ANYONE in search of an impressive diesel-powered family saloon hatchback or estate model need look no further than Toyota’s impressive Avensis range.
An alternative to the Vectra, Mondeo, Accord and Primera models, the Avensis range is unusually wide, especially when it comes to diesel options.
Toyota added two new 2.2-litre diesel engines recently to give the British-built Avensis one of the most comprehensive ranges in the large family class with three diesel and four petrol engine options.
The 148bhp unit uses a second-generation common rail system.
The engine's performance figures show a 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.3 seconds, a top speed of 130mph and economy of 47mpg.
The second phase of the new diesel engine development came early this year with the introduction of a 175bhp version of the same unit.
This offers a top speed of 137mph, acceleration to 60mph in 8.6 seconds and economy of 46mpg.
Both engines are built in Poland at Toyota's newest European factory and are mated to a new six-speed manual transmission system.
Toyota also boasts what it claims is the world's cleanest diesel engine in the Avensis. It's also proved itself to be highly economical having carried off the honours by winning the recent AA/ALD Automotive MPG Marathon returning an incredible 68mpg over a 360-mile route.
Using a 2.0-litre D-4D, which delivers low levels of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbon and particulate emissions, it is far below the limits of the latest Euro IV legislation.
At the heart of the D-4D engine is a four-way catalyst, which marks a world first in achieving continuous and simultaneous filtering of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in exhaust emissions.
The unit is maintenance-free and is designed to use low-sulphur diesel, which is now widely available at UK forecourts.
Output figures for the 2.0 D-4D engine are 124bhp at 3,600rpm and 221lb ft of torque from 2,000 to 2,200rpm. This powers the Avensis from rest to 60mph in 10.3 seconds with a top speed of 124mph.
It produces carbon dioxide emissions of just 146g/km giving a company car tax liability of 19 per cent.
The Avensis diesel range starts with the 2.0 D-4D Colour Collection at £14,495 complete with air conditioning, front, side and curtain air bags, traction control, electric windows and a CD sound system.
The hugely impressive 2.2 D-4D 180 takes the price up to £21,515 while offering truly impressive performance and economy of more than 45mpg.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Avensis 2.2 D-4D T180 5dr
Price: £21,515
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2.2-litre, 4-cyl engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 136mph
0-62mph: 8.6secs
Combined mpg: 46.3
Insurance Group: 12
CO2 emissions: 161g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs antirust; 3yrs paint