Toyota’s renewed focus on vehicle safety is already paying dividends, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recently recognized two of the company’s new products—the Toyota Sienna and Toyota Avalon—with 2010 Top Safety Pick Awards.
The Toyota Sienna continued to blaze new trails in the minivan segment, becoming the first minivan to win Top Safety Pick honors since the IIHS added rollover protection to its testing criteria for 2010. And it’s no surprise when you consider all the other ways the Sienna is setting new standards in the segment. Safety is often a top priority among minivan shoppers, according to Littleton Toyota dealerships.
The Sienna features a striking exterior appearance that sets it far apart from other rivals, with bold, aerodynamic lines, a more sophisticated headlamp treatment, and aggressive front fascia and grille. The Sienna drives the way it looks, too, providing a surprisingly engaging experience behind the wheel, an experience that’s taken to the next level in the enthusiast-oriented SE model. Adding side skirts, smoked taillights, a lowered ride height and even a sport-tuned suspension, the Sienna SE is the kind of minivan customers will want to drive, all while still providing the versatility and cargo space expected in this kind of vehicle. Sienna’s versatility is a major plus, according to Toyota Albuquerque.
The 2011 Toyota Avalon, also redesigned for this year, wears an expressive new exterior that was created at the automaker’s own Calty Design Research facility, located in Newport Beach, Calif. The Avalon’s more upscale appearance, showcasing a cleaner, more elegant and more substantial presence, promises a similarly enhanced interior, and that’s exactly what customers get.
Soft-touch materials, upgraded technologies—including a touch-screen nav system—and the segment’s only reclining rear seat combine with an impressively spacious interior to allow all occupants to “Travel Avalon Class” in Toyota’s full-size sedan. At the same time, the Avalon’s advanced V6 engine, offering 268 hp and 29 mpg on the highway, is equal parts powerful and fuel efficient. Luxury and efficiency are a popular combination, according to Toyota MA.
“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division in the U.S. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment.”
For Carter, it’s simple: “The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”
* * *
For more Toyota news check back soon or subscribe now.
You must log in to post a comment.