If anyone is interested.....a quick 'early thoughts' on my new car.
Took delivery of my Toyota Avensis 2.0 Auto T3-X 5 door, on Saturday and done nearly 200 miles in it.
Silver fern in colour, which is like a silver (as the name suggests) with a slight hint a light green (as the name suggests!). Nice level of equipment:
Auto wipers
Dual climate control
Cd player
Auto box with sequential shift
Traction control, corner skid control, brake assist etc
Illuminated vanity mirrors
Heated and fold in door mirrors
Auto anti-dazzle rear view mirror
Steering wheel radio control
Large, separate trip computer display on the dash (would be sat nav on other models)
etc etc
And overall, a darn big car. Keep parking it in car parks with the rear end hanging out as a) I can't judge the new length and b) car park spaces are getting smaller I'm sure.
Power is nice, can't red line it too much as I need to run-in for the first 600 miles, but I have used kick-down twice and the grin on my face said it all-this thing will shift. Auto box gives nice smooth changes, and the sequential shift works well if you want control over the box. Very comfortable to sit in and the ride is lovely. Most pot-holes and grids just make a slight rumble. Cornering is fairly flat and road holding hasn't given any cause for complaint.
Build quality seems very good so far(touch the proverbial wood). No squeaks, creaks, rattles etc, save for maybe a bit of noise if you crash into a pothole/rough bit of road. Paint finish is nice, seats feel good and the dash is well screwed together.
Overall I really can't fault it. Maybe fuel consumption, but then a 2litre auto isn't going to be an environmentalists friend.
I know I am comparing the Avensis to my previous car-a new style Corolla which is in the segment below the Avensis so it would be unfair to slate the Corolla when you compare it to an Avensis-you get what you pay for. However the Corolla did cause me a few trips to the dealer from day one with interior build problems, but it never let me down and was good on fuel.
I'm in that period now where I am finding any excuse to go for a drive and can't wait to leave work to drive home! I just hope it lasts.....
Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
Took delivery of my Toyota Avensis 2.0 Auto T3-X 5 door, on Saturday and done nearly 200 miles in it.
Silver fern in colour, which is like a silver (as the name suggests) with a slight hint a light green (as the name suggests!). Nice level of equipment:
Auto wipers
Dual climate control
Cd player
Auto box with sequential shift
Traction control, corner skid control, brake assist etc
Illuminated vanity mirrors
Heated and fold in door mirrors
Auto anti-dazzle rear view mirror
Steering wheel radio control
Large, separate trip computer display on the dash (would be sat nav on other models)
etc etc
And overall, a darn big car. Keep parking it in car parks with the rear end hanging out as a) I can't judge the new length and b) car park spaces are getting smaller I'm sure.
Power is nice, can't red line it too much as I need to run-in for the first 600 miles, but I have used kick-down twice and the grin on my face said it all-this thing will shift. Auto box gives nice smooth changes, and the sequential shift works well if you want control over the box. Very comfortable to sit in and the ride is lovely. Most pot-holes and grids just make a slight rumble. Cornering is fairly flat and road holding hasn't given any cause for complaint.
Build quality seems very good so far(touch the proverbial wood). No squeaks, creaks, rattles etc, save for maybe a bit of noise if you crash into a pothole/rough bit of road. Paint finish is nice, seats feel good and the dash is well screwed together.
Overall I really can't fault it. Maybe fuel consumption, but then a 2litre auto isn't going to be an environmentalists friend.
I know I am comparing the Avensis to my previous car-a new style Corolla which is in the segment below the Avensis so it would be unfair to slate the Corolla when you compare it to an Avensis-you get what you pay for. However the Corolla did cause me a few trips to the dealer from day one with interior build problems, but it never let me down and was good on fuel.
I'm in that period now where I am finding any excuse to go for a drive and can't wait to leave work to drive home! I just hope it lasts.....
Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
