Toyota Avensis updated

* New engines * Wider range * Extra safety options...

Toyota Avensis updated

Toyota Avensis buyers now have more choice with two new engines added to the range, as well as more engine and trim combinations, and new safety options.

New 1.6 Valvematic engine
A new 1.6 Valvematic petrol engine is now the starting point for the range.

Technical details:
• Power: 130bhp
• CO2 emissions: 152g/km
• Average fuel economy: 43.5mpg
• 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

The new engine comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

New 2.2 D-CAT 150 engine
The new 2.2 D-CAT 150 diesel engine uses Diesel Clean Advanced Technology to cut NOx and particulate emissions, and comes as standard with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Technical details:
• Power: 148bhp
• CO2 emissions: 169g/km
• Average fuel economy: 44.1mpg
• 0-62mph: 9.5 seconds

New safety kit
A new Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) pack can be specified for top-spec Avensis models with the new 2.2 D-CAT 150 engine.

Using radar, the system activates when a collision is imminent. A warning is initially sent to the driver, but if the system considers that a crash is unavoidable, the system triggers seatbelt pre-tensioners and applies the brakes at full force.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses the same radar technology to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front by braking or accelerating as necessary, is also included in the PCS pack.

Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are incorporated, too. The systems use audio and visual alarms to alert the driver if the car starts to drift out of its lane. If no corrective action is taken, the system helps to bring the vehicle back on course.

More kit for T-Spirit
Toyota says that its HDD (hard disc drive) navigation system has proved so popular as an option, that it has now made it standard on T Spirit models. It remains an option on T4 versions.

As well as full European mapping and route planning, the system includes a 10Gb music server. Bluetooth and a rear parking camera are also part of the package.

Toyota Avensis prices start at 16,485 for the 1.6 Valvematic saloon and rise to 27,515 for the 2.2 D-CAT 150 T-Spirit Tourer.