Toyota Avensis gets 132HP 1.6L Petrol and 2.0L Diesel with Auto Transmission

Toyota has enhanced its engine line-up for the UK market Avensis with the introduction of two new powertrains, a 1.6-liter gasoline (already offered in other European countries) and the 2.2-liter D-CAT diesel with a 6-speed automatic transmission - the firm's first diesel automatic passenger car. The 1.6-liter Valvematic petrol produces an output of 132 horsepower and is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox accelerating the Avensis sedan from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 10.4 seconds and the Tourer in 10.6 seconds.

The new entry-level Avensis returns 43.5mpg UK (36.2mpg US or 6.5 lt/100 km) in combined cycle driving, with 152g/km CO2 emissions. Available in T2 and TR grade saloon and tourer models, the Avensis 1.6L is priced from £16,485.

For the first time, Avensis buyers may also opt to combine Toyota's 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with a new six-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder unit produces 150 HP at 3,600rpm and maximum torque of 340Nm between 2,000 and 2,800rpm, enabling 0 to 62mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds for the sedan and 9.8 seconds for the Tourer while returning 44.1mpg UK (36.7mpg US or 6.4 lt/100km) in combined cycle driving (42.8mpg UK Tourer).

Prices for the Avensis 2.2 D-CAT Auto start from £21,515.