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 Avalon
is Toyota's weapon against Detroit dinosaurs like Ford 500 and Crown
Victoria, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Pontiac Bonneville and Chrysler
300. These cars are called “full-size sedans” in the USA. They measure
in excess of 5 meters long and weigh in the region of 1700 kg yet they
are cheap to buy. You cannot find such a segment elsewhere, because
they can only survive in a country that “size matters”, with wide roads
and cheap gas. With the exception of Chrysler 300 (which is the only
RWD car here), people buying these cars are usually the retired
elderly. They ask for a graceful and conservative look, a roomy cabin
true to the American tradition and a soft ride, but not necessarily
driving fun. Finally, the car has to be affordable enough to persuade
them that their pensions are smartly spent.
So far, Chrysler 300 is clearly the best of the bunch. With nice
handling and strong Hemi V8 power, it is the only car here feeling
interesting to drive. That's why it appears to much younger audiences
than the others. However, to the elderly, Toyota Avalon may be a better
choice. It has all the aforementioned attributes, but it adds more to
the equation: quality and efficiency.
This start from a new all-alloy 3.5-litre DOHC V6. Previously, the
Avalon used to employ the same 3-litre V6 as Camry. Now it not only
gets 500 more cubic centimeters but also dual VVT-i (Camry has it only
at the intake valves). The big-bore V6 is highly efficient. It produces
280 horsepower and 260 lbft of torque (note: re-rated to 268hp and
248lbft later according to new SAE standard), allowing the large car to
sprint
from rest to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. This is easily the quickest
time among its V6-powered rivals, although it is no match with the V8
version of Chrysler 300.
 Another
strength is build quality. Its cabin is finished like a Lexus, with
soft leather, high quality plastic and cool-looking electroluminescent
gauges. The dashboard design is clean and inviting, if a little
conservative (not bad for its intention). The fake wood inserts look
very real indeed, unlike some cars that use fake-looking real wood. As
usual, fit and finish of the cabin is Toyota's strength, while
reliability and durability are never in doubt. This put the Avalon in a
favourable position against its American competitors.
Space is not lack of. The Gozilla is as big as American
dinosaurs. It even discarded the previous 6-seat option (with a
3-passenger bench seat up front and steering-column-mounted gear lever)
and switch to the conventional 5-seat layout in order to cater its
driver and front passenger better. At the back, a near flat floor
allows 3 big guys to sit comfortably. Besides, if you choose the top
version, you will get a long list of luxurious equipment.
 However,
full-size sedans are not deemed to be premium cars. The Avalon is no
exception. To keep cost down, it is derived from the Camry platform and
produced alongside the Camry at the Kentucky plant in the USA. It is
also the first Toyota designed and engineered in the USA, which is its
main market. Inevitably, the Camry's low-cost all-MacPherson strut
suspensions and front-wheel-drive layout are not optimized for
handling. The spring and damper setting biases towards comfort. Even
opted for the sport suspension package, it still feels big and bulky in
the twisties, just like most other American dinosaurs. It lacks the
tight body control, neutral steering manner, high cornering limit and
throttle adjustability of Chrysler 300. Moreover, the light and numb
steering delivers little fun. In this way, Avalon is not a driver's
car. The only way to enjoy it is to drive it in straight line, where
you will praise its brisk acceleration, smooth power delivery and
refined drivetrain.
That's why Avalon fulfills what it intends to be - a spacious and
comfortable car for old people - rather than an all-round modern sedan.
In the eyes of younger buyers, it is uninspiring, conservative and
outdated in concept, no matter in terms of styling or driving. Yes, it
might have beaten the dinosaurs from GM and Ford, but doing that is not
anything worth praising. |