(Thu 02 Oct 08)

The third-generation, European-designed and UK-built Toyota Avensis has gone on display in Paris. Longer and wider than the current model, it's based on a new platform and will be available in saloon and Tourer (estate) body styles, and it comes with a range of engines (1.8 and 2.0 petrol, 2.0 and 2.2 turbo diesel) which are more powerful, more economical and less CO2-ish than those on sale at the moment.

Another new development is the Multidrive S continuously variable transmission. This works like a normal CVT in gentle driving, but like a seven-speed automatic (with manual control if you want it) when you want to press on a bit.

Toyota has paid a lot of attention to interior noise levels, which are said to be five decibels lower than before. There has also been an emphasis on safety, which Toyota hopes will lead to a good score in the more stringent Euro NCAP crash test procedure due to be introduced next year.

UK sales of the new Avensis will start in January. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

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