Toyota Avensis Sales Figures

Toyota Avensis

The Toyota Avensis was a mid-size/large family car produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It was introduced in 1997 to replace the Toyota Carina E and was primarily produced for the European market. Over its production run, it went through three generations. Designed in Europe, the Avensis was tailored to cater to European tastes in terms of design, comfort, and driving dynamics. The car was pitched against established European models like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. While it often couldn’t match the driving dynamics of some rivals, it was appreciated for its build quality, value proposition, and low running costs.

Toyota Avensis Overview

The first-generation Avensis was launched in 1997, taking over from the Carina E. The design was relatively conservative but aimed at being functional and spacious. The interior was praised for its build quality and ergonomics. It was available in various body styles including sedan, hatchback, and wagon (estate).

Toyota introduced the second generation in 2003, showcasing a more modern design. The new generation boasted better equipment levels, enhanced safety features, and improved ride and handling. The Avensis earned accolades for safety during this generation, including a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the third-generation Avensis had a more dynamic design, reflecting Toyota’s desire to appeal to a younger audience. This generation received a more European aesthetic, with sleeker lines and a more upscale interior. Toyota continued to offer a range of engine options, including more efficient diesel engines and a revamped line-up of petrol engines. The model received a significant facelift in 2015, which brought styling tweaks, improved interior materials, and updated technology.

Toyota ceased production of the Avensis in 2018, primarily due to changing market dynamics where SUVs and crossovers were becoming more popular, and mid-sized sedans and wagons were seeing a decline in sales. With the cessation of Avensis production, Toyota’s lineup in Europe saw a reshuffling, with models like the Toyota Camry making a return to some European markets after a long hiatus, and the continued emphasis on hybrid models and SUVs.