by Brian Byrne. Toyota is to provide soot filters on its Avensis diesel models from next year, to meet concerns from motorists in some of its largest European markets.
The move will meet demand from consumers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, where rising levels of particulates are being blamed for respiratory problems.
Up to now, Toyota had promoted its diesel clean advanced technology (D-CAT) emissions control system in 'sensitive' markets, but the expensive technology is now being reserved for premium models.
Toyota recently launched a new 2.2-litre diesel engine for the Avensis, built in Poland, which will be available with D-CAT or soot filters depending on the version — 177hp or 150hp. The lower power version will also be sold in some markets without a filter.
The soot issue has come to the fore with the rise of diesel engines as the power units of choice for a majority European car buyers in middle to upper segments.
A 2.2-litre diesel to be introduced in the next-generation Lexus IS model is to be sourced in Japan. It will come with the D-CAT system.
