 Toyota
launched the new Avensis in late 1997 as a successor to the European
Carina,
which was a close sister of Japan's Corona. Obviously many components
of
these two cars are still interchangeable.
The basic layout is still all MacPherson struts in each corners. Wheelbase grew 50mm thus enable more cabin comfort. Engines including 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0, all are economical units, especially the 1.8 lean burn engine offers class-leading fuel consumption even better than Mitsubishi Carisma GDI. Improved sound insulation and vibration-absorbing structure raise refinement. Toyota
claims the Avensis is vastly improved on driver appeal. Maybe their
standards
are relatively modest, european testers still criticize for lack of
steering
precision and feedback while generates excessive body roll.
Undoubtedly,
its handling becomes better than its predecessor, but it is still bias
strongly towards family man/woman car, this is further proved by its
soft
ride. |
| The above report was last updated in 1998. All Rights Reserved. |
There
are several hot estates in Japan, the most notably is my favourite
Subaru
Legacy GTB, then Mitsubishi Legnum VR4 is also another well-known
alternative.
However, Toyota also has its own weapon, Caldina. From its appearance,
you can easily discover its relationship with Corona, however, in the
running
gear it is more like a derivative of the rally-purpose Celica GT4 - the
same 260hp two litres turbocharged four, driving all four wheels
permanently.
Obviously this is the fastest way to create a hot estate.