The Toyota Avensis is a mid-size/large family car manufactured and marketed by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota from 1997 to 2018. The Avensis was introduced in 1997, to create a more modern name when compared with the Carina E. The "Avensis" name is derived from the French term avancer, meaning "to advance" or "move forward". The Avensis was not sold in North America, and it is related to the Scion tC coupé.
History of the Toyota Avensis
First Generation Toyota Avensis (T220; 1997–2002)
In 1997, Toyota decided to drop the Carina E nameplate and introduce an advanced one: the Avensis. It was a promise for the future. Toyota started to get more traction in the European market, and the customers compared its products with Opel, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, or Volkswagen. But the carmaker tried to offer something more. The Carina was too bland for their needs and the first generation of the Avensis was not a bland car either by its look or by its character. Some could say that the Avensis' headlights somehow resemble those installed on the third generation of the BMW 3-Series (the E36), with its dual lamps under a clear glass design. Of course, speculations followed, but the customers couldn't care less than that. Inside, Toyota insisted on having high building quality, and that was achieved. Even though some European carmakers could match the same fittings, it lacked behind most of them, especially the middle and premium brands. Under the hood, the Japanese carmaker installed a choice of five engines paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. For specific markets and engines, Toyota offered a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Facelift
Toyota refreshed the first generation of the Avensis in 2000 and offered new technical upgrades, but the carmaker didn't add too many visual improvements. The Japanese carmaker was already known for its reliable products, and it tried to get into the mid-size sedan market with the introduction of the Avensis lineup. In Europe, it had to fight against better-known vehicles such as Volkswagen Passat, Renault Laguna, Peugeot 406, or Ford Mondeo. Even the Honda Accord was a better-known nameplate. Some chrome trims enhanced its bland styling on the grille and clear-lens headlights. It was designed more for fleet users, where the total cost of ownership was more valued than the car's look. The biggest aesthetic change was inside, where the carmaker installed a new center stack with a stereo mounted on the top. Also, the instrument cluster looked more refined than the non-facelifted version. Under the hood, Toyota installed a new engine generation fitted with variable valve timing. Unfortunately, the base version was powered by a 1.6L gasoline unit that provided a mere 110 hp, way less than its competitors. Besides, the fuel efficiency was not as good as expected.
Second Generation Toyota Avensis (T250; 2003–2009)
The second generation of the Toyota Avensis was launched in 2003 and it was a big improvement over the previous generation, offering more safety and more interior room. While the first generation of the Avensis was more of an enlarged Corolla, the second generation came with a completely new package. Even though the smallest engine was more suitable for a compact-sized vehicle, the rest of the engine lineup was fit for a mid-size vehicle. It was available in three body shapes: a three-box sedan, a two-and-a-half box hatchback, and a station wagon. The second generation of Toyota was styled in France but it didn't impress the European customers. The big headlights and the tall front fascia, even if it was curved over the hood it didn't catch up too much. Inside, the exterior design was continued with a simple layout of the dashboard. Under the hood, the Avensis was available with a wide choice of engines ranging from a 1.6L gasoline unit up to 2.4L gasoline. For the diesel versions, the Avensis was available with the D-4D family engine offered in a few power options. The standard transmission was a 5-speed manual, and a sequential automatic transmission was available as an option
Facelift
In 2007, Toyota introduced a refreshed version of the Avensis, with updates regarding its exterior design and a new engine. Not only the sedan body style was upgraded, but the same also applied to the wagon and the liftback versions of Avensis. Aesthetically, the Toyota Avensis came with a stronger exterior design that featured an all-new front bumper, a more dynamic shape with the hood's strong vertical lines, a new radiator grille, and completely redesigned headlamps. For 2007, the new Avensis came with LED turn signals mounted within the outer door mirrors, adding a more premium feel, and increased safety. The side mirrors were now bigger to improve visibility. The new diesel unit introduced in 2007 was a 2.0-liter D4D engine that developed 125, this engine offered excellent power and reduced fuel consumption at the same time. Friendlier to the environment than its predecessors, the new powerplant had low CO2 emissions of 146 g/km.
More powerful engines were also available, with the range-topping D-4D 180 that developed 177 hp.
Third Generation Toyota Avensis (T270; 2009–2018)
The third generation of the Avensis came in 2008 when the world economic crisis started. Even though it came into a bad moment for the motoring industry, it managed to find its place on the market. The first generation of the Avensis was introduced in Europe in 1997 and, in 10 years on the market, it managed to get 8% of the sales in the D-segment (mid-size vehicles). Like the second generation, the 2008 model was designed in Toyota's design center in France. From the outside, it looked more like a facelift than a completely new model. Under the hood, there were more engine choices, evolved from the previous ones, but mated to a new generation of transmissions. All the gasoline units were mated as standard to a 6-speed manual. For the diesel versions, only one was available with a 5-speed manual. The others were fitted with six-speed. Toyota offered a new, 6-speed automatic on the options list for most of the engines. A CVT was available for selected models.
First Facelift
The Avensis underwent a facelift in January 2012. This included a revised front grille and modified tail lamps. The changes were first shown in September 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show before sales started in January 2012.
Second Facelift
A further facelift was shown in March 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show. The facelifted vehicle was officially launched in June 2015. This included a revised front grille, rear view, headlamps and taillamps, and a new interior. In addition to the new "Toyota Safety Sense", new engines were also shown. The 1.6L diesel replaces the previous 2.0L engine.
Price
The price range for a used Toyota Avensis varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $6,000 and going to $12,200 for the latest year the model was manufactured.
Features of the Toyota Avensis
Exterior Features
A new Toyota Avensis came around in 2015, bringing sharp looks, new engines, and more technology. Extending overall vehicle length by 40mm, the front is a bold, prestigious interpretation of Toyota's Under Priority and Keen Look design language.
Interior Features
The interior got a makeover along with adopting more sound-insulating materials. A new infotainment unit was fitted with the Toyota Touch 2 system and an 8" multimedia screen. That was better appreciated by private customers. The fleet market represents easily the largest sales base. This is due to the low running costs, which is more important for a company rather than the look or the sharp driving.
Specs and Performance of the Toyota Avensis
- 1.6 L 1ZR-FAE I4 (petrol)
- 1.8 L 2ZR-FAE I4 (petrol)
- 2.0 L 3ZR-FAE I4 (petrol)
- 1.6 L 1WW I4-T (diesel)
- 2.0 L 1AD-FTV I4-T (diesel)
- 2.2 L 2AD-FTV I4-T (diesel)
- 2.2 L 2AD-FHV I4-T (diesel)
The Toyota Avensis's 1.8L engine delivers 147 hp (108 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Toyota marketed the Avensis as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Toyota Avensis accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (0–100 kph) in 9.4 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph (200 kph). Dimension-wise, the Toyota Avensis measures 4,695 mm (184.8 in) long, 1,810 mm (71.3 in) wide, and 1,480 mm (58.3 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,700 mm (106.3 in) and has a curb weight of 3,175 lbs (1,440 kg).
Release Date
Toyota introduced the Toyota Avensis to international markets in 1997, creating a mid-size/large family car that would thrive for over two decades and become an iconic addition to their fleet.