Toyota upgrades Highlander with new tech and connectivity
Toyota has announced a range of updates for its largest hybrid SUV – the Highlander. Introduced for the 2023-year model, the new upgrades are centred around the car’s infot... (07-07-2022)
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Toyota Avensis is one of the lesser-known saloons in its category, but it is not an inferior model. The Mazda 6, Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo may be more prominent, but the Avensis offers a more practical driving experience, built for comfort and reliability on the open road. While the Avensis' early models were uninspiring, there were significant changes in 2015 as Toyota upgraded the interior and added more daring styling.
The Avensis is a true Toyota, built with comfort and open road dependability as the main objective, with aesthetics following closely in second place. As a result, there are no fanciful features in the base trim, the Avensis Active. Its main features, in addition to the Toyota Safety Sense Pre-Collision System, are:
Living up to its reputation of offering drivers as many options as possible, Toyota offers 4 more trim levels above the base model, namely Business Edition, Design, Business Edition Plus and Excel. Depending on the spec level, some of the extra features you can find on an Avensis are:
Those who need a Skyview panoramic roof and privacy glass can opt for the 4th and 5th trim levels. Other top features include an infotainment system with voice recognition and 3D Maps compatibility, and electronically heated leather seats. A 10-speaker sound system is also available - but limited to the Toyota Avensis Excel spec level.
The passenger space in this car is a very competitive choice in its category. Designed for long trips, Toyota Avensis comes with decent legroom and headroom for backseat passengers. Since it does not have a transmission tunnel, even the person sitting in the middle rear seat has plenty of legroom.
The Avensis is a large family car and takes care of the safety of child occupants. The 2015 Avensis had a with Euro NCAP, which included a 93% and 85% rating for adult and child occupancy, respectively. The car has safety-enhancing systems such as large airbags, autonomous braking, tyre pressure sensors and electronic stability control. Higher trims also come with a lane departure warning system and an automatic high beam.
Toyota offers three engine options in this model, the 1.6-litre diesel, 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine has the highest torque of the three with 147 bhp but performs dismally in fuel efficiency delivering only 47 mpg, where the 1.6-litre diesel promises a 67.2 mpg. All the diesel engines come with a six-speed manual transmission, which outperforms the petrol engine's automatic box.
The Diesel models require servicing every 10,000 miles while the petrol engine can run an extra 2,400 miles before servicing becomes necessary. The cost of servicing is lower than that of Ford Mondeo or the Vauxhall Insignia. They are also cheaper to insure as they fall in group 18 for petrol models and 19 and 20 for diesel options.
Because of Toyota's reputation for durability, the Avensis has a better resale value than its rivals in the category. This car is a good bargain for people looking for a long-distance ride in the used car market, holding about 45% of its original value after 3 years.
The Business Edition is the most suitable model for those who need a perfect blend of comfort and on-road functionality at a reasonable price. In addition to the Active model's standard features, it comes with Toyota's Touch 2 sound system, DAB radio, a rearview camera, and a combination of leather and Alcantara in the interior. If a keyless entry and LED headlights are deal breakers for you, you should go for the Business Edition Plus trim.
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