Get a load of stylish new Avensis!

By Ben Whitworth

17th September 2008

Auto Express has already revealed the rear of the four-door. But we can now show you the estate, as well as the attractive nose that graces both variants.

Designers have given the range a much needed style boost in a bid to compete with the class-leading Mondeo, as well as the new Vauxhall Insignia and Renault Laguna. Toyota also promises a higher- quality cabin and much more engaging driving experience.

With a rakish windscreen and tapered rear, the Tourer is easily the better-looking model. But we can’t help wondering if that sloping tail compromises load-lugging capacity – a key feature of the existing estate.

The saloon’s crisp lines and neat detailing borrow heavily from the Lexus IS, and make it appear less bloated and flabby than the current machine. And the clamshell bonnet and large headlamps give a far more distinctive look than the anonymous outgoing car.

Interestingly, Toyota has dropped the hatchback from the line-up in favour of the four-door saloon. It claims the new Tourer will meet the needs of customers who demand greater flexibility. Inside, there are no surprises. The cabin architecture is neat and tidy, and promises to be exceptionally well built.

One thing Toyota has worked especially hard on, though, is safety. Three new features will be available – Steering-assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+), Adaptive Front Light System (AFS) and Pre-Crash Safety System (PCS) – as the firm eyes a strong performance in Euro NCAP crash tests.

The new Avensis will be built at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, and goes on sale next January. Expect the firm to use the current model’s line-up of petrol and diesel engines, albeit tweaked to offer a better blend of performance, economy and low emissions. We’ll have more details when the wraps come off in Paris.