July 2002 Volume 83 Number 7 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

European styling and room to move

Large “people movers” have been around for years, but consumer demand for smaller, more luxurious, multi-purpose vehicles – with seven-seat capacity – is now emerging. Toyota continues to offer its larger Tarago, but the company has replaced its dated Spacia model with the new Avensis Verso.

Available in two specification levels – GLX and Ultima – the compact Avensis is built on a platform midway between Corolla and Camry. Unlike the vehicle it replaces, Avensis offers the aerodynamics, safety, fuel economy, ride and low NVH levels of a passenger car. In addition, both models are very well equipped, with:
• Dual airbags.
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters.
• ABS with EBD and brake assist.
• Dual air conditioning with vents to each seat.
• Remote keyless entry.
• CD player.
• One-touch power windows on all four doors.

Ultima also has:
• Seat-mounted side airbags and front curtain-shield airbags.
• Alloy wheels.
• Roof rails and rear spoiler.
• Fog lamps and tinted privacy glass.
• Leather-bound steering wheel and wood-grain panelling.

Avensis has a European-inspired body with a low 0.30 co-efficient of drag, which provides maximum fuel economy and low wind noise. Interior layout is along the lines of a conventional station wagon, with four hinged doors and a lift-up tailgate, but three rows of seats.

Toyota claims Avensis offers 18 different seating combinations, which provide flexible seating and cargo arrangements. Given its outside dimensions, the Ultima the Police Journal tested was spacious, comfortable and airy inside. It has a luxurious, user-friendly interior and offers good all-round visibility.

A dash-mounted auto gear lever leaves the space between the front seats uncluttered and provides walk-through access to the second-row seats. In addition to reclining, second-row seats will slide forward into various positions and provide access and increased legroom to the third-row seats. Each outer-seat position has a storage area, cup holder and air conditioning vent.

Cargo space is generous, with 300 litres available behind the third-row seats and another 132 litres in a unique storage box under the rear floor. The third-row, adult-sized seats fold completely flat to form part of the cargo floor. A huge area is available when all seats are folded flat.

Power is supplied by a punchy 2.0-litre, all-alloy, VVTi-equipped engine with 110kW of power available. While it is no racing car, it is smooth, reasonably quiet and fuel efficient, and its power is adequate.

Prices start at $39,900 (GLX) and range up to $46,900 (Ultima).

Vibrant new range

With worldwide sales of more than 29 million since 1966, Corolla has proved to be a success for Toyota.

The company has now released its ninth-generation Corolla, which features new technology, an expanded model range and the return of a wagon variant – the first in Australia since 1994.

All 18 models in the latest range share a powerful new 100kW, VVTi-equipped, 1.8-litre engine. Corolla offers hatch, sedan and wagon body styles with four equipment grades: Ascent, Conquest, sporty Levin and the range-topping Ultima.

Toyota claims that advances in body design and construction have brought increased body rigidity and safety, while achieving average weight reductions of around 37kg. Interior space has been enhanced, and compact exterior maintained.

A Police Journal test drive of the sporty Levin manual wagon proved the car to be a delight to drive around town and on the highway. Its new 100kW engine provides stacks of power, and quick take-offs can cause unintended wheel-spin. The car corners very well and has good ride characteristics. Its manual gearbox is light and easy to use, and the cabin is well insulated against road and engine noise.

One would expect Corolla’s increased power to compromise fuel efficiency, but Toyota claims better fuel economy across the board. It even suggests improvements of up to 21 per cent on some models. Toyota’s tests show consumption as low as 5.4 litres/100km on the highway and 7.8 litres/100km around town.

Styling is totally different from the previous model and has a definite European flavour. Some will see this as a step in the wrong direction, but it is functional both inside and out.

In light of its 1.8-litre engine and driver’s airbag, Corolla Ascent sedan and hatchback are good value at $19,990. Air conditioning is standard on all models, except Ascent, in which it comes as a $1,640 option. Automatic transmission adds $1,800.

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