Toyota Avensis test drive since 2009 sedan

Two plus two happens and five. Toyota Avensis

In the third generation, Toyota Avensis is unlikely to remind the unexplored sedan that was born in 1998. Even with a hit of class D in Russia, only Schildik is related by a second -generation car. But only at first glance
 
So Vibrant Clarity reached us, a joint-shared cunning Japanese concept born in the European Bureau Toyota. No matter what side you look at the new Avensis, everything is any: the headlights crashed into the wings will go back, and for the additional fee with brilliant xenon and washers, to match them the rear lights, turning to the trunk lid, the front bumper with aggressive embossed stampings that continue hood and stern lines. Get and sign for beauty, not unearthly, of course, but quite acceptable. As well as for 50 mm, increase in length and width, for bending the hofmaster of the opening of the rear rack, behind the front stand, shifted forward by almost 110 mm compared to the predecessor, finally, for the chrome edging of the door frame. Well, we are ready, if only because the today's Avensis does not cause any complaints, unlike the predecessor of a car with a design for a very big lover. Wow, really pretty and quite Europeanized Japanese turned out. For a long time, Toyota did not please such an attitude to the exterior of a car, which, as it were, does not claim to be particularly demanding owners.
 
Gentleman-guide
Having recognized the chip key, one and a half-ton long (4695 mm) and a wide (1810 mm) sedan reacted to the touch of the fingers to the door handle sensor with a soft click of locks. A few moments later from pressing the starter starter button, Avensis came to life with a barely audible noise motor. However, such an option is not in all five trim levels, but only in three elders: eleganes+, prestige and luxury. But you can’t call two initial comforts+ and eleganes: climate control, as well as rain, light sensors and all kinds of electronics such as an audio system with MP3 are already laid for elegans. And the systems of active and passive safety, including even the knee aerial tag of the driver in addition to six more pillows, and ESP is generally identical to all versions.
 
This gentleman's set (in vain is Avensis is assembled in England) from the car no one will take away, as well as the general strict style of the interior, which does not distract the excessive buttons of the audio system and the pseudo -based inserts of the torpedo, like the previous model. Poking and an elastic front panel with a barely perceptible chrome decor near the volumetric glove box will remain, steel doors also, a device with large limbas, illuminated by the festive Orange-white light of Optitron, and even more so. However, the main Avensis salon captivates with harmony and laconicism unusual for Japanese cars. One design of the central console for the burnt bamboo Takesumi is worth it, however, it is available only in the suite. But even without it, especially in combination with the expanse, everything is pleasing: both the most convenient chairs and the steering wheel that lies in his hands and comfortable with the width of the salon of 1508 mm, the placement of three passengers from behind, and a huge 509-liter trunk, with whom it is easy to travel pleasure. Although the optimal for voyages will be, of course, Avensis in the council of the station wagon. By the way, he looks more interesting than the sedan, and, in general, deserves a separate conversation.
 
New heroes
From the parking brake, the car can not be removed. A smart handbrake electric drive will track the pressing of the accelerator and unlock the pads. As for the power units, the sedate balanced owners are not needed by particularly powerful motors. But 147 hp The 1.8-liter engine of the new generation of Valvematic, which developed from environmentally friendly and unprofitable VVT-I, in combination with a 6-speed manual transmission, is enough even with full load. Of course, there is no need to talk about sports dynamics and picking up, but there is enough torque at 180 Nm so that, with an even driving style, not to pull the transmission without much need.
 
However, with the Variator of Multidrive S, especially in sports and manual modes, the car seemed a little more frozen, but the difference between a 1.8-liter unit and a 2-liter 152-horsepower engine is almost indistinguishable, which is not surprising. Five horses are not yet herd, but rather a variator is attached to such an image motor. But this tandem serves as a complement to all generous additives of prestige and suite. Yes, with a leather salon, GPS navigation and multimedia with a hard drive, life acquires a different quality, but the reckoning is significantly more serious.
 
Familiar plot
The smoothness of the course in any Avensis does not depend on the invested funds. It has the main similarity of the novelty with the predecessor so beloved in Russia. The designers tried to make the suspension softer. However, in practice, two -point fastening of the front racks and rubber dampers of the rear shock absorbers improved handling. No matter how you drive the paving stones, whatever one may atypically tough and sharp for Toyota, the steering wheel, you can’t call the car especially with a roll. But there is no shaking at the same time. And on a good city asphalt and in the city of Avensis, it is hardly possible to make at least some complaints. Is it visible that in a middle -class car, the radius of the turn is only 4.5 m? Is the Vibrant Clarity effect again? And an amazing sense of security, not leaving for a moment, even when the control of the accelerator and the variator takes control of the cruise control. Moreover, it comes out silently, gently, if not exquisite. Eh, there would still be a turbodiesel laid down by European versions, and there would be no price to such a sedan. Alas, for known reasons, we can’t see such a car yet, as well as some additional options, which are also available only in Europe.
 
However, the existing comfort costs a lot. By the way, in comparison with the past generation, the current Avensis, especially in rich versions, has risen significantly. But born again, he inherited from his predecessor all the best and played the faces of past and new talents. However, whether this car will become a new hit depends on so many factors, and above all on price competitiveness.

 
 

 

A source: Magazine cars and prices on May 25, 2009.