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Last month, it was announced that the facelifted Toyota Avensis would be making its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, but precious little information was disclosed. Now that it has actually made its debut, Toyota has divulged full details regarding the updated Euro-market D-segment sedan and Touring Sports estate.

We've seen the changes around the front of the car – the T270 gets broader, slimmer LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, a narrower upper grille and a much larger lower grille, while the fog light housings have been pushed outwards to make the car look wider. There's also a newly-designed side sill garnish and updated 17- and 18-inch wheel designs.

It's the rear that we have yet to see, and here, the facelifted Avensis receives new tail lights with LED light guides, a reshaped bootlid/tailgate featuring a new horizontal chrome trim piece that bridges the tail lights, as well as a reprofiled rear bumper.

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The interior sees a much more comprehensive revamp that brings the Avensis closer in line with newer stablemates like the Auris and Corolla. The dual-layer dashboard, twin-tube instrument cluster (with a 4.2-inch colour multi-info display on higher-end models), eight-inch touchscreen system and door cards are all-new, as is the steering wheel and gear knob; the latter is similar to that fitted to the facelifted Camry.

Toyota says that sensory quality and NVH has been increased – switchgear feel and operation has been improved, the graphics, symbols and backlighting has been made more consistent and satin chrome trim and upgraded upholstery choices promote a higher-quality appearance.

The seats have also been thoroughly revamped with a larger backrest, redesigned seat suspension mat, increased cushion angle and reshaped side bolsters for improved long-distance comfort and lateral support. Thicker insulation, new seals throughout the body, an integrated heater air duct seal lip and a dynamic damper on estate models should provide a noticeable decrease in cabin noise and vibration.

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Euro 6-compliant engines include two new diesels and two revamped petrols. The 110 hp/270 Nm 1.6 litre D-4D oil burner with a six-speed manual replaces the older 2.0 litre mill and uses 10% less fuel, delivering a claimed 24.4 km per litre and emitting 108 grams per kilometre of CO2. There's also a brand-new 141 hp/320 Nm 2.0 litre D-4D that consumes a combined 22.2 km per litre and emits 119 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Improvements have also been made to the 130 hp/160 Nm 1.6 litre, 145 hp/180 Nm 1.8 litre and 150 hp/196 Nm 2.0 litre Valvematic petrol engines, as well as the Multidrive S CVT, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The chassis incorporates new strut bearing and support, improved springs, dampers and steering as well as a new piston valve design for the rear suspension for better ride and handling.

Safety-wise, all new Avensis models come as standard with laser- and camera-operated Toyota Safety Sense – which includes a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, automatic high beam and Road Sign Assist – as automated emergency braking (AEB) is now required for a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.