TOYOTA AVENSIS (From Warrington Guardian)

TOYOTA AVENSIS

TO succeed in the most competitive sector of the European car market - the family and fleet territory - you need a badge that people trust and something special to set the vehicle apart from the herd.

Toyota's Avensis has always had the badge but the Mark One model lacked that all-important showroom presence.

Mark II, introduced last year, simply oozes it.

The reason is that is has been totally geared to European tastes rather than those in America, Toyota's most lucrative overseas market.

New Avensis was designed in France and it is being built at Burnaston in Derbyshire.

Saloon, hatchback and tourer, aka estate, variants are available in five grades and there are also six MPVs called Verso; prices range from £14,215 to £21,713.

Initially there were three engine choices - petrol units of 1.8 litres, with variable valve timing, and 2.0 litres and a direct injection 2.0 litre diesel. January saw the introduction of a 2.4 litre petrol unit and an additional 2.0 litre diesel claimed to be the world's cleanest engine of its kind. All of the power packs comply with European emission regulations that don't come into effect until next year.

The new diesel's toxic emissions are significantly below those that have been stipulated in Brussels for the second half of the decade.

This week Alan has been driving the built-to-order five door top specification T Spirit powered by the 145 horsepower 2.0 litre petrol engine allied to manual transmission which costs £19,713.

While luxury features are a priority in all the models Spirit has everything you could want - features such as leather trim, electrically operated front seats with lumbar support and cruise control.

This builds on the standard specification which features no less than nine airbags, including the first SRS knee airbag, air conditioning, an alarm and immobiliser with double locking and an audio system with a radio and cassette and CD playing facilities linked to eight speakers and steering wheel controls.

Mid range models bring in "turn-by turn" satellite navigation system with electronic traffic avoidance, automatic climate control air conditioning, all round electric windows with switches on the doors where they should be, rain sensor wipers, heated retractable door mirrors, front fog lamps and 17 inch wheels.

Fitted to the test car were a full colour map GPS satellite navigation system and an electric sunroof, both options at the top end.

All of this prompts you to drive with finesse rather than with performance in mind and the ultra smooth 2.0 litre petrol engine lets you do exactly that.

The figures - zero to 60 miles an hour in nine seconds and a capability of 130 mph at top lick - are acceptable but by no means the whole story. This is a car that after a long journey will leave you as relaxed as you were at the start.

Mechanical attributes also include hydraulic powered steering, anti-skid brakes supplemented by electronic brake force distribution and double wishbone rear suspension derived from that used in the company's Celica sports car.

Vehicle stability control, traction control and brake assist is also a Spirit standard.

There is no chance you can forget to belt up. Initially, you get an illuminated warning and if the car passes 10mph a buzzer starts to sound; if you keep going for half a minute the buzzer simply gets louder.

New Avensis, in line with all other current Toyota models, is offered with a three- years' or 60,000 miles' warranty, a three-year paint and 12-year anti-perforation warranties.

Major service intervals are at 20,000 miles with a lubrication and safety check every 10,000 miles.

Fact File

Toyota Avensis

Five door hatchback

2.0 litre direct injection petrol

Power output: 145 hp at 5,700 revs

Top speed: 130mph

Transmission: Five speed manual

Steering: Hydraulic powered rack and pinion

Brakes: ABS, EBD

Wheels: 17 ins seven spoke alloys

Fuel tank: 60 litres

Luggage capacity: 50 litres; 1,320 with rear seats folded

Insurance group: 9E

Length: 15ft 4 ins

VERDICT: Relaxing luxury cruiser rather than a hot performer; a car you want your doctor to drive