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Toyota Avensis 2006
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| Toyota's Avensis was all new in 2003, and that was pretty obvious. The 2003 model was completely different to the one that preceded it. This time round, most people, including Toyota enthusiasts, are struggling to tell the difference between the 2006 model, and the 2003 model that it replaces. | |
| Toyota tell us that the new Avensis is significantly different to the outgoing model, but we're not yet convinced - from the outside at least. Not that that's a bad thing as there's not much wrong with the looks of the current car anyway. | | | Inside the new car, the changes are more obvious, and the equipment levels are even more generous than before. | | | The petrol engine line up is unchanged but there is now a choice of no less than 3 diesel versions of the Avensis. In order of capacity, these are the new 124bhp 2.0 D-4D 130, the existing 148bhp 2.2D-4D 150, and a new 2.2 litre T180. The latter produces 229 lb ft of torque and 175bhp bringing a new level of performance for Avensis Diesel drivers. | | | The new range is in the showroom now and prices range from a little over £15,000 up to about £22,000. | | | Our pick of the range is the T180 which has a 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds compared to the D-4D 130's 0-60 time of 10.6 seconds. That two seconds might not sound like much, but in real terms the 180 feels much faster. | | | We're expecting build quality to be first class as usual. | |
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Other Information
| A new Mini Cooper S will be seen by the public for the first time at the Paris Motor show in September 2006. | |
| Ford's new Ka is due to arrive in the UK in 2008, and early indications are that it will be a popular new release. | |
| Toyota are said to be developing mind reading devices for inclusion in future models of their cars, and these will be used to adapt your car's settings according to how you are feeling. | | | But don't expect to your Celica, MR2, Avensis or Corolla adjusting itself to your mood any time soon. | |
| Hyundai have facelifted their popular Coupe once again, and it looks good. | | | The 'Korean Ferrari' has changed shape several times in its life and not always to the customer's liking. However, this latest revision, which will be on sale towards the end of 2006 looks great; the lines are leaner and meaner with a relatively agressive look from the front. | |
| Yet another peformance car built on the Golf platform will be available from early 2007 in the shape of the incredible Audi S3. | |
| A Californian Company (Tesla Motors) have developed a 100% electric version of the Lotus Elise with input from the Norfolk company. And before sports car enthusiasts switch off, thinking that electric cars are slow and boring, the new car is claimed to have a 0-60 time of about 4 seconds! | |
| UK Performance specialists Ralliart have released a 366bhp variant of the current Mitsubushi Lancer Evo. | |
| VW have stepped up the ante in the value for money stakes with their Blue Motion Polo; the new model is capable of over 72mpg and has a C02 rating of 103g/Km. | |
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