New Avensis DPL 2011: Driving performance ― enhanced driving dynamics and improved 2.0 d-4d

Further improvements to ride comfort and driving dynamics were fundamental goals in the development of the New Avensis.

The new Toyota Avensis benefits from increased body rigidity, improved aerodynamics and NVH insulation, greater seat comfort, revised front and rear suspension, and an improved Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. In combination, these engineering enhancements deliver greater ride comfort, improved handling agility, and the promise of a more engaging driving experience.

The best-selling variant of the Avensis' six engine line-up, the 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, has been revised to deliver significant improvements in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. This not only lowers the Total Cost of Ownership, but also -with a tax threshold set at 120 g/km in almost a third of European countries and the 2.0 D-4D generating just 119 g/km- brings generous tax benefits to both private and fleet buyers.

Increased Body Rigidity

The use of high-tensile steel in key locations throughout the bodyshell combines light weight with high structural rigidity. Spot welding points have been added to the rear door and luggage compartment openings to further enhance body rigidity and steering stability.

Enhanced Aerodynamics and Low Rolling Resistance Tyres

The comprehensive use of aerodynamics components throughout the exterior both enhances handling stability and agility and -through low drag coefficients of just Cd 0.28 for the sedan and 0.29 for the wagon- helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Allied to the use of extensive underbody covers, front and rear wheel arch spats and a rear boot lip spoiler, the New Avensis benefits from the adoption of an aero-step design to the front bumper to suppress lift and turbulence. In addition, aero-stabilising fins located at the base of the A pillar and integral to the design of the new rear combination lamps help smooth the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle and away from the rear, enhancing stability.

Without sacrificing ride comfort, handling performance, noise or braking distance, both the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions performance of 2.0 D-4D versions equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filer (DPF) are further improved by the adoption of low rolling resistance tyres.

Improved Seat Comfort and NVH Insulation

Front seat comfort has been improved through a change in the shape of the seatback side support, enhancing both initial fitting comfort and lateral support when cornering.

All occupants further benefit from substantial improvements to sound insulation in the New Avensis, which help to deliver a quieter, more refined cabin environment.

The shape of the dashboard inner silencer has been changed to reduce the gap and it has been extended in the transmission tunnel area, the heavy layer dash inner silencer has been extended upwards, the heavy layer floor carpet has been extended towards the inner dash silencer, and sound absorption material has been added to the fresh air duct.

This additional insulation significantly reduces noise transmission from the engine bay, most notably in conjunction with the noise reduction improvements to the turbo charger, glow control and combustion chambers of the 2.0 D-4D engine.

Revised Front and Rear Suspension

The New Avensis retains the same, proven, front McPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension layout of its predecessor. However, both front and rear suspension systems feature significant improvements to enhance ride comfort and handling performance.

The front suspension subframe mountings have been optimised for better handling and steering feeling with increased steering response. The strut features a dual path upper support and the front shock absorber has been re-tuned, improving damping performance and ride comfort.

The double wishbone rear suspension combines a lightweight design with compact packaging to maximise luggage compartment loadspace.

The shock absorber has been re-tuned to improve ride comfort and handling performance. And the rear anti-roll bar diameter has been increased from 22 to 23 mm, enhancing body control and response to steering inputs.

Retuned Electric Power Steering System

The New Avensis' Electric Power Steering has been comprehensively revised to provide sharper vehicle response, improved steering feel and a more engaging driving experience.

The steering gear ratio has been changed from 49.9 mm/rev to 54.2 mm/rev. This reduction in lock-to-lock revolutions not only provides more direct steering, but also improves agility and manoeuvrability under urban driving conditions.

The rigidity of the steering gear sub-frame mounting has been increased to improve both steering feel and vehicle response. And both the EPS Assist force and Electric Control Unit mapping have been modified to enhance steering feel and better coordinate steering input and vehicle response.

Six Engine Line-up with improved 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel

Meeting a wide range of D-segment customer needs, the New Avensis shares the six powertrain range of its predecessor three petrol and three diesel engines offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive.

Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.

These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of powertrain development: Firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions secondly, the minimisation of mechanical losses through the reduction of friction throughout the drivetrain and, thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency.

In recognition of the diesel powertrain's dominance of the D-segment, representing over 70% of the mix, Toyota has extensively revised its 124 hp 2.0 litre D-4D turbodiesel, which is now available with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and complies with Euro 5 emissions regulation standards.

The unit features a new turbocharger with a lower friction bearing system and an electric actuator, and the torque characteristics of each gear have been adjusted. As a result, low rpm torque has increased from 234 Nm to 280 Nm at just 1,400 rpm, offering a marked improvement in higher gear throttle response.

CO₂ emission-reducing lubrication and cooling circuit improvements include a 2-stage pressure oil pump with improved oil jet, an optimised water pump with a reduced flow rate, and a twin-chamber oil pan to improve engine warming speeds. Exhaust emissions are further lowered through a new glow plug control strategy and improvements to the construction and coating of the DPF.

The use of a resin cylinder head cover, oil cooler bracket and water pipe reduce engine weight by 3 kg. The reduction of friction through the adoption of a low friction vacuum pump, a low friction timing chain and low viscosity oil further enhance fuel efficiency. And combustion improvement through a new piston bowl shape and the new glow strategy has perceptibly lowered engine NVH.

Overall, the engine is quieter and torque delivery has become more linear, yet fuel efficiency has improved and CO₂ emissions have been lowered by some 15% -from 139 to only 119 g/km- in both sedan and wagon versions of the New Avensis.

This marked reduction in CO₂ emissions has significant Total Cost of Ownership implications. A taxation threshold of 120 g/km exists in almost a third of all European countries, and the revised 2.0 D-4D unit's 119 g/km CO₂ and 4.5 l/100km average fuel consumption figures offer tax benefits for both private and fleet drivers.

In addition to the revised 124 hp 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, the New Avensis' six powertrain range further comprises a 150 hp, 2.2 D-4D unit available with either a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or a Diesel Particulate and NOx Reduction filter (DPNR), a 177 hp 2.2 D-4D DPNR variant, and a choice of 132 hp 1.6 litre, 147 hp 1.8 litre and 152 hp 2.0 litre petrol engines.

All engines are mated to 6-speed manual transmissions. The 150 hp 2.2 D-4D DPNR unit may be optionally equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and both 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines may be fitted with Toyota's Multidrive S continuously variable transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shift.

Electric Parking Brake

All manual transmission versions of the New Avensis feature an Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The EPB combines an existing auto release function with a new, auto apply function which engages the parking brake when the ignition is turned off.