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The Avensis was Toyota's contribution to the middle class - for three generations. Then he had to resign.
The Toyota Avensis has been offered as the successor to the Carina in Germany for three generations since 1997. The third started from 2009 to 2018; There was no successor in the classic sense for the mid-range Avensis. If you are looking for a vehicle in this segment among the Japanese, you will not find anything suitable: You now have to either downsize with the Corolla or enlarge with the Camry.
Body and interior:
Gray mouse or really gray mouse? The models before the 2012 lift arrive with a deep dark gray image. The slight retouching on the front and rear did not change much due to the first refreshment measures. The notchback and station wagon versions available in the third generation - a hatchback variant as in previous generations is no longer available - are not bought for design reasons, but for practical reasons. The Avensis offers good space for the passengers. The 4,70 meter long sedan also has a trunk volume of 509 liters; the 4,77-long station wagon offers a load volume between 543 and 1.609 liters, depending on the seat configuration. The Avensis is easy to operate, the instruments do not pose any puzzles and the driving behavior is decidedly safe. In 2015, the Japanese designers made another attempt to soften the “gray tint” of the Avensis. The front section is significantly sharpened and the rear also comes up with stylish taillights with striking light graphics. Better materials are finding their way into the interior; So far, the interior has not really been convincing due to the simple material quality. The decision had been made since 2017 Limousine or station wagon very simple: the notchback had to say goodbye.
Motors and drive:
The engine range corresponds to the rock solid, some also say boring, image of the middle class. At the start of the market, there will be a choice of three petrol and diesel engines. The entry-level petrol engine is a 1,6-liter with 97 kW / 132 PS, above that there is a 1,8-liter with 108 kW / 147 PS. The two-liter top petrol engine has a little more power with 112 kW / 152 PS. The latter will be dropped from the program in 2014. With torques of 160, 180 and 169 Nm, the engines, which operate without turbo support, require joy in shifting. Apropos shifting: in the two most powerful petrol engines, the continuously variable CVT transmission (Multidrive S) takes over the power transmission to the front wheels as an alternative to the manual transmission.
The standard compression-ignition engine was a 2,0-liter four-cylinder over the entire construction period of the third Avensis generation; between 2009 and 2015 it comes up with 91 kW / 124 PS. With the 20015 facelift, Toyota is taking over a two-liter diesel from BMW. The unit has an output of 105 kW / 143 PS and meets the Euro6 emissions standard. Up to the year of construction 2014 Toyota still has a 2,2-liter diesel in the output levels of 110 kW / 150 PS and 130 kW / 177 PS on offer. The middle diesel is also available with a six-speed automatic. The diesel engines are content with consumption values between 4,1 and 5,9 liters, the petrol engines are between 6,5 and 7 liters.
Equipment and safety Toyota Avensis (type T27):
When it comes to security, the early models are already well positioned. In addition to the front, side, knee and head airbags, the anti-skid ESP was also part of the factory safety equipment - before it was legally required in 2014. In the 2009 NCAP crash test, the Avensis achieved five out of five stars. The comfort equipment is also okay. In the higher lines or in packages there are also xenon headlights with cornering lights, various modern assistance systems and a panorama roof.
Quality Toyota Avensis (Type T27):
The Avensis does very well with the TÜV, except for the “lighting” area. However, the front and rear lights give the TÜV inspectors cause for complaint during the main inspections, and that across all years. The Avensis, on the other hand, is exemplary when it comes to brakes, chassis, exhaust system and oil loss. Those interested in used cars should make sure that the airbag recall has been carried out on the 2013 and 2014 models.
And finally ...
Although the image of the Avensis is slightly gray and dusty, it does very well with the TÜV. From around 4.000 euros you will find what you are looking for on the used car portals, models from 2015 are available from around 9.000 euros.
