14 November 2002: UPDATE The new Toyota Avensis, due for launch next spring, is larger than the current car which has consistently been the biggest seller in its segment in Ireland for more than a decade.

The long-awaited new version has a strong cab-forward styling, along with an overall wedge shape and strong curving.

The new Avensis will have a number of 'firsts' in terms of the European market. The car was designed initially in Europe.

It will be the first car in Europe to be launched with a knee airbag as standard equipment, located under the steering column and designed to protect the driver's knees and lower legs from injury on hard surfaces below the dashboard. The operation of the standard airbags will also be determined by the position of the occupants.

The Avensis also markes the first commercial application of a new suite of Toyota technologies that greatly reduces harmful emissions from diesel engines - the D-CAT system, which will be on the market in September of next year in a number of countries which have low-sulphur diesel fuel available.

Toyota say that the new Avensis will also be market leading in terms of low noise and vibration, using a proprietory 'Ultra Light' material which is particularly effective with intrusive high frequency noise.

The new car will be available in saloon, liftback and wagon forms and all three versions will be built in Britain.

The engine options will be 1.6-, 1.8- and 2-litre petrol units outputting between 110bhp-147bhp. An upgraded version of the 2-litre D-4D turbodiesel will be available, outputting 116bhp. The 2-litre petrol engine will be a second-generation direct gasoline injection unit.

The suspension for the cars to be built over here has been specially tuned for European tastes, and the rear suspension has been adapted from that used in the Toyota Celica sports coupe.

Other technologies include a new generation of of electric power steering, the first of its kind in a D-segment car, and an automatic transmission option with sequential manual operation. All models will have ABS with electronic brake force distribution.

An improvement to the air compressor for the air conditioning means an improvement in fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent compared to a conventional system.

The basic 1.6 VVT-i engine will allow an acceleration of 12sec for the 0-60mph sprint.