IN THIS FEATURE Corking diesel Not a cheap alternative

No volume car manufacturer can seriously expect to compete in the UK without a strong line-up of diesel engines. So after a historically slow start-up on the diesel scene, Toyota has introduced an all-new 148bhp 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine for the Avensis to supplement the existing 114bhp oil burner. Even better, the company will introduce a 175bhp version of the new 2.2 by the middle of 2006. We've tried it and it's an absolute corker.

But first, the 148bhp 2.2, which is the first of a new generation of Toyota diesels. On sale from July, this lightweight all-aluminium engine develops its maximum power at a low 3600rpm, and a healthy 229lb ft of torque between 2000 and 3200rpm. The official figures are 0-62mph in 9.3secs and a top speed of 130mph, combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and CO2 output of 156g/km.

Diesel clatter is well contained

All good, and the subjective experience is even better. This is a marvellously refined diesel, with little clatter at idle and well contained 'roar' when pressing on to the engine's rev limiter, which gently cuts in at about 5000rpm. Part of that refinement is due to the engine's relatively low compression ratio, which reduces that trademark diesel clatter. There's also a balancer shaft to curb 'booming' between 2000 and 3000rpm, where the engine does most of its work. In addition, Toyota says it has further reduced noise levels with a new acoustic windscreen - basically, it employs an acoustic film between two layers of glass.

The diesel Avensis also gains a new lightweight and compact six-speed manual gearbox. It has a nice mechanical precision to it and the ratios are well judged - you can leave the Avensis in top gear for most motorway cruising, without the need for constant downshifts to maintain momentum when you get into traffic or onto medium-grade inclines.