Rolling inNew Leon models

The new León is equipped with electro-mechanical power steering and comes with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear wheels. ABS and TCS traction control round off the package of active safety systems, together with the ESP electronic stability programme. The latest-generation ESP has also evolved to include systems that enhance the vehicle’s braking power and steerability in critical situations. León models will comprise of four different engines, two petrol and two diesel. The entry-level petrol model is the indirect-injection 1.6 generating 102 hp, which will be joined by a 2.0 FSI power unit. Diesel customers, will be able to choose from the 1.9 TDI with 105 hp or the 2.0 TDI model producing 140 hp. All four engines will comply with Euro 4 emissions standards. The 1.6 petrol and 1.9 TDI engines will be coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the two more powerful models (2.0 FSI and 2.0 TDI) will be equipped with a six-speed gear change.

Toyota Avensis T3-X

There is the choice of four-door saloon, five-door hatchback and estate with 129bhp 1.8 litre and 147bhp 2 litre VVT-i petrol engines or 116bhp 2 litre D-4D turbo diesel. Toyota claims that this is the first complete range to meet the Euro 4 exhaust emissions regulations that come into effect in 2005. The Avensis handles crisply, body roll is tightly reined in and the ride is firm but comfortable. That said, a keen driver will prefer the weightier feel of the conventional hydraulic power steering found on the bigger-engined cars over the 1.8’s electric system, which is said to save power and fuel. The biggest seller will be the hatchback,

which adapts easily into a useful load carrier.