The Lane Report -- Automotive January 2000

CLASSIC PERFORMANCES - January 2000
by Chris Taylor

Refined Elegance
Toyota's flagship Avalon is a blending of high-tech style and creature comforts

There was a time, not long ago, that a type of full sized vehicle roamed the earth. These oversized rolling testaments to comfort were plentiful, with their four doors, bench seating and volumous trunk space. All was well until gas shortages put these dinosaurs on the endangered species list. But as Darwin says, to survive one must adapt.

It would be a disservice to Toyota's newest flagship, the second generation Avalon, to categorize it with the old Buicks and Lincolns of the early '70's, but this car harks back to the notion displayed by these old makes and models while incorporating the world-class levels of quality that is Toyota's calling card.

Toyota Avalon
Engine:	24-valve DOHC V-6
Displacement:	3.0 liters
Horsepower:	210 @5800 rpm
Torque:	220 lb-ft @4400 rpm
Drivetrain(s):	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase:	107.1 inches
Cargo/Trunk Space:	15.9 cu ft
Fuel Capacity:	18.5 gallon
Base Price:	$25,195 (XL) $29,755 (XLS)

One area receiving a complete make-over was the exterior styling. The evolutionary development, while uniquely "Toyota" in appearance, helps to set the Avalon apart in this most conservative of market segments. The hard-edge appearance is new, thanks to Toyota's California design center.

The Avalon's solid feel can largely be attributed to an increase in body stiffness and new independent MacPherson strut front and independent dual-link rear suspension. This, along with the refined aerodynamics, add a new level of quietness. Wind and road noise are mere whispers even at highway cruising speeds.

Engine choices still center on the Camry-based powerplant. Delivering up-to 210 blp@5800 rpm and 220 lb-ft@4400 rpm, the 24-valve DOHC aluminum V-6 continues to excite with its smooth but quiet output, and noted reliability and durability. Mated to the four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, drivers can expect a reasonable amount of performance for this size of car.

Safety was a key priority for the redesigned Avalon. Options including the Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) and Brake Assist (BA) work together with the standard Anti-lock Braking (ABS) to help the driver maintain control in adverse weather and driving conditions. Passive safety features like front and rear crumple zones, energy-absorbing materials, plus dual front and side airbag systems help to reduce injury.

The interior is a bold departure from the past. Driver and passenger room has increased both in the front and rear, with the optional bench-style seat allow six to sit comfortably. The instrument cluster's sweeping design gives a futuristic appearance, and the available wood trim and leather seating gives a nod to the past. The premium grade JBL five-channel, 170-watt stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player is an audiophile's treat and the dual-climate controls is infinitely adjustable. Above all, the interior displays a high-level of fit-and-finish and a feel of quality.

Driving the Avalon is a genuine treat. The Avalon has the makings of a vehicle that meets or exceeds the technical and performance standards set by its domestic competitors. Though at first the car could be dismissed as merely an simple evolution of the past, better but similar to before, the car is a worthy addition to the Toyota line.

Chris Taylor is managing director of The Lane Report.

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