Top 10 Frankfurt show cars coming soon - Toyota Avensis

• Sharper looks
• Chassis changes
• On sale January 2012

The updated Toyota Avensis shown at Frankfurt goes on sale in January. It should be a more competitive rival for the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, thanks to fresh styling, upgraded interior trim, cleaner engines and changes to improve the ride, handling and refinement.

New bumpers, grille and headlights give the Avensis a more aggressive look. There are new taillight lenses for the Tourer estate model, while the saloon’s also have a new shape. There are also fresh wheel designs, including a darker finish for 17 and 18-inch versions. A new dark red paint option has been added, too.

Inside, there are reshaped front seat backs, extra metallic trim and a range of new materials. The centre console has been redesigned and most models gain a version of Toyota’s Touch entertainment system: Toyota says the majority of UK cars will come with Bluetooth and a rear parking camera as standard.

A combination of weight and friction-reduction measures and a new turbocharger has reduced CO2 emissions for the 2.0 D-4D diesel engine from 139 to 119g/km.

The suspension has been tweaked to offer ‘greater ride comfort and enhanced agility,’ while extra sound deadening measures are aimed at improving refinement.

Toyota hasn’t yet announced full details, but we’d expect a small price rise when the updated Avensis goes on sale in January 2012.

Rivals
Ford Mondeo
Volkswagen Passat