Emission impossible; Toyota's engineers work wonders to give the Avensis a green makeover which slashes harmful emissions and fuel consumption while adding more power to the stylish cruiser's engine.

TOYOTA were never in the UK market to go head to head with the likes of the Ford Mondeo.

But the top-sellers are now looking anxiously over their shoulders because the latest version of the Avensis has a lot to offer in terms of green credentials and European looks.

This is the third generation of Toyota's European flagship and is built exclusively at the company's Burnaston factory in the UK.

Although it has gained an eight per cent share in the medium sized-market since its launch in 1997, the designers of the new Avensis believed a stronger European look would further boost sales.

And unlike previous models, this sleeker design, created at the company's studio in France, sits visually well against competitors such as the VW Passat.

The older generation Avensis was praised for its roomy interior and, on the new model, Toyota worked to increase the space by moving the windscreen pillar forward by almost five inches and shifting the rear pillar back by more than two.

The interior feels particularly spacious and instrumentation is now much-better planned.

But despite its more European look, there are still distinctive Japanese undercurrents, including, on higher-grade models, the console having a graphic finish inspired by Takesumi - a charcoal made from bamboo.

However, while the new look was important, the main goal of the design team was to drastically cut carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions without losing any power.

Toyota have gone the extra mile to achieve this.

In every part of the vehicle, Toyota applied all their engineering efforts to reduce CO2 and to drive down fuel consumption.

At the heart of this effort is the innovative Toyota Optimal Drive technology in its range of new petrol engines, upgraded diesel power units and advanced new transmissions.

These powertrains are much more eco-friendly without compromising power and performance.

The new engines and advanced transmissions feature low friction components, lightweight compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency.

On the petrol engines, the Optimal Drive system maximises efficiency, power and torque through a new Valvematic system that allows optimal valve lift and timing to generate top-level performance.

Across the range, these valvematic engines achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of between 10 and 26 per cent.

In addition, power is increased between three and 20 per cent, compared with the older Avensis engines.

The driver can also play a part in the green game by changing up or down when advised by an arrow on the dashboard showing the best time to shift gear in order to save fuel.

This 1.8-litre Valvematic came with a new six-speed manual transmission and it offers a pleasant and relaxing drive.

Power is greater by 14 per cent compared with the previous 1.8 VVT-i unit.

CO2 emissions are down 10 per cent at 154g/km in the saloon with manual gearbox.

Other engine options are a 2.0-litre Valvematic and 2.0 and 2.2 diesels.

Don't expect the 1.8 to be a spectacular performer but, for a large saloon, its green credentials are superb.

Factfile: Model: Toyota Avensis TR 1.8 Engine: 1.8-litre petrol Power: 145bhp Top speed: 124mph 0-62mph: 9.4 seconds Fuel economy: 43.5mpg CO2 emissions: 154g/km Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles Price: pounds 18,275 On sale: Now

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CLEAN-CUT NEW IMAGE: Toyota have managed to reduce the CO2 footprint of the new Avensis while increasing the car's power