As the flagship of Toyota's European model range, the Avensis occupies a pivotal position in building awareness of the Toyota brand as a whole.

Since the current model was launched in 2003, it has succeeded in defining the superior quality, refinement and driving pleasure that characterises all new Toyotas.

Its work, however, is not yet done. With the launch of the new 2007 Avensis, Toyota raises the bar in terms of quality and performance in the upper-medium segment.

More than that, it also marks the introduction of two new diesel power units to give the Avensis one of the most modern and efficient engine ranges in its class.

The previous 2.0-litre D-4D engine is replaced by a new D-4D 130 unit that delivers improvements in every dimension; it is more powerful, offers faster acceleration, is more fuel-efficient, produces lower exhaust emissions and is quieter and smoother.

Developing 124bhp (126 DIN hp) and 300Nm of torque at 2,400rpm, the D-4D 130 gives nought to 62mph acceleration in 10.3 seconds and a 124mph top speed.

In combined cycle driving it can return 51.4mpg, with 146g/km of carbon dioxide emissions. The new Avensis also gains the 2.2-litre D-4D 180 engine, featured exclusively in a new top-of-the-range T180 model.

This 175bhp (177 DIN hp) unit is the most powerful and cleanest engine in its class.

It moves the Avensis from rest to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and on a top speed of 137mph.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is 46.3mpg and carbon dioxide emissions are rated at 161g/km.

The engine's clean performance is achieved through Toyota D-CAT (Diesel - Clean Advanced Technology). This system includes Toyota's DPNR four-way catalyst that continuously and simultaneously reduces nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions.

As well as being highly efficient, it requires no maintenance.

Befitting its status, the T180 model comes with some select extra features, including smoke-finished 17-inch alloys, smoked glass headlamps and leather and Alcantara upholstery.

The D-4D 180 leads an engine line-up that includes the current 1.8 and 2.0-litre VVT-i petrol units and the 2.2-litre D-4D 150, launched in the Avensis last year.

The new Avensis adopts new styling features for a more dynamic look, including a new grille, front bumper and headlamp design, plus new-look rear lamp clusters.