Toyota Avensis (2009): the first photograph

Toyota Avensis (2009): the new Avensis has shades of Lexus IS, from this solitary rear three-quarter photo issued today

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

29 August 2008 19:12

Toyota has issued a single photograph of the new Avensis saloon. The new Avensis will arrive officially at the Paris motor show on 2 October 2008 – and this solitary image is all we'll get from Toyota until then.

What's new on the third-generation, 2009 Avensis? Well, there will be no hatchback this time round; buyers will have to pick between this four-door saloon and a new, curvier estate. Which is what we suggested in our scoops of the new Avensis.

The new Toyota Avensis looks just like a Lexus IS!

Well spotted. Look past that weird eggshell background of this carefully shot portrait, and you're left with a crisp-edged, contemporary family saloon – with just a few echos of its posher, bigger brother to remind us that Toyota leaves the proper exec experience to its Lexus arm.

It's difficult to comment much more on the design from this one rear three-quarter photo that's been issued, but the new Avensis seems to follow the modern norm in a class that's flooded with volume models desperate for desirability. Taut body surfaces and rising beltline? Check. Chromed side windows (DLO in designer speak) and remarkably BMW-esque Hoffmeister kink? You bet.

We'll let you make your own minds up on the design, but Toyota has also issued some early details on the car. The only problem being that they tell us absolutely nothing about the new Avensis – save for the fact that it's still built in Burnaston, Derbyshire, UK.

Don't worry, however – CAR as usual has the full lowdown. Click 'Next' below to read all about the new Toyota Avensis.

Click 'Next' below to find out more

By Tim Pollard