An only child
The limited sales of the car justify offering a sole variant, dubbed XLS. Among other things, the 2011 incarnation benefits from a new JBL stereo with XM satellite radio. And hands-free calling is now possible thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth technology.
The redesigned dash board has a distinctly more contemporary feel. More space is allotted to the satellite navigation display. The 7-inch touch screen also displays the images recorded by the rear camera, which is activated as soon you shift into reverse. This is a plus for the driver, as the rather high trunk line limits rear visibility.
The driver also benefits from a tilting and telescopic steering wheel as well as an 8-way adjustable seat with power lumbar support.
Note that the rain-activated windshield wipers equipping the 2010 model have disappeared from the catalogue.
A road-tripping living room
Just thirty years ago, in a car this size front passengers would have been treated to a front bench offering no lateral support whatsoever. In the tradition of contemporary sedans, the Avalon instead inherited heated bucket seats. But they’re so flat and huge that they barely do a better job than the benches of yore!
The rear seats are equally generous, and passengers there will appreciate their lavish comfort. After all, the 60-40 split seats are reclining. A small control on the outside of the cushion allows you to tilt the seat to your heart’s delight, and those little naps on the road will never have been so restful!
Large, not huge, trunk
The Avalon features a big trunk. Though it isn’t as gargantuan as the now defunct Mercury Grand Marquis’s with its whopping 583 litres. No, the Avalon makes do with 408 litres. The rather short opening doesn’t make it any easier to load bulky objects, no more than the cargo net – which actually blocks the opening.
However, the asymmetrical folding seats allow you to expand the trunk. Be that as it may, with a five-meter-long car you’d expect a more practical cargo area.
The limited sales of the car justify offering a sole variant, dubbed XLS. Among other things, the 2011 incarnation benefits from a new JBL stereo with XM satellite radio. And hands-free calling is now possible thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth technology.
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| The big bucket seats offer little in the way of side support. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The redesigned dash board has a distinctly more contemporary feel. More space is allotted to the satellite navigation display. The 7-inch touch screen also displays the images recorded by the rear camera, which is activated as soon you shift into reverse. This is a plus for the driver, as the rather high trunk line limits rear visibility.
The driver also benefits from a tilting and telescopic steering wheel as well as an 8-way adjustable seat with power lumbar support.
Note that the rain-activated windshield wipers equipping the 2010 model have disappeared from the catalogue.
A road-tripping living room
Just thirty years ago, in a car this size front passengers would have been treated to a front bench offering no lateral support whatsoever. In the tradition of contemporary sedans, the Avalon instead inherited heated bucket seats. But they’re so flat and huge that they barely do a better job than the benches of yore!
The rear seats are equally generous, and passengers there will appreciate their lavish comfort. After all, the 60-40 split seats are reclining. A small control on the outside of the cushion allows you to tilt the seat to your heart’s delight, and those little naps on the road will never have been so restful!
Large, not huge, trunk
The Avalon features a big trunk. Though it isn’t as gargantuan as the now defunct Mercury Grand Marquis’s with its whopping 583 litres. No, the Avalon makes do with 408 litres. The rather short opening doesn’t make it any easier to load bulky objects, no more than the cargo net – which actually blocks the opening.
However, the asymmetrical folding seats allow you to expand the trunk. Be that as it may, with a five-meter-long car you’d expect a more practical cargo area.
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| Despite the imposing size of the car, its trunk is neither huge nor practical. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |