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TOYOTA Avensis Wagon Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 6
First production year: 1997
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline
Body style: Wagon (station wagon, estate, combi, touring)
TOYOTA Avensis Wagon photo gallery

Toyota introduced a second facelift for the Avensis’s third generation in 2015 and made it compatible with the Euro 6b emission standards that were mandatory starting with January that year, making it available either as a sedan or as a station wagon.

The Avensis was already a known nameplate for European customers, and the D-segment Toyota competed against vehicles such as the Ford Mondeo, the Opel Insignia, and the Volkswagen Passat. However, the Japanese automaker tried to get a bigger slice of the station wagon market with a vehicle that was launched in 2009 but revised in 2012 with a first facelift and then again in 2015. Even though there was a big difference compared to the initial version, in all aspects, the car’s overall shape couldn’t hide the fact that it relied on an older platform. Toyota named this version of the Avensis Touring Sports.

At the front, the car had new headlights that featured LED daytime running lights and were swept back on the sides, like on the 2012 facelifted version. Furthermore, the broad and slim V-shaped grille sported a chromed slat that supported the carmaker’s badge in the middle, and underneath was a fat bumper that incorporated the main cooling area, split in two reversed trapezoidal shapes. On the sides of the lower bumper, Toyota installed the fog lamps into individual clusters. Last but not least, the apron featured a lower slat that looked like a sports car’s splitter.

From its profile, the 2015 Touring Sports had the same slightly sloped-down roof that created the image of a shooting brake vehicle. Furthermore, the automaker darkened the B- and the C-pillars to emphasize the sporty look of the vehicle. In addition, Toyota made the car available with aerodynamically profiled side sills that slightly lowered the ground clearance. Customers could also opt for 17” or 18” alloy wheels. Finally, the back of the car sported new taillights that featured LED technology and sported a shape that echoed the headlights. They also made the car look wider, a sensation amplified by the chromed horizontal slat that crossed the tailgate.

Inside, Toyota stepped up the design and offered customers an instrument cluster with a binocular style, where the speedometer and tachometer were installed in separate clusters and flanked a 4.2” color TFT multi-information screen from the second-grade level up. Moreover, the center stack housed an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which was available as an option. In the back, the split-folding (60/40) bench seat was wide enough for three adults. In the trunk, the Touring Sports revealed its station wagon roots and offered several compartments for small items and hooks to keep the grocery bags in place.

Toyota also worked on the car’s platform. Its McPherson struts up front and multi-link rear suspension were recalibrated to give the car a sportier handling. Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of diesel and gasoline engines, and for some of them, it worked with BMW to produce.

full description and technical specifications
TOYOTA Avensis Wagon photo gallery

Toyota introduced the third generation of the Avensis in 2008 at the Paris Motor Show with a choice of three bodyworks: a sedan, a liftback, and a station wagon.

The European economy was still troubled by the world financial crisis. Still, Toyota didn't want to wait and replaced the Avensis lineup. Since it had to make drastic changes for the upcoming (then) Euro 5 emission standards, it completely replaced the car. Even though it didn't look like it invested too much in the design, it still performed enough upgrades to name its vehicle a new generation.

Sporting a big pair of headlights, swept-back on the sides, the Avensis looked bolder. The car's profile looked sportier than before, with an ascending beltline and blackened B- and C-pillars. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate sported a roof spoiler at the top. Thus, the entire vehicle looked slightly sportier than its predecessor, which was kind of bland in terms of design. Thanks to the wide taillights extended from the rear quarter panels to the tailgate, the Avensis Wagon took a step further to a fresh, younger-looking vehicle.

The interior design was about the same as the 2007 model, but with some differences in the infotainment and safety systems. The rain and light sensors were available from the mid-trim level. Like its predecessor, the 2009 model featured a split-folding rear bench that expanded the trunk area.

Under the hood, Toyota installed only Euro 5 emission standards-compliant engines. In addition, it introduced a new 125 PS turbo-diesel engine that provided excellent fuel efficiency for its class. All versions were paired as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed automatic was available for specific engines.

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TOYOTA Avensis Wagon photo gallery

The second-generation Toyota Avensis was launched in 2003 and in 2004 was already receiving the title of the European Car of the Year.

In 2007, Toyota introduced a refreshed version of the Avensis, with updates regarding its exterior design, as well the addition of a new engine. Not only the sedan body style was upgraded, but the same also applied to the sedan and the liftback versions of Avensis.

Aesthetically, the Toyota Avensis came with a stronger exterior design that featured an all-new front bumper, a more dynamic shape with the hood’s strong vertical lines, a new radiator grille, and completely redesigned headlamps.

For 2007, the new Avensis came with LED turn-signals mounted within the outer door mirrors, adding a more premium feel. The side mirrors were now bigger to improve visibility.

Customers were given the choice of five new paint exterior colors: Ash Grey, Brocade Red, Storm Bronze, Fir Green, and Pacific Blue.

The new diesel unit introduced in 2007 was a 2.0-liter D4D engine that developed 125, this engine offering excellent power and reduced fuel consumption at the same time. Friendlier to the environment than its predecessors, the new powerplant had low CO2 emissions of 146 g/km.

More powerful engines were also available, with the range-topping D-4D 180 that developed 177 hp.

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TOYOTA Avensis Wagon photo gallery

The second generation of the Avensis was introduced to the European market in 2003 in three bodyworks versions: sedan, hatchback, and station-wagon. The latter featured the largest trunk in its family.

The first generation of the Avensis was only five years on the market before it was replaced. Its sales went well, but the Japanese car-maker understood that the European need a bigger car. Its main rivals, such as the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, or Renault Laguna featured bigger and more comfortable vehicles. Even their main rivals, Honda, was on the market with a bigger station-wagon. So, in 2003, the second generation arrived in February.

It was longer by 115 mm (4.5”) than its predecessor and promised a better value for the money. A new platform and a new engine lineup showed that the company returned with its lessons learned well. From the design point of view, the Avensis wasn't a big achievement. Its main qualities were underneath the surface. The reliability factor and the comfortable seats were the main plus points. No wonder that its buyers were mostly men.

Inside, the flat but comfortable seats were fitted as standard with velour upholstery that was wear-resistant and easy to clean. With the rear seats up, its trunk space was 521 liters (18.4 cu-ft), which was bigger than some of its rivals. Depending on the trim level, the Avensis Tourer was offered with leather and heated seats.

The powertrain came in a few engine choices, both gasoline, and diesel. Depending on the engine choice, the standard transmission was a 5- or 6-speed manual and a 4- or 5-speed automatic was on the options list.

full description and technical specifications
TOYOTA Avensis Wagon photo gallery

Toyota refreshed the Avensis lineup in 2000, after just three years on the market, improving both its exterior and engines.

The Japanese carmaker was already known for its dependable products but lacked in the design department and comfort features. The refreshed version tried to fix those issues and, up to some point, it succeeded. But the customers still chose the Avensis for its reliability.

Some chrome trims enhanced its bland styling on the grille and clear-lens headlights. It was designed more for fleet users, where the total cost of ownership was more valued than the car's look. Toyota replaced the formerly used smiling grille from the front lower bumper area with a straight design at the front. At the back, the Avensis station wagon featured redesigned taillights with square reversing lights and white upper sides.

The most significant aesthetic change was inside, where the carmaker installed a new center stack with a stereo mounted on the top. Also, the instrument cluster looked more refined than on the non-facelifted version. But its main asset was the trunk space, which provided 580 liters (20.5 cu-ft) with the rear seats up, and 1,996 liters with the bench folded.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a new engine generation fitted with variable valve timing. Unfortunately, the base version was powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline unit that provided a mere 110 hp, way less than its competitors. Besides, the fuel efficiency was not as good as expected.

full description and technical specifications
TOYOTA Avensis Wagon photo gallery

Toyota decided to retire the Carina nameplate and introduced the Avensis in 1997 in three shapes: sedan, hatchback, and station wagon.

Since its sales started to rise in Europe, Toyota decided to build a vehicle tailored for European customers. Its competition was tough, and it had to fight its way up against Opel, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, or Volkswagen. To succeed, it had come with a better-designed vehicle since the Carina was too bland for Europeans' taste.

Some could say that the Avensis' headlights somehow resemble those installed on the third generation of the BMW 3-Series (the E36), with its dual lamps under a clear glass design. Of course, speculations followed, but the customers couldn't care less than that. The small, short grille with horizontal slats was extended on the lower side of the bumper with additional cooling areas and air-intakes. In the station wagon shape, the car featured a more extended roof over the trunk area and a slightly tilted forward tailgate at the back.

Inside, Toyota insisted on having a high building quality, and it achieved that. Even though some European carmakers could match the same fittings, most of them lacked behind, especially the middle and premium brands. Still, it offered good upholstery options and a long list of standard features. The split-folding rear bench increased the trunk space of the Avensis Wagon from 580 liters (20.5 cu-ft) to 1,996 liters (70.5 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the Japanese carmaker installed a choice of five engines paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. For specific markets and engines, Toyota offered a 4-speed automatic transmission.

full description and technical specifications