Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Avensis 2.2 D-4D 4dr

Japanese firms have never been renowned for their diesels, but with its latest engine Toyota aims to redress the balance. Honda bucked the trend with its new Accord oil-burner, and while the Avensis already has a 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D, buyers seeking a more powerful family car from the land of the rising sun have been forced to go for petrol - until now.

By plugging a gap in the existing range, Toyota has boosted the appeal of its Avensis. The new oil-burner's refinement and economy make it a real contender. It's not a scorching diesel in the mould of Ford's Mondeo, but should have other opponents worried. The only fly in the ointment is the 12-month wait for the 175bhp unit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Japanese firms have never been renowned for their diesels, but with its latest engine Toyota aims to redress the balance. Honda bucked the trend with its new Accord oil-burner, and while the Avensis already has a 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D, buyers seeking a more powerful family car from the land of the rising sun have been forced to go for petrol - until now.

Toyota's latest addition remedies this situation, and the all-aluminium 2.2-litre offers 148bhp and an impressive 310Nm of torque. Yet despite a 0-60mph time of 9.3 seconds, this car majors on refinement and economy, not sportiness.

Helping to achieve these twin aims is a new six-speed manual gearbox, which will be the only transmission available when the car hits UK dealers in July. Behind the wheel, there is no disguising what fuel this Toyota uses, but when cruising the engine is very quiet. There is also plenty of power for overtaking - although the saloon is efficient rather than fast. Motorways are where it is at home, and the only sound in the well built cabin is wind noise from round the A-pillars and windscreen.

The diesel's lightweight construction was also good news for Toyota's chassis engineers, and the ride is smooth. However, enthusiastic cornering is accompanied by some body roll.

Amazingly, the new unit is as clean as it is economical. Expect fuel returns of 47.9mpg and, despite the extra performance, a CO2 emissions figure only 1g/km higher than the smaller-capacity diesel. As such, the 2.2 sits in the same company car tax bracket as the 2.0-litre.

Sadly, UK buyers will have to wait until mid-2006 for a more powerful 175bhp version. It will cover 0-60mph in only 8.6 seconds, yet return 46.3mpg. And this unit also employs clever D-CAT technology, which reduces emissions, meaning a CO2 figure of 161g/km. So if the car in front is a Toyota Avensis, at least you needn't worry about what is coming out of the tailpipe.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,655 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,650
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025