Toyota will launch the third generation Avensis at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and sales will begin later that year. The 2010 Avensis will be offered in two different body versions: sedan - to be launched first - and station wagon - that will be launched six months after the sedan version. Both version have been already caught testing by the spy photographers.
Although, since the launch of the second generation in 2003, the Avensis won the European Car of the Year award in 2004 and sales were up to 156,000 units, people say Avensis has a wiping design, with no dynamism. But the third generation Avensis will change this aspect. The 2010 model will feature a more dynamic and ascending side line, big head lights curved along the corners and a new grille.
There will also be a panoramic roof in the wagon, basicly a 4-foot glass panel instead of a metal roof. It is rumoured that there will be a Toyota Auris inspired raised gear stick in the Avensis too.
The technical part has never been a problem for Avensis, so Toyota will keep the current engines line-up: both petrol and diesel a, but will also offer a hybrid version starting 2010. As an options, the company will also offer a FWD version.
The petrol engine will include the current 1.6 VVT-i, 1.8 VVT-i, 2.0 and 2.4 direct injection and diesel engines D-4D 125 with outputs starting 125 hp.
The 2010 Avensis will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 10 seconds and will hit a top speed of 125 mph
Competitors
Ford Mondeo
The new Mondeo was launched at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The dramatic and distinctive new Ford Mondeo epitomises Ford’s ’kinetic design’ styling language and introduces many new technical features to the Ford range. Mondeo’s established strengths have been built on, notably with improved driving dynamics and safety enhancements.
Three distinct bodystyles – a classic four-door limousine, a stylish and flexible five-door sedan and the capacious wagon – will be available simultaneously from launch. For each bodystyle, four distinct series are available: the Ambiente, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs, the contemporary Trend series, and, at the top of the range, the Titanium and Ghia models.
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, including the range-topping 220 PS Duratec 5-cylinder petrol unit as used in the Ford S-MAX and based on the engine of the high performance Ford Focus ST.
Starting late 2007, the range was expanded with a new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161 PS 4-cylinder petrol unit, plus a new Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sport mode that changes gear at higher engine revs.
Renault Laguna 3
The Renault Laguna3 features a new elegant, fluid and dynamic exterior styling. It received a meticulous attention in choosing high quality materials and high standards that reflect the extensive work that has gone into perceived quality both on the outside as well as in the cabin.
The new Laguna is powered by a range of engines, all of them offered with a six-speed transmission. The first in the petrol range is a 2.0 16V (M4R) engine developed with the help of Nissan. The engine has an output of 145 hp. The next in the petrol range is a 170 hp 2.0 16V Turbo engine coupled to a six-speed Proactive automatic transmission.
The Laguna is also offered with a choice of diesel engines. The first one is a 1.5 dCi, which delivers 110hp (81kW) and strikes the segment’s best balance between performance and fuel consumption. With CO2 emissions of just 136g/km, its also qualifies for ’eco-leader’ status. Meanwhile, the 2.0 dCi block is available in a choice of three versions (130hp, 150hp and 175hp; respectively 96, 110 and 127kW), the second of which will be available with six-speed Proactive automatic transmission from launch. Equipped with a low inertia, variable geometry turbo and ultra-fast glow plugs, this version truly comes into its own under the bonnet of New Laguna.
