metal. Large buttons, discreet displays real high-tech! The control of a two-zone climate installation and an audio system, which includes a CD player and a radio system, is concentrated here. By the way, this music is the subject of special pride of the creators of the car: great attention was paid to the quality of its sound. After listening to several CDs, I got the following impression. Indeed, the capabilities of the audio system are not comparable with what it was heard in budget Japanese models. The transparency and structuralness of the upper register give a lot of pleasure when listening to classical music and jazz. Electronic and pop music sounds good. However, there is no question of the realism of the reproduction of dance and rock music because of weak, slurred bass. No dynamics, no drive. But this is not a tragedy: it seems that the matter can be corrected by an elementary installation of an amplifier and a subwoofer without replacing the audio system assembly.
 
And more about equipment. The new Avensis can easily be called a bastion security. For the first time, the D-class car received nine pillows, and one of them protects the driver's knees. The brakes are more reliable than ever: they are controlled by several electronic systems led by the VDC stabilization system. Moreover, the driver is allowed to disconnect only the anti -boom function.
 
About pricing policy. Of the entire range, a sedan and a station wagon with 1.8- and two-liter gasoline engines are supplied to us. There are two levels of equipment: quite rich SOL and Executive, where everything is included. The hatchbacks, as well as cars with 1.6-liter engines and in the basic configuration, it was decided not to sell, because earlier they did not use special demand. Diesel engines also past, but already because of the low quality of our diesel fuel. What is available as a result? The starting sedan 1.8 SOL with mechanics costs $ 22900. Avensis Executive, which you see in the pictures, with its two liters, a sequential automatic and all kinds of useful equipment starting from the curtain on the rear window and ending with VDC, is already $ 29900. Does it bite? In any case, in comparison with the first generation model, the rise in price is significant. It seems that Japanese cars are gradually losing one of their main advantages over Europeans attractive prices. Having accustomed us to quality, now they teach to pay for it. There is another moment. In the Russian line of Toyota brand between neighboring models Corolla and Avensis, $ 10,000 is now formed (the difference in the prices of basic configurations). A plot vulnerable to attack competitors.

  

And what is the new Avensis in the case? Really radical shifts occurred in this direction, and the car lost the stunning smoothness of the move, which its predecessor was famous for? Only the type of low -profile tires forces to prepare for the worst. However, after several hundred meters, all far -fetched disappointments are scattered without a trace. In terms of the comfort of movement in the Avensis space, I would like to compare with the Mercedes, if not from the 210s, then certainly with the 124th. The car responds to the transverse seams and cracks with soft slap slaps, to potholes smoothly swaying the body. The noise insulation of the car is so perfect, and the move is so light that the trip on the highway is perceived only as a flight. The seats are lullaryly comfortable, the salon is pouring out: the rear passengers do not feel constrained at all. Class!
 
In the same ideological manner, controllability is also sustained. Responses on the actions of the steering wheel are calm-spectacular, because of which the car sometimes seems awkward. But at the same time, the car is steaming for sure, and the algorithm for changes in feedback does not cause questions. However, the first Avensis was not sporting.
 
The only misunderstanding is the weak energy of the car. The Euro 4 -sharpened engine 4 engine with direct fuel injection shows acceptable vigor only at high speeds, however, very long assists of the machine limit these capabilities. The start from the place is briskly, without tension, but in the following gears, acceleration is very anemic. Moreover, overtaking at speeds above 120 km/h is difficult, since a sharp press of gas pedal does not give any result for a long time. Only a manual switching mode helps out, whose usefulness is difficult to underestimate in this machine. Firstly, it allows the engine to immediately reach the combat range of 4000-6000 revolutions, and secondly, it does not allow the box to automatically turn on the next gear upon reaching the red tachometer zone. This is the only way to provide an acceptable level of dynamics.
 
So for one generation Avensis stepped from workhorses almost into business sedans. But maybe it is worth not to luxury, but to choose a simpler version, cheaper? In the next issue, we will talk about what the most basic annsis is ready to please the buyer.

  
The car was provided by LLC Toyota Motor.
 

Text: Leonid Klyuyev
Photo: Roman Ostanin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Wheel magazine [No. 69/2003]