First details of the UK line-up demonstrate how Toyota has raised Avensis's appeal with more distinctive styling, higher levels of sensory quality in a re-worked cabin, improved equipment specifications and a range of efficient Euro 6-compliant engines.
True to its 17-year heritage, new Avensis is British-built, manufactured exclusively at Toyota's Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire. Both saloon and Touring Sports wagon models are available, priced from £17,765. Full series production will be initiated soon, with the first cars being delivered to customers from late June.
Model range
Avensis adopts a new grade structure which reflects how it has been designed, engineered and equipped to meet the leading requirements of both private and business customers.
The established Active and Excel grades mark the entry point and top of the range. These are joined by new Business Edition and Business Edition Plus versions at the heart of the line-up. Across the board, specifications secure high levels of safety, comfort and convenience, not least with the standard provision of Toyota Safety Sense integrated active safety features on all models (further details below).
Key features of the Active grade include Pre-Crash Safety system, cruise control, air conditioning, six-speaker CD/radio audio, Bluetooth, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED rear and daytime running lights and power windows.
Business Edition adds to this strong foundation with the Toyota Touch 2 with Go touchscreen multimedia and navigation system, digital/DAB audio package with eight-inch display, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, automatic air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels and part-Alcantara seat upholstery. The active safety features extend to Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Assist.
Business Edition Plus delivers further premium features including leather upholstery with Alcantara inserts, front fog lights with a cornering function, LED headlamps, smart entry and rear privacy glass. The LED daytime running lights gain light guides, creating a distinctive lighting signature.
At the top of the range, Excel grade adopts Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus, adding more sophisticated navigation functions and access to additional connected services. The specification also embraces a 10-speaker audio system, full leather seat upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats with heaters and adaptive headlights that adjust automatically to improve illumination through bends and turns. The Excel Touring Sports gains a panoramic roof.
Customers can choose from 10 colours, with the metallic options including new Havana Brown and Orion Blue shades. Option packs are also available: the Protection Pack (£325) provides mud flaps, scuff plates, boot liner and rear bumper protector (plus additional load space rails for the Touring Sports if required); the Chrome Pack (£250), available for Avensis for the first time, adds chrome side sill and boot/tailgate trim; and the Parking Pack (£495) equips the car with front and rear parking sensors.