The new Toyota Avensis was launched by Michael Debono Limited in the Ballroom of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Resort on Friday. The launch completes the current renewal cycle of the core Toyota product range: the Yaris and Corolla.
All three models were developed under the same philosophy and guiding principles to be leading products in their markets. They clearly reflect Toyota's unique position to deliver great cars based on excellence of design and manufacturing.
The new Avensis claims outstanding ride and comfort with market-leading low noise and vibration. Sound absorption in the new Avensis uses a new concept and material, ultra light, which is particularly effective with intrusive high frequency noise.
The interior is extremely spacious within a 4.63 m overall length, thanks to a long wheelbase (2.7m) and clever packaging. The overall width is 1.76m and height is 1.48m. Prices for the 1.6 petrol sedan start at Lm12,100 and range up to Lm17,100 for the 2.0 litre sedan executive.
Safety is evident in the excellent score (34 points out of 36) achieved in the EuroNCAP testing which is due to the market leading passive safety technology being employed. The Avensis is the first car in Europe to be launched with an 18-litre knee airbag as one of the nine airbags fitted as standard equipment.
The fact that the new Avensis is the very first car to achieve five stars under a new, more rigorous testing regime is the most conclusive fact that this car is one of the safest ever. "In fact, EuroNCAP have rated it as the 'Safest car in its class'," Geoffrey Debono, director at Michael Debono Limited, representatives of Toyota in Malta, said.
The Avensis has a minimal impact on the environment. The D-CAT, marks the first commercial application of Toyota's new integrated suite of technologies that greatly reduces harmful emissions from modern diesel engines. By using common-rail direct injection, the all-new Toyota Avensis can achieve emission levels superior to EURO IV standards.
An indisputable quality feel is visible in the tight lines of the dashboard panel and details such as the seamless fitting of the standard passenger airbag. High quality, soft-touch materials are used on the dashboard panel and details, such as the roller door checks, add a feeling of weight and conformity when opening and closing doors.
The new Toyota Avensis offers many hi-tech solutions ranging from its ultra light sound-proofing concept to the more visually obvious black-panel Optitron metres with liquid crystal display (LCD) trip meter and clock.
All these features add to the superior quality of the model and its ability to stimulate driver enjoyment. The multi-information display gives the driver useful information like average fuel consumption, vehicle speed and cruising speed.
"Drive the all-new Avensis and discover new standards in automotive quality," Mr Debono said. "That's the challenge from Toyota today as it launches a new flagship car for its range in Europe. From the precision of its body panels to the excellence of its ride and handling, the new Toyota Avensis has superior quality, in depth. Stylish, innovative and offering great driving pleasure, the new Toyota Avensis sets out to reward its owners with a superior motoring experience."