Toyota Avalon: It's the look of love

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Toyota New Zealand has been a bit defensive about its new large car, the Avalon.

It is a conservative design modelled on the 1994-97 American Camry and as such won't win any styling contests compared with other mainstream big cars.

But what the three-car Avalon range lacks in visual appeal - its failure to excite - it makes up in mechanical refinement and overall quality.

Its 3.0-litre V6 engine, a reworked Camry powerplant, is smoother and quieter than the harsh Holden and Ford sixes, but not as refined as the Nissan Maxima engine under kickdown at operating revs of about 3000 rpm.

The Avalon borrows from Toyota's parts bin, using the four-speed automatic transmission from the Camry along with other components.

The platform and body are ex-Camry too but, along with suspension and steering, have been reworked.

On the road the Avalon is agile and well-balanced, its suspension coping with all surfaces and showing up a well-sorted ride/handling compromise.

Comfort levels are first class and vision from the driver's seat is up with the best. The dash layout and instrument panel is typically Toyota - clearly marked and simple to operate.

Standard equipment includes dual airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and central locking. Anti-lock brakes is one of the options on the Conquest, a curious add-on these days in a car in this segment.

The Conquest costs $41,800, the VXi $46,800 and the Grande $52,300.