Impossible mission ? | The Press

The decline of automotive biodiversity is accelerating. Whether small, medium or large, SUVs destroy everything in their path. No category escapes it. Not even sedans. But Toyota resists and rehabilitates the Crown to lead a counter-offensive whose chances of success seem rather slim.

Over the past few months, Toyota Canada has launched several models. All were entitled to a media presentation, except one. The Crown. Didn’t this return to the Canadian catalog (see box) deserve more consideration? One theory among others: Toyota’s Canadian leaders have little expectation of this new model. Possible, insofar as the latter succeeds a vehicle (the Avalon) which, with us, has never managed to find its audience. Uncertain as to how the Crown’s unconventional styling and positioning would be received, Toyota Canada obviously preferred not to make too much noise.

The Crown won’t have it easy, but it’s privileged not to face much opposition either. The so-called “popular” mid-size sedan segment has had its day. The main tenors (mostly American models) have all deserted him.

Variation on the same theme

So why invest in such a dilapidated segment? First, Toyota makes a point of remembering that it is today the only generalist brand to offer such a complete and diversified range. Then, the risk taken by Toyota is not as big as we think.

Beyond its appearance, the Crown has nothing really new to offer. In fact, all the components listed on its technical sheet have been tested on other models of the brand.

Before going further, it seems necessary to dwell a little on the nomenclature of this model. Regardless of the version or the group of options selected, all Crowns raise their hood to self-recharging hybrid engines (read wireless). And all of them also have an all-wheel drive mode. So much for the overview.

Now, let’s go into more detail. The entry-level model, Limited, gets a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Platinum package — it costs $14,400 more — has the exclusivity of a turbocharged 2.4L that mates to a traditional six-speed transmission. Apart from the asking price, this supercharged mechanic also capsizes your stomach for the brilliance of its acceleration and the liveliness of its times. A little more than five seconds are needed to reach the legal speed allowed on the expressways. It’s not strictly speaking a missile, but compared to the 2.4 L, it looks like one. The 2.4 L takes 50% longer to perform the same exercise.

At the wheel, there is no doubt that the Platinum version provides more satisfaction.

Especially since it benefits from fatter stabilizer bars and more efficient tires as well as a more sophisticated and constant-grip all-wheel drive, in addition. This joyous cocktail gives the Crown Platinum a more reassuring touch of the road and body movements that are even better contained than in the Crown Limited.

The latter is not a consolation prize, however. And as long as we ignore the only group of options in its catalog ($5,500 for a few treats), this entry-level Crown is undoubtedly the one with which you should make an appointment. Inevitably less lively and less dynamically sharpened, the Crown Limited nevertheless provides, in the same way as the Platinum, an impressive silence and smooth ride. In some respects, its clumsier demeanor is reminiscent of that of Honda’s defunct Clarity. In addition, the Crown Limited allows for (very) great savings, which are not limited to the purchase price. Aided by its CVT gearbox and its temporary all-wheel drive (this only intervenes in the event of loss of traction), the 2.4 L has a consumption of less than 6 L/100 km. Rather surprising, considering the size and weight of this vehicle. This is on average a saving of 2 L/100 km compared to the 2.4 L of the Platinum version which dries up the small 55 L gas tank more quickly.

We stand out

Rather than repeating the same figures of style over and over again, Toyota has been daring on the drawing board. The Crown takes up a theme formerly experimented with – without success – by AMC (Eagle), Subaru (Outback) and Volvo (S60 Cross Country), namely raising a sedan to give it the look of a 4 x 4. The result is inevitably bizarre, but nevertheless has certain advantages here for consumers who do not wish to have to climb up or down from their seat, but rather wish to slip into it. Quite simply. That said, once on board, the space does not appear as vast as the dimensions would suggest. Due to the arc described by its pavilion, headroom could be limited for tall people. In the front, it’s more open and the seats that welcome you make sure to provide a lot of comfort for long trips. The trunk, not so much! Its volume is barely larger than that of a Civic sedan…

The general presentation – all versions combined – raises very few criticisms. The assembly is meticulous and although disparate in places, the quality of the materials is in the good average, but nothing more.

Toyota won’t sell a ton of Crowns. At most 3,000 units, but its presence could encourage some buyers to reconsider the acquisition of an SUV and, who knows, to re-enchant a category that really needs it.