Avalon, thought to be derived from the Welsh word afal, meaning apple, is a legendary island featured in Arthurian lore, renowned

The new Avalon builds off of the outgoing model, with sleeker, younger looking features and a lower price. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

for its beautiful apples. It was also a particularly beautiful song by ex-Roxy Music crooner Brian Ferry. Come to think of it, Toyota might want to give Brian a ring to see if he wants to appear in a run of Avalon ads. The Electric Lounge Lizard might not have considered being associated with Toyota’s flagship sedan before, especially that in its second generation yours truly dubbed it the automotive equivalent of a comb-over, but now in its latest 2011 form the Avalon is one impressive looking luxury car, capable of measuring up to the suave British singer’s wardrobe from King’s Road clothier Antony Price.

Now, some might be reading along rubbing your foreheads in collective contemplation, “Just what is an Avalon?” Yes, I know you remember the song, and some might even have heard about Newfoundland’s beautiful Avalon Peninsula, where Toyota’s Canadian

Stylish rear end shows enough chrome for luxury and a diffuser-like rear fascia for sport. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

division fittingly chose to introduce the latest iteration of this entry-level luxury sedan. For you head rubbers, here is an Avalon history lesson:

Toyota’s flagship Avalon model was introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, filling the gap left by the Cressida when it departed from our market in 1992 but based on a stretched version of the Camry’s front-wheel drive architecture instead of rear-drive. While an excellent car it really didn’t take off that well, despite Toyota Americanizing this model with a full front bench seat for six-occupant accommodation as well as a column-mounted shifter, the first of its type in a Toyota since the ‘82 Corona. The second-generation Avalon, which spanned model years 2000 through 2004, grew

Scenery along Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula is stunning. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

much larger and was given more distinctive love-it-or-hate-it styling, and again was a superb luxury car that won fans from Palm Springs to Palm Beach -- retirement age fans, mind you. A revitalized Avalon surfaced in 2004 as a 2005 model, sporting a more mainstream and much more appealing design, with sleeker lines and overall better proportions. Sales picked up but price was a factor with the Avalon reaching up and beyond the Lexus ES 350, causing most in this market to purchase an ES despite its slightly smaller dimensions. Toyota has remedied the latter problem by lowering the price substantially, making the 2011 Avalon much more appealing than the outgoing model financially, as well as stylistically and dynamically.

The 2011 Avalon might not be entirely new, but truly the Camry-derived platform architecture under its skin is already extremely good.

A new attractive shape incorporating the first OEM use of lightpipes in a taillight design. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

The rest of the car, however, from the exterior body panels (other than the roof), grille and lighting clusters to the interior trim, features and upgraded drivetrain, is different. The new Avalon is similar to the old model in profile, but details give it a sportier look. The grille is bolder with more chrome, and features the Toyota emblem up higher to form the trademark push into the hood line initiated by the current Camry, while the headlight clusters are narrower and point down in a sharper, more aggressive fashion, adding to the sportier look previously mentioned. A new lower fascia adds a wider vent opening, broadening the car’s stance, while chrome fog lamp surrounds augment their shape.

The Avalon’s hood has changed too, with a more prominent centre bulge, and the car’s flanks have more shape to them. A chrome strip breaks up the slab-sided look of the old car’s monotone treatment, although the outgoing

Sneaking down the dock for a better view of the water. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

model’s chromed door handles make way for body-colour handles on the 2011 version, again adding to that sporty demeanor and updating door panels that are otherwise unchanged.

From the rear it’s an even bigger departure from 2010 to 2011, with larger, triangular LED taillight clusters that form a more modern shape. At night they glow in unique quad ovals thanks to the first OEM application of LED “light pipes” on a road car; the headlights are projector-beam, as Toyota says xenon lamps would have upped the price beyond competitiveness. A horizontal chrome appliqué across the trunk lid widens the look and adds a touch of class, while a blackened diffuser style lower fascia highlights the dual exhaust pipes carried over from the previous car.

Inside, there

Steering wheel is the same, but the dash and centre stack design is all new. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

are obvious differentiators and some identical components too. Starting with the latter, the column stocks and steering wheel are carryover, and no one should complain about either, as the stocks are high-quality and the wheel is thick-rimmed plus wood and leather-wrapped with nicely finished switchgear mounted on each side-spoke. The lower centre console is more or less the same as last year’s model as well, with an identical shift knob and chrome edged gate. Likewise the ultra-comfortable and supportive seats appear unchanged, as does the large leather-covered armrest. The instrument cluster, dash and centre stack, on the other hand, are all-new and should be much more appealing to the younger buyer Toyota is hoping to attract. The Avalon’s twinned primary gauges are sportier, while sweeping curves in soft-touch plastics plus wood-like trim, chrome detailing and real aluminum appliqués

Getting acclimatized is never difficult in a Toyota. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

join up with revised interior door panels, all tied together with a more conventional upper stack that adds functionality and new features.

Much of last year’s standard features list is carryover for 2011. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver plus driver's side memory, power locks with keyless entry, power windows with auto up/down all-round, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, a garage door opener, heated mirrors with auto-dimming driver's side, fog lights, and a full array of airbags including one for the driver's knees all remain standard gear. New standard features for 2011 include variable intermittent wipers (the rain sensing ones that never

Lots of woodgrain and metal accents add to the luxury theme. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

really worked properly in our drizzly weather– as if any actually do – are gone), an eight-way power passenger seat with a power lumbar support (a dealmaker for me), more attractive and highly visible Optitron primary gauges, a 12-speaker 660-watt JBL audio system with a 12-channel digital amplifier and audio music streaming, Bluetooth, and a touch-screen navigation system with integrated backup camera. A USB port joins the audio input for external devices, while XM Satellite Radio is also part of the 2011 package. New foldable side mirrors integrate LED turn signals for a top-tier look as well as greater visibility to surrounding motorists. And interestingly, performance oriented drivers will appreciate that the standard electronic stability control system can now be switched off, showing that Toyota is serious about the new Avalon’s sporting credentials.

Sporting

A luxurious and accommodating rear seat belies the Avalon's sporting" credentials." (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

credentials and Avalon sharing the same sentence? Well, actually, yes. The new “Av” is not a sport sedan, to be clear, but it’s not an old-school luxury liner either thanks to new suspension tuning. Rear and all-wheel drive luxury cars might out-handle Toyota’s flagship at high speeds, but these don’t offer the flat rear floor for more comfortable three-abreast seating, something Toyota wanted to maintain when moving forward with the upgraded model. The Japanese automaker says that its Avalon architecture could incorporate all-wheel drive, but has no plans to add it because the increased cost and complexity isn’t needed to achieve the model’s purpose. After all, Toyota doesn’t want to forget all about its loyal Avalon buyers during the transformation needed to lure in younger buyers, and to that end the big car continues to iron out road imperfections without fault. It’s firmer than the outgoing model, necessary for improved handling, but it’s still fabulous at soaking up bumps, dips and otherwise uneven pavement.

While clearly not a sport sedan, the Avalon handles quite well. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

What’s more, when the occasional stone gets picked up and thrown into the wheel well it will be effectively absorbed by felt liners to eliminate noise, a feature that carries forward from the previous generation.

Yes, the 2011 Avalon is one refined luxury car, made more than apparent when turning over the key. Ok, let me take that back for a minute, because I for one was disappointed that the automaker’s namesake flagship can’t be had with Toyota’s Smart Key proximity sensing keyless remote access or a push-button start, something you can get in a lowly Corolla, especially since this feature, amongst others, can be had by its U.S. counterpart. But let’s look at the positive. You’ll never swap cars with your significant other to have her/him call you from across the city

There's more than adequate power under the hood. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

with news that the car’s key fob is still in your pocket – been there done that. Twisting the conventional key brings to life Toyota’s venerable 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine with VVT-i electronic valve-control, tuned to 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic with console actuated manual mode, it provides plenty of power for quick getaways and was more than adequate for our tour of Newfoundland’s twisting, undulating rocky coastline. The transmission is as smooth as any in its class, and shifts without hesitation, but more importantly its tall final gear provides reduced engine revs to improve highway fuel economy.

The new Avalon is rated at a staggering 6.8 L/100km on the highway and 10.6 L/100km in the city, both impressive estimated numbers that

The trunk will be large enough for most peoples' needs. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

should be improved yet more if/when a hybrid model is introduced. Yes, it’s purely speculative, but Toyota is on record saying it will provide a hybrid model for every segment it competes in, which translates into an Avalon Hybrid at some point in the future. It makes sense, of course, being the car is derived from the Camry that comes in hybrid guise, and therefore would be a simple and cost-effective upgrade.

Cost in mind, what’s the price for all this luxury goodness? As mentioned, Toyota addressed the pricing issue to the point that some Camry buyers might want to step up to the Avalon if they’re looking to load up their midsize model. Last year’s Avalon didn’t offer the same opportunity, as its $39,285 base price needed the addition of the Premium Package to get some of the same features included in the top-line Camry,

A new 2011 Toyota Avalon XLS can be had for as little as $39,285. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

effectively bumping the final sticker to $45,845 before freight, PDI and taxes. And while the equivalent of a Premium Package is available south of the border in the Limited model, some of its features such as the JBL audio system, eight-way powered passenger seat with lumbar, and woodgrain and leather-wrapped steering wheel, already mentioned, are now included in the base Canadian-spec Avalon XLS, simplifying the Canadian offering and lowering the price to $41,100. What’s not included? The aforementioned Smart Key access and push-button start, HID headlamps, chrome door handles, rain-sensing wipers, perforated leather seats with ventilation, a power-sliding driver’s seat cushion extension, and a power rear sunshade. Rather, Toyota Canada only offers one option with its 2011 Avalon: pearl finish paint for $220. Just the same, the increased feature list for a lower

A lot of Toyota luxury goodness for the money. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

overall price should be more attractive to Camry buyers looking for something with a lot more style and luxury plus much better interior refinement and quality. Truly, the new Avalon should also attract those Lexus ES 350 buyers who don’t need the premium badge yet are looking for more size and almost as many features for a significantly lower price.

There’s not much to complain about with the new 2011 Avalon, except possibly a smaller than average trunk, and therefore I for one can understand why Toyota is bullish about selling a lot more of the new 2011 cars than the 280 it pushed out the doors in 2009. Toyota remains conservative, however, expecting between 300 and 500 units sold this year. Could they sell more with a big marketing push featuring a demographically targeted jingle and top-level spokesperson? It’s possible. The car is good enough, for sure… maybe good enough to become the apple of Brian Ferry’s eye. “Yes the picture's changing… every moment… and your destination… you don't know it… Avalon…”

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(J004) Standard Black Paint

(0070.) Blizzard Pearl Paint