Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 42.8
CO2: 152
0-62 Mph: 9.4 secs
BHP: 145 BHP
Range: 565 miles
PROS: The Avensis TR 1.8 V-matic offers good levels of refinement and a decent amount of standard kit. Like all Toyotas, it is built to last.
CONS: It's not particularly fast and it's dull to drive. The diesel models make much more sense.
The Avensis' 1.8-litre diesel engine develops 145bhp and 133lb-ft of torque which translates into a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. This sounds adequate but all of the engine's power and torque is delivered high up in the rev range and the engine is a little gutless at low revs.
Unfortunately the handling of the car is not as good as that of its rivals, with a lot of body roll experienced in corners. The steering lacks feel and this makes the car bland to drive.
The Avensis, like all Toyotas, is dull. The interior is no better but it is at least very well built.
Power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 connectivity and a built-in sat nav are all standard features.
Rear parking sensors can be added for an additional £409 whilst a metallic paint costs £450. A leather interior is not an option on this model.
The Avensis scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and is fitted with a vast array of safety kit including front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver's knee airbag. Active front head restraints and stability control are also fitted as standard.
Toyota build their cars very well so reliability should not be an issue but a five year/100,000 mile warranty is included as standard anyway.
The Avensis isn't quite as spacious as its rivals but is easily big enough for family motoring with a 509-litre boot.
At £20,545 the Toyota Avensis TR 1.8 V-matic offers excellent value for money.
Running costs are fairly reasonable for a car of this class too, with road tax falling under band G thanks to carbon emissions of 154g/km. Insurance premiums are also more than reasonable, falling under group 18 whilst the decent fuel economy of 42.8 mpg means that refuelling shouldn’t be expensive or frequent.
The Avensis should also depreciate very slowly.
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