Avensis T180 2.2 D4D
It may be Toyota’s European flagship model but a straw poll amongst friends revealed that it is considered bland.
I’ll admit that the Avensis, particularly the older versions, is a favourite with mini-cab drivers almost to the point of being a cliché. But clichés happen for a reason and in this case it’s because it is a good all-round car and it just got better.
The current version of the Avensis was launched in 2003 and has recently undergone some restyling and re-engineering for 2007 and gained two new diesel engines in the process.
Cosmetically, the changes amount to a revamped front end featuring a new grille and bumpers and the indicators are now integrated into the revised door mirrors for increased visibility. The rear end gains new light clusters and minor styling changes.
The Avensis remains available in hatch, saloon and Tourer estate versions so there’s something for everyone, which is especially valuable if the car is used for both work and family. There are no less than six trim levels to choose from including the new T180.
The T2 trim now has an improved MP3 compatible CD player with a Digital Sound Processor and Automatic Sound Leveliser. Even this base model has nine airbags, including one to protect the driver’s knees.
Toyota AvensisThe T4 trim has a mixture of the T3 elements and adds cruise control as standard. If that’s still not enough, the T Spirit models deliver 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-CD autochanger, electrically operated front seats with lumbar support and leather upholstery.
New for 2007 is the top of the range T180. This version has much the same specification as the T Spirit, with duel-zone climate control, the turn-by-turn sat-nav system, cruise control etc. but is distinguished by a dark grey front grille with chrome inserts and 17-inch smoked alloy wheels. Inside, there’s silver stitching for the leather-clad, multi-functional, rake and reach-adjustable, steering wheel and gear lever and the seats are upholstered in leather and Alcantara, which is a spongeable suede material.
The new model year also sees upgraded interiors, with new fabrics and higher quality fascia trims. The T180 has a metallic-effect centre console and sports seats front and back. The rear seats in the saloon have a 60:40 split and fold function and on the hatch and Tourer they double fold to form a flat floor. Both the saloon and the Tourer have a minimum load capacity of 520-litres - the hatch is 10-litres less. However, for the hatch this can be increased to a maximum of 1,320-litres and 1,500 for the estate.
We tested the T180 hatchback, priced at £21,515 - the saloon is the same price and the estate is £1,000 more. Prices start at £15,515 for the saloon or hatchback T2 with 1.8 VVT-I engine the Tourer version is not available in this configuration.
The T180 comes with the new 2.2-litre D-4D 180 engine only. This is clearly badged on the back but the label just behind the front wheel arch reads D-CAT, which stands for Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology. It is designed to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions by way of the Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction system or DPNR. The CO2 emissions are posted as 161g/km putting it in VED Band D.
Model Tested and Reviewed | |
| Car Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Car Model | Avensis T180 2.2 D4D |
| Body Type | 5-Door Hatchback |
| Colour | Silver Fern |
| Performance [ Manufacturers Figures ] | |
| 0 - 62 mph | 8.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 137 mph |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Economy [ Manufacturers Figures ] | |
| Urban | 37.2 mpg |
| Extra Urban | 54.3 mpg |
| Combined | 46.3mpg |
| Insurance Group | 12 |
| Euro NCAP Rating | 5 |
| Warranty | 3-Year / 60,000 Mile Warranty |
| Price | £21,515 |
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