Toyota drops price on new Avalon

Overall Avalon is supposed to be ''indulgently equipped,'' so that all models come with:

• an automatic dual-zone climate control with an air filter and rear seat heater ducts
• leather seating surfaces with front variable heated seats
• power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats
• a 60/40 split rear seat with recline adjustment
• power windows with jam protection and auto up/down for driver and front passenger
• cruise control
• keyless entry
• an anti-theft system
• an electric rear window defroster with timer
• power remote mirrors
• fog lamps
• a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• AM/FM/CD audio system with in-dash six-disc changer and nine speakers, and
• a power moonroof with sunshade

Each different model is also equipped with its own list of features.

On the Avalon Touring, this includes:

• a ''Eurosport'' suspension in the front and rear
• uniquely-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels
• a rear spoiler
• a metallic appearance interior trim, and
• HID headlamps with auto leveling

Equipment unique to the Avalon XLS includes:

• woodgrain trim
• an integrated garage door opener, and
• an electrochromic rear view mirror with digital compass, and electrochromic driver-side exterior mirror

Two option packages are available for the XLS-grade Avalon.

The Premium package includes:

• a 12-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system with in-dash six-disc changer and cassette, Radio Data System, rear subwoofer with eight-channel amplifier and digital signal processor
• wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Vehicle Stability Control, and
• Traction control

The Premium with Navigation package includes everything in the Premium package except the cassette player on the audio system, plus a DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition.

Avalon also comes with Toyota's no-deductible, no-transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for three years or 60,000 km. Powertrain components are covered for five years or 100,000 km, major emission control components for eight years or 130,000 km, and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.

Optional Extra Care Protection at four levels is available for up to six years or 200,000 km.
photo:Toyota Canada