“The result – within a single percentage point of the best performance in class and the fourth best among all competitors – demonstrated the real world benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive, the engine and transmission technologies that have boosted performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions right across the Toyota model range,” a company statement reads.
The British-built saloon was put to the test on last week covering nearly 400 miles of motorway and A and B-road driving, piloted by David Crouch from Toyota GB’s press office and Pete Brown from Stag Publications. The flexibility of the Avensis' six-speed manual transmission proved to be a key factor in the performance achieved by the vehicle.
“The challenge was to find the car’s optimum performance, which we achieved by sticking to 40mph in fifth gear,” said Crouch. “We broke through the official combined figure of 53mpg very quickly and were able to cover 210 miles before dropping a single bar on the LED fuel gauge."
“Thinking well ahead and adopting a smooth driving technique are things all drivers can do to ensure they make the most of Toyota Optimal Drive’s benefits and cut their fuel bills.”
Joining the Avensis in the event was an Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive, which has introduced full hybrid power to the compact hatchback market, that completed the course with an average 74.3 mpg (3.17 l/100km).
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