The Toyota Optimal Drive philosophy has been introduced to the all-new Avensis engine line-up with a new line-up of Valvematic gasoline engines, resulting in a decrease in emissions from 10-26% depending upon the engine variant, while at the same time increasing power from 3 to 20%. Valvematic technology, introduced in 2007, combines the existing VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which continuously controls intake valve opening/closing timing, with a new mechanism that continuously controls the intake valve lift volume. (Earlier post.)

Power in the new 1.6-liter Valvematic has been increased by 20% compared to the previous 1.6 VVT-i—up to 132 hp (97 kW), with torque up by 10 Nm to 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at 4,400 rpm. The CO2 emission level is reduced by 12% to 152 g/km for the sedan. Combined cycle (NEDC) fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km (36 mpg US). The 1.6-liter engine is paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission.

Power in the new 1.8 Valvematic is increased by 14% compared to the previous 1.8 VVT-i—up to 147 hp (108 kW), with torque up by 10 Nm to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm. The CO2 emission level is down by 10% to 154 g/km when combined with the new 6-speed manual transmission and by 16% to 157 g/km when combined with the Multidrive S transmission. Fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km (36 mpg US) for the manual and 6.7 L/100km (35 mpg US) for the automatic.

At the top of the gasoline range is the 2.0-liter Valvematic, which also comes with either the 6-speed manual transmission or the new Multidrive S transmission. Its improved performance gives 152 hp (112 kW), an increase of 3% compared to the 2.0 D-4, and 196 Nm (145 lb-ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. The CO2 emission level is down by 15% to 163 g/km when combined with the manual transmission version and by 26% to 164 g/km when combined with the Multidrive S transmission (sedan body type). Fuel consumption is 6.9 L/100km (34 mpg US) for the manual and 7.0 L/100k (33.6 mpg US) for the automatic.

The new Multidrive S transmission automatically optimizes the torque and fuel consumption by always using the optimum engine speed. When pressuring the engine a little harder, the transmission starts to behave like a 7-speed automatic transmission. This helps to eliminate the previously negative whining sound from a continuously variable transmission, according to Toyota.

For a sportier drive, the driver can switch into the Sport mode. This mode will select a more responsive and power-maximizing gear ratio by “reading” the driver’s behaviour. For an even more active driving feel, the transmission features a sequential manual 7-speed mode. The gear selection is either performed by the gear shift lever or, exclusively for the 2.0-liter Valvematic, through the paddles located on each side of the steering wheel.

On the diesel side, Toyota is applying three upgrades of its D4-D engines that deliver more torque at lower speed leading to lower emissions,and that now all meet Euro5 standards.

The D-4D engines have been upgraded with new piezo injectors and a higher common rail pressure at 2,000 bar. These new diesel engine technology features lead to CO2 level reduction from 2.5 to 10% depending on the powertrain compared to the outgoing model.

The 2.0-liter D-4D 125 engine, available with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), produces 126 hp (93 kW) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) torque between 1,800 and 2,400 rpm. Emissions are reduced by 7% to 134 g/km when equipped with Oxydation Catalytic Converter (CCo), and by 9% to 139 g/km when fitted with the DPF (sedan body type). Fuel consumption is 5.1 L/100km (46 mpg US) with the CCo and 5.3 L/100km (44 mpg US) with the DPF.

The 2.2-liter D-4D delivers 150 hp (110 kW) with torque increased by nearly 10% to 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) between 2,000 and 2,800 rpm. As a Toyota first on a diesel passenger car, a new 6-speed automatic transmission is offered on the 2.2 D-4D 150. This engine derivative is equipped with Toyota’s D-CAT emissions control technology for NOx and PM reduction. (Earlier post.) Fuel consumption is 5.5 L/100km (43 mpg US), and CO2 emissions are 147 g/km.

The top of the diesel range is the 2.2 D-4D 180. The engine combines a low compression ratio and high boost turbocharger to deliver 177 hp (130 kW) of power and a torque delivery of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) across a range from 2,000 to 2,800 rpm. It delivers 0-100 kph in 8.5 seconds with a CO2 emission level of 157 g/km, making it one of the lowest CO2 emitting high power diesels on the market today. It also features the Toyota D-CAT technology. Fuel consumption is 5.9 L/100km (40 mpg US).

All Avensis models have driving indicators to support eco-driving.