Multidrive S Engine & Transmision

[Jonathanwri73]

Hi,

I'm seriously considering getting an Avensis TR model as a change from my Nissan 1.5dci Qashqai.

I took out a 2 litre diesel manual on Saturday which was a nice/good car, but have been considering an auto as just getting fed up of gear change especially in traffic. The dealer suggested I take out a Multidrive S as for my mileage (approx 12,000 per year which is around 50/50 mix of town & m/way traffic) instead especially as when compared with an auto-diesel there may not actually be much in it.

Looking on paper obviously not as a good as manual diesels but close enough to the diesel auto to consider, am just waiting to confirm when I can take one out for a test drive.

But I am aware the Multidrive S is based on some form of CVT as it's been out a while now, wondered if there are any issues/gotchas around reliability?

I'm looking to keep for 3 yrs before deciding whether to keep or change again for a newer model.

/Jonathan

[duncerduncs]

But I am aware the Multidrive S is based on some form of CVT as it's been out a while now, wondered if there are any issues/gotchas around reliability?

I used to own a RAV 4 with the Multidrive S and I've driven the Yaris, Verso S, Verso and Avensis with the gearbox. I think the transmission is really smooth and you can avoid the engine note 'racing' on acceleration (a probelm with all CVT gearboxes) by just coming off the throttle peddle slightly. The Sport button is good fun too!

There was one owner on the RAV 4 section who had problems with their gearbox (you could do a search for it on the forum), but that was all sorted under warranty.

[Jonathanwri73]

Thanks for the feedback.

One other question what sort of mpg do you get out of the multidrive s?

My driving style tends to be very much town and when on m/way and dual carriage ways tend to stick to around 60mph to keep economy up (plus I had 9 points on license for speeding until earlier this year). So in the Qashqai I currently get around 50mpg as a combined.

/Jonathan

[Whitewagon]

I have had a 2010 Avensis Estate with the CVT box for about 2 months now and find it a very nice drive at least equal to the 2.4 Honda Accord auto I swapped it for. The CVT box is as smooth as the conventional auto and I soon got used to how to best drive it.

I use a tankful of fuel about every two weeks on mainly semi rural motoring with a little town work and a 90 mile round trip on the motorway. I am getting 37 mpg whic is tested brim to brim which has confirmed the accuracy of the on board computer. Though not a boy racer I don't hang about and usually cruise at 78-80 on the motorway. For a car of its size I am happy with the consumption.

My only gripe is the electronic parking brake. I have always used the hand brake when waiting at traffic lights etc but the button for this one is in the wrong place and even if you do use it it's just not easy to reach. The manual box has an auto release but this not fitted to the CVT.

Overall it's a quiet comfortable ride complete with all the toys the average motorist needs. I tested the qashqai before the Avensis and found the Avensis much better all round.

[Jonathanwri73]

Thanks for your posts, very useful to know. Am looking forward to taking an Avensis multidrive s out for test drive now.

[MacPlumb]

I have a 2010 1.8 CVT Avensis Tourer, my driving style sounds similar to yours. I am getting about 38 mpg brim to brim with a best of just over 40mpg. More info on Fuelly http://www.fuelly.com/driver/macplumb/avensis-2

[Jonathanwri73]

Well, I took out an Avensis 2012 TR Multidrive S tourer today, I took a drive for 25 miles around Herts in a mix of town and dual carriage way giving me the same mix of drive that I typically do and at the end of the run, the mpg on the dash was reading 50.1mpg.

So whilst it's not a full tank, not a good test was impressed. Also noticed how quite it was compared to my diesel QQ, was very nice and quiet. Now just considering the costs but if that is an indicator of what I can get on my driving will be quite happy.

[Whitewagon]

Glad you liked it. Not sure you should expect to get what the Computer says, the official combined consumption is only 42 mpg see here for real MPG's

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/RealMpg/Results?manufacturer=toyota

Still a good figure for a car of its size though.