Toyota Avensis test drive since 2009 sedan

Goodbye, Avensis!

Most likely, at the Parisian Motor Show, which will be held in early October, Toyota will present, if not serial, then the conceptual Avensis of a new generation. But on sale it will appear no earlier than next year, and at a higher price. To decide whether it is worth waiting for a new Avensis, or prefer the one that is sold now, we operated the most popular 2.0-liter version of this car as amended for a month.
Recent restyling
To begin with, let me remind you that the current Avensis went through restyling at the end of 2006. Changes are not very striking, although the one who is well acquainted with the model, and from the photographs it will become clear that they touched, first of all, front and rear lighting, which received clear circles inside the headlights and rear lights of the same form. The bumpers gained a new shape, the front grill became a little smaller. Such a makeup in general, of course, did not change the perception of the car, which, as I think, is only for the better. The appearance did not become more aggressive, but it is appreciated for other qualities, and not at all for a particularly expressive design or outstanding sports.
The interior should arrange a practical person to the quality of finishing materials and the thoroughness of the assembly of claims, everything is in full accordance with the class of the machine. Personally, I do not like Avensis only one high location of the driver's seat. Even in its lowest position between the head and the ceiling, no more than five to seven centimeters remained. Of course, you can lean back, but this is not driven, wrong. I think that a person tall above 190 cm can experience certain difficulties. But the car lost another shortcom in a short seat pillow. In addition, using the button responsible for adjusting in height, you can change its slope, and the back profile and developed lateral support generally allow you to get a job quite conveniently. The numerous adjustments of both the seats and the steering column contribute to the same.
Well, as for the ergonomics and equipment of the salon, in this regard, Avensis is on top. The main controls are located logically, the central console is not overloaded with buttons. The climate control unit is simple and it is clear to eat a small electronic board, a group of handles and keys with operations is not mistaken nearby. The same applies to an audio system, which can be controlled from the lamb. Only now her sound is not too pleased on acoustics clearly saved. But the sensitivity of the receiver is at a height, and the built-in CD changer also perceives music computer files.
It is impossible not to note a pleasant feeling of space in the cabin. Sitting in front do not contact their shoulders, and there is enough space for the legs behind, in the shoulders and above the head. The luggage compartment, which, as usual in many Japanese cars, opens from the inside, turned out to be very spacious its volume is 520 liters. Moreover, the rear seats can be folded both in whole and in parts, which will significantly increase the place for the luggage. I note another important point of excellent visibility. Including due to a rather high landing. Large windshield, decent lateral mirrors equipped, by the way, electric drive and heating, allow you to see everything that happens around.
Calm character
Under the hood of the tested car was one of the most popular 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the Russian buyer. It is equipped with a branded system for changing the phases of gas distribution, direct fuel injection, and in our case, the engine was aggregated with a 4-speed automatic. Structurally, he is not young and therefore, to be honest, quite slow. In addition, a flat characteristic of the power unit does not allow to count on a tangible pickup even at high speeds, which is why acceleration and any acceleration seem somewhat melancholy, everything happens smoothly, without jerking. Partly saves the opportunity to manually switch the gears. However, the 2.0-liter Avensis is still the choice of a judicious and calm person. At the same time, in the range of the model there is a more powerful 2.4-liter engine that can be recommended to those who are looking for swiftness.
The pendants are quite soft and very energy -intensive, which is why the fossa and other irregularities are practically not annoying. Moreover, excellent soundproofing and good smoothness make the trip very pleasant. On the other hand, with active driving, the body rolls are observed, which, however, does not affect the stability of the car at all.
Avensis demonstrates typical front -wheel drive reactions correct and good -fading small sins. In addition, the steering, although it seems relatively light, is still quite informative, feedback is present on the steering wheel. If you add to this quite powerful brake mechanisms, the VSC stabilization system, nine airbags, including the knee, and five stars according to the results of EURONCAP crash tests, then Avensis can be safely called almost the safest car in the segment.
Emotions and calculation
In the course of the case, our analysts found out that when resale after three years, the car today loses no more than 20% of the initial cost. And this is a very good indicator. In addition, it should be taken into account that in the practice of Toyota to maintain its models in the secondary market, annually raising even if not much price for cars. So if you need a reliable and comfortable car, which does not lose too much over the years, you can just dwell on Avensis on that so far in dealerships.
Andrey Osipov
Photo toyota

 

A source: Magazine Automobile Izvestia [September 2008]