TOYOTA has introduced a common rail direct injection turbodiesel engine to its Avensis range, priced at £17,600 on-the-road. The 2.0-litre unit produces 110bhp and 184lb-ft of torque, giving the Avensis a top speed of 121mph and acceleration from 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds.

It joins the existing indirect injection turbodiesel models in the Avensis range. Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 158g/km for the diesel derivative. The D4-D - direct injection four-stroke common rail diesel - engine will be fitted to the Avensis SR saloon model and badged SR D-4D.

The model will only be available as a saloon because Toyota sees this as the most likely package to win fleet sales, but it has not ruled out introducing the engine to the hatchback and estate versions. Toyota claims the new model will compete against the £17,880 on-the-road Volkswagen Passat S 1.9 TDI saloon, £18,400 Peugeot GLX 2.0 HDi saloon and £18,350 Vauxhall Vectra GLS 2.0 DTi saloon.