In what could be described as a keenly fought competition in an automotive award contest under the aegis of Nigeria’s motoring journalists, the Toyota Avensis was last year December voted ‘Car Of The Year’ in Nigeria for 2013 beating the Kia Rio and Honda Accord to the top spot.
Toyotas Avensis, as explained by of a team of industry stakeholders and personalities under the aegis of motoring journalists organiser and organisers of the annual award was voted on account of its road performance, growing popularity on the road among the growing middle class and rising preference by chief executives of multinationals and blue chip companies in the country.
The Nigeria auto journalists award organising committee said after a painstaking evaluation of the vehicles and individuals 2013 Toyota Avensis beats two other contenders, the Honda Accord and Kia Rio, for the prestigious car of the year prize based on set of parameters followed meticulously by the team.
The team, made up of seasoned professionals within the automotive circles, stated that the popularity and exquisite but simple design of the luxury sedan earned it the prestigious award. Avensis is a large family car built by Toyota Motor Corporation, Japanese car makers, since 1997.
Experts see the Avensis saloon as a relatively spacious car that has a well-built interior and a solid choice for drivers who regularly drive long distances and want to do so in comfort.
Depending on the market, Avensis is available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate. Although it is an extensive revamp of the previous generation Carina E, the only main common parts are the engines, with an all new style of body, reviewers note.
Over the years, the Toyota Avensis has advanced in size, technology, power and economy to challenge its worldwide-known rivals, such as the Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 508 and Skoda Superb.
The Avensis success makes the very first time in many years in Nigeria the Toyota Corolla is losing its coveted crown as Nigeria’s Car of the Year to another Toyota model. It would be recalled that Corolla has won the same award back to back for about three years, which also followed a global trend, on its account of popularity, fuel economy and ease of maintenance. Avensis has been a sales success for the Toyota Europe.
A summary of the Avensis range available in Nigeria and given by the Toyota Nigeria Limited, principal owners of the brand, shows that depending on choices, the dealership offers the model in two leather seats and fabric seats options. Both come with audio screen, seven airbags, bluetooth and dual air-conditioning control systems.
Among other array of trim levels, Avensis comes in a 2.0 litre engine sedan equipped with a six loader CD and control switch on the steering. It uses the push button instead of the conventional ignition system and has two halogen head lamps complimented with two fog lamps. The side mirrors have one indicator light each.
The 2013 Avensis went on sale globally on April 1st, 2013 and has undergone a light makeover. All models include follow-me-home headlights, DAB radio tuners are standard on Icon grades and above.
By: Mike Ochonma
