12 Mart 2013 Salı
Toyota Avalon
2013 Toyota Avalon offers a luxurious cabin, but not a Lexus ride
ConsumerReports.org - 2013 Toyota Avalon offers a luxurious cabin, but not a Lexus ride
In redesigning the large Avalon sedan for 2013, Toyota spiced up the proven recipe by mixing in a bit more Lexus-like cabin luxury. But it didn't get the dynamic flavor quite right.
Always packaged and marketed as a sedan for older drivers, Avalons were known for a spacious interiors, a comfortable ride, and pampering amenities. For 2013, Toyota sought to broaden the Avalon's appeal, creating a bit more engaging driving experience and some of the latest cockpit technologies. (See our sedan buying guide.)
Thus far, we have slightly mixed feelings about the success of this approach. We're currently testing two Limited models, a V6 and a hybrid. Both priced over $40,000. By now, we've logged hundreds of miles and our impressions are still solidifying, as the sedans begin their formal testing.
While trying to make the car sportier to drive, Toyota didn't get the balance quite right. The steering is no longer super light, nor the ride floaty. But the handling isn't good enough that you'd want to hustle the car down twisty roads. Worse yet, the ride is harsh and abrupt with the 18-inch wheels. We favor the 17-inchers on our hybrid model. Dynamically, the Avalon is sending mixed signals.
But there is much to like about this sedan. In fact, the interior has stepped it up, with rich materials and fine design touches. There's lots of room inside and you get a comfortable cabin for transporting full-fledged adults. Bluetooth connectivity and touch-screen interface may add some tech appeal, but we could do without the trendy flush buttons for some controls.
There is much to like about the redesigned Avalon, but thus far, our testers are wishing for a bit more suspension refinement. Score one for Lexus luxury but it's penalized for a very un-Lexuslike ride.
The video below shares more initial thoughts, as we continue testing these new cars.
Toyota Camry Sedan
Toyota updates the Camry sedan in just its second year
Toyota updates the Camry sedan in just its second year
ConsumerReports.org - Toyota updates the Camry sedan in just its second year
Conventional wisdom dictates to hold off on buying a car in the first year of new generation due to potential reliability concerns. Now, we're seeing automakers like Toyota making improvements to popular models like the Camry sedan in just its second year, giving consumers more reason to hold off on buying the latest, greatest car.
Much like Honda did for the 2013 Civic, Toyota has made several detail upgrades quicker than expected on a new car that should incrementally enhance the car's appeal and possibly address some of our minor criticisms. (Read our detailed Camry road test.)
The front door panels on the Hybrid LE, LE, and SE trim levels are now covered in a soft-touch material, replacing the previous hard plastics. LE trims now have armrests that match the interior color, rather than being black. And variations with leather upholstery have new stitching details on the doors.
Admittedly, these are rather low-impact upgrades, but they do address a weakness of the 2012 Camry. In our testing, we found the cabin materials disappointed, citing the hard headliner, some cheap-looking dash panels, and thin carpeting. Other pieces, including the map pockets and some dashboard panels, had visible mold flash, and some of the switchgear, like the climate knobs, felt insubstantial. Hopefully there was also more attention paid to general fit and finish.
Other changes include making the 6.1-inch audio display screen standard on the L and Hybrid LE trims. However, no mention has been made of simplifying the stereo interface, which we found frustrating, with small touch-screen buttons and the need to navigate through menus to make audio adjustments. This screen can also be used for the available back-up camera.
Augmenting the blind-spot monitoring system is the addition of a rear cross-traffic alert for 2013. This can warn of dangers when backing out of a parking spot.
Ultimately, these tweaks are not earth shattering, but even small improvements are always welcomed. It is clear that automakers are working hard to compete for your dollar. If this trend continues, it does give another reason to not be the first on your block to own the latest model.
Toyota updates the Camry sedan in just its second year
ConsumerReports.org - Toyota updates the Camry sedan in just its second year
Conventional wisdom dictates to hold off on buying a car in the first year of new generation due to potential reliability concerns. Now, we're seeing automakers like Toyota making improvements to popular models like the Camry sedan in just its second year, giving consumers more reason to hold off on buying the latest, greatest car.
Much like Honda did for the 2013 Civic, Toyota has made several detail upgrades quicker than expected on a new car that should incrementally enhance the car's appeal and possibly address some of our minor criticisms. (Read our detailed Camry road test.)
The front door panels on the Hybrid LE, LE, and SE trim levels are now covered in a soft-touch material, replacing the previous hard plastics. LE trims now have armrests that match the interior color, rather than being black. And variations with leather upholstery have new stitching details on the doors.
Admittedly, these are rather low-impact upgrades, but they do address a weakness of the 2012 Camry. In our testing, we found the cabin materials disappointed, citing the hard headliner, some cheap-looking dash panels, and thin carpeting. Other pieces, including the map pockets and some dashboard panels, had visible mold flash, and some of the switchgear, like the climate knobs, felt insubstantial. Hopefully there was also more attention paid to general fit and finish.
Other changes include making the 6.1-inch audio display screen standard on the L and Hybrid LE trims. However, no mention has been made of simplifying the stereo interface, which we found frustrating, with small touch-screen buttons and the need to navigate through menus to make audio adjustments. This screen can also be used for the available back-up camera.
Augmenting the blind-spot monitoring system is the addition of a rear cross-traffic alert for 2013. This can warn of dangers when backing out of a parking spot.
Ultimately, these tweaks are not earth shattering, but even small improvements are always welcomed. It is clear that automakers are working hard to compete for your dollar. If this trend continues, it does give another reason to not be the first on your block to own the latest model.
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