The next-generation of Toyota’s compact executive, the Avensis, will début at the upcoming Paris Show. TMC has released the first image of the newcomer, but could it be a viable addition to SA’s struggling "large family saloon" segment?
Toyota will show three new models at the Salon, and the new Avensis, of which the UK-built current generation saloon was introduced here as a replacement for the Australian-made Camry in 2006, has most significance for South Africa.
Due to go on sale in Europe next year, the new Toyota Avensis will continue to be built at the company’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire (which also produces the Auris models sold in South Africa). From the initial rear three-quarter view of the new Avensis, which was released to the media on Monday, it is clear that the model will be significantly sportier and distinctive than the current model, thanks to Lexus-esque squared-off rear lights, an elevated bootlid and more-defined shoulderline.
According to sources, the new Avensis will sport a more upmarket specification and improved interior quality, but that’s not to say that the model will be an automatic addition to Toyota’s local product lineup in 2009, CARtoday.com found.
Toyota South Africa public relations manager Andile Dlamini said the “possible introduction of the new Avensis was still under discussion" with the Prospecton-based manufacturer’s parent company in Japan, and that it would only be known whether the newcomer will be made available "by the end of the year or early 2009".
Although sales of the Avensis, (which arrived here during the latter half of its model life), could always be better, Dlamini added, the “large family saloon” segment of the new vehicle market, which includes competitors such as the VW Passat, Honda Accord and Mazda6, had suffered more than most in the current economic climate.
“Toyota would obviously prefer to continue to have a presence in that segment,” Dlamini said, “but only if the new Avensis is considered a viable entrant to the market and TMC makes it available to Toyota SA. The current trend is for buyers to go for up-spec compact models (such as Corollas or Jettas) instead of bigger saloons”.
Toyota will also unveil the full production versions of its eagerly-awaited microcar, the iQ, and Urban Cruiser, in Paris. The iQ is said to emit just 99g of CO2 per kilometre and will feature a number of new safety features including a rear window curtain shield airbag. The all-wheel drive Urban Cruiser is powered by a 1,4-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine with a CO2 emissions figure of 133g/km, Toyota claims.
More details on Toyota’s show cars for Paris will be released in due course, but we can confirm the iQ is not under consideration for release on the domestic market!
source:cartoday
