Toyota AVENSIS 2.0 D-CAT RANGE
Toyotas D-CAT Diesel Engine Technology Finds Its Way Beneath The Bonnet of The Latest Avensis. Andy Enright Reports
Take your eye of the ball for a moment and youll soon discover that state of the art is a distinctly relative concept. Toyotas D4-D powerplants have garnered some recognition as some of the more advanced diesel engine systems but it appears that D4-D may well be RIP in the Avensis at least. The new acronym youve got to become familiar with is D-CAT (Diesel Clean Advanced Technology). No, it doesnt sound quite so much like a Star Wars robot anymore but dont let that fool you.
This is one high tech piece of engineering.
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The key to the D-CAT concept lies in an advanced catalyst system that makes the 2.0-litre engine the worlds cleanest in terms of nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. This Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction (DNPR) catalyst incorporates a particulate filter into the three-way catalyst as used in Toyotas lean burn petrol engine. This has been beyond the ability of some of the car industrys finest engineers and the way
Toyota have achieved it is quite bizarre.
A fifth fuel injection nozzle sits in the exhaust port. Only by injecting fuel downstream of the exhaust manifold can the right conditions be generated to release the nitrogen oxides into the catalyst. What does such arcane engineering mean to the average buyer? In truth very little. Private buyers wont notice any difference in performance compared to the D-4D.
The changes are more crucial for Toyota. As emissions regulations become both stricter and more encompassing, car manufacturers need to stay one step ahead and the D-CAT system chops nitrogen oxide and particulate levels to 50 and 90 per cent below the levels decreed in the Euro IV regulations that all major manufacturers must adhere to. The average punter in the street will take a look at the CO2 emissions levels that have been raised from 155 to 161g/km and wonder where the advance lies. Well without such a system, there would be no diesel Avensis models for sale in UK showrooms.
Its that important. Although only thirty parts differ from a D-4D engine, the D-CAT powerplant has nevertheless been granted a staggering 1,622 new patents. Toyota claim the catalytic converter is maintenance free although it will require a health check every 20,000 miles to ensure that its still working optimally.
"Private buyers wont notice any difference in performance compared to the D-4D engine. The changes are more crucial for Toyota"
Unlike the D4-D range, the Avensis D-CAT range is only offered in saloon guise; liftback and Tourer buyers will have to kick their heels for a while. Only one variant of this diesel engine is currently offered, a 114bhp powerplant that delivers a decent slug of torque 280Nm to be precise. Performance is reasonable, the Avensis hitting 60mph in 11.2 seconds and running on to a top speed of 121mph, but this car isnt all about straight line speed, instead offering a relaxed and flexible power delivery that means you wont have to frantically stir the stick whenever you need to make progress.
Whole life costs are admirably low due to a combination of low insurance ratings, reduced servicing time, competitive parts pricing and sturdy residual values. In fact, Toyota reckon that some 60 per cent of all Avensis sales will go to fleet customers. Trim levels depend on your choice between three options: the rather clumsily-named T3-X, T4 and T Spirit. All come with air conditioning, an alarm immobiliser, power windows and mirrors, ABS and an excellent quality stereo system. The plushest T Spirit level includes power seats, satellite navigation and leather trim. Safety has been prioritised with all models getting no fewer than nine airbags as standard, including a driver knee airbag which represents a UK first.
Secreted beneath the steering column, this system protects the drivers knees and lower legs from injury. Step from an old Avensis into the cabin of the current car and youll spot no significant family resemblance. The doors thunk shut like a
Lexus and it was to their luxury division that Toyota looked to imbue the Avensis interior with a genuinely upmarket feel. It seems to have worked.
Soft touch plastics, neat metallic finishes and a huge cabin make the Avensis feel a class up. Better sound insulation has reduced weight and decreased noise, but to give some illustration as to how seriously Toyota took refinement, they didnt choose the most refined car in the class lets say the
Vauxhall Vectra as a comparison. Instead they chose the Lexus LS430 as a benchmark and claim that even at 124mph, there is zero wind noise from the door mirrors. The Mondeo and the
Peugeot 406 were identified as class leaders in the area of steering feel, handling and ride and Toyota have tuned the steering for better feedback.
The compact strut front suspension is similar to that of the Corolla, but the rear is a modified version of the Celicas multilink system. One advantage of this is that it reduces intrusion into the luggage bay, the saloon version featuring a 520-litre boot. The exterior styling is neat, if a little forgettable and perhaps the only area of the latest car thats in any way disappointing. The nose features the Toyota family face and the bonnet is very compact.
Viewed in profile, the stub nose and boot are dominated by the huge sleekly domed cabin, the high waistline giving an impression of rigid solidity. Its almost as if Toyota were overanxious to underline the Avensis newfound gravitas. Compared to its predecessor, it is 110mm longer and 55mm higher with a 70mm increase in wheelbase. The driver sits further forward and higher, maximising rear legroom.
The Toyota Avensis D-CAT is a car that complies with some tough emissions regulations, but other than that gives the customer nothing the D4-D didnt already offer. All of which still makes it a very good car. It feels reassuringly solid and the diesel engine has some spirit to it as well as the predictably excellent fuel economy and emissions showing. Although the car scores well on almost every conceivable objective measure, it lacks the bold styling or edgy personality of some of its more high profile rivals.
Somebody had to bite the bullet and show the rest of the market how it could be done. Hats off to Toyota.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Avensis D-CAT diesel range
PRICES: £17,345 - £20,345 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-9
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.2s / Max Speed 121mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 43.6mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags, drivers knee airbag, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child
seat fixings
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height mm) 4630/1760/1480
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