Avalon provides comfort at a discount
2013 model 11% cheaper than 2012
The Avalon, Toyota’s flagship sedan, has undergone a major redesign for 2013. Slightly shorter but with a wider stance, the Avalon presents a sleeker image and quality craftsmanship. Priced 11 per cent less than the 2012 model starting price but with more features, the 2013 Avalon offers excellent value in the mid-size luxury sedan segment.
The new exterior styling is smooth and flowing. Shorter overhangs front and rear, a lower window beltline and a long sweeping roofline give this four-door sedan an almost coupe-like appearance from some angles. Visually, the Avalon has an integrated styling, with the chrome front trim below the hood leading into the bright headlight housings, which in turn lead into the long body line sculptured into the car’s side panels. At the rear, the large tail lights wrap around the rear corners to pick up the side body line and finish it with a chrome panel in the rear centre of the trunk lid.
The front fascia has a larger grill opening with a chrome surround and the signal lights have been moved out and down to the lower fascia. Not only does it look more powerful but it also improves pedestrian impact protection! Safety is a consideration in many of the styling choices.
Inside, the styling changes are even more dramatic than the exterior. To say it is sculptured would be an understatement. The contrast between the light ivory leather, the glossy wood and the dark matte finish of the control panel surfaces creates its own appeal, and the sweeping curves on the dash, console and door panels make for an outstanding look. The interior is inviting and comfortable, with even the padded dash panel having a warm, supple feel to it.
The curve of the panels creates a cockpit feel to the driver’s position, with all the controls conveniently at hand. Air vents are located at the top centre of the dash with CD disc slot and touch screen navigation display below. Two large round knobs provide the most common controls for operation with gloves on. Steering wheel controls can be used for the audio and phone connections for hands on the wheel operation. The control layout is uncluttered, simple to use and stylish.
The controls are also hightech, with XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connection, voice recognition, and text-tospeech and email-to-speech capability. A backup camera with guidelines helps when parking.
The seats have also been redesigned, with larger more supportive bolsters and variable temperature seat heaters. The driver’s seat is an eight-way power seat with memory while the passenger side has a fourway power seat. Legroom and headroom is excellent up front and even with the sunroof, the rear seat headroom is good as well.
Two Avalon models are offered — the XLE and the Limited. We tested the XLE model with a starting price of $36,800. A Limited model is also offered with added features. The only option package is the premium package, available on the Limited model. Both models are powered by a 3.5-litre DOHC V-6 with 268 horsepower. The engine is smooth, quiet and quick.
The Avalon has excellent fit, finish and material quality deserving of the flagship of the Toyota lineup. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it took corners with minimal body roll while giving a quiet and comfortable ride, and all this with a lower price too!