The third generation of the Avensis came in 2008 when the world economic crisis started.
Even though it came into a bad moment for the motoring industry, it managed to find its place on the market.

The first generation of the Avensis was introduced in Europe in 1997 and, in 10 years on the market, it managed to get 8% of the sales in the D-segment (mid-size vehicles). Like the second generation, the 2008 model was designed in Toyota’s design center in France. From the outside, it looked more like a facelift than a completely new model.

The front side of the vehicle was narrower and the A-pillars were raked even more than before. The car had a better appeal to the younger generation with its sporty look. The bigger, rhomboidal, headlights were available with bi-Xenon HID lamps. It was available only as a three-box sedan and station-wagon. The three-and-a-half hatchback was ditched due to low sales.

Inside, the material’s quality was better in some parts and lower in other, but it featured a new infotainment unit integrated into the center stack. The seats were still without big bolsters on the sides. Despite having a new platform, the third generation of the Avensis kept the same 2700 mm (106.3”) wheelbase, which led to sufficient leg-room for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, there were more engine choices, evolved from the previous ones, but mated to a new generation of transmissions. All the gasoline units were mated as standard to a 6-speed manual. For the diesel versions, only one was available with a 5-speed manual. The others were fitted with six-speed. Toyota offered a new, 6-speed automatic on the options list for most of the engines. A CVT was available for selected models.