Clearly, Toyota is the leader in Hybrid technology. However, we also want to strengthen Toyota’s perception as a leader in conventional powertrain technology. So, having established leadership in the field of hybrid with Hybrid Synergy Drive, today we are introducing “Toyota Optimal Drive.” The concept is simple—we enhance performance, while driving down CO₂ emissions. Across the range, we have optimized the efficiency of our engines and transmissions, bringing tangible value to our customers, in terms of fuel economy.

—Andrea Formica

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 NO_x 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.