Toyota Venza - Toned down R-Class

Admittedly, the R-Class hasn't been the biggest box office hit. It may well be that this crossover space concept may go down well in the USA. But here in the more staid continent of Europe, boldness of that magnitude unfortunately gets penalised with poor sales figures and treated with general disdain. Pity really.

The R-Class makes crafty use of the available space and is a more than decent cruiser. Plus the driver has an excellent vantage point, just like in an SUV. So essentially, all the ingredients for success. And yet, something went wrong. Probably the design of the front which takes some getting used to or the hefty €43,000 price tag.

Yet Toyota too believe in the ultimate success of this crossover concept and, in the Venza, have come up with something very similar. But it's only for the American market. Apparently, the flop experienced by Mercedes served a warning to the Japanese against a European launch. Dodge have tried their luck here with the Journey. But Toyota would need to rethink their powerplant strategy first.

With a petrol engine of 185 to 272 bhp, the Venza wouldn't get many takers here. Though the prices they've set for the US would certainly be attractive. Converted from dollars, you could have a Venza in your garage for around €25,000. Not a bad deal for this 4.8m long vehicle. And with these dimensions, the Venza is an impressive sight to behold. The rear lights resemble those on the new Megane.

The front gleams with American-style chrome but would not look out of place here in Europe. My one wish: a nice diesel engine please - 130bhp would be quite sufficient, thank you.