Insurance Group: 16
MPG: 42.8
CO2: 152
0-62 Mph: 9.4 secs
BHP: 145 BHP
Range: 565 miles
PROS: Upmarket exterior styling and interior, excellent level of refinement, extremely comfortable, low running costs.
CONS: Uninspiring drive, only adequate performance from the 1.8-litre engine.
The interior of the Avensis T2 1.8 V-matic 4dr is neatly designed, if a bit sober. Everything on the dash is well laid out and within easy reach and all the controls and switches have a nice solid feel about them. The range of adjustment on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel means that finding the perfect driving position is an easy task.
An excellent 145bhp 1.8-litre (Valvematic) petrol engine is fitted in this model, capable of a top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. It’s lively and potent and boasts low CO2 emissions of 154g/km as a bonus. Plenty of pulling power (133lb-ft of torque) is available higher up the rev range making light of overtaking on the motorway or open road. The 6-speed manual gearbox fitted works well and has a nice positive feel to it. An auto option is available in the form of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox which has a manual sequential change function.
The Avensis T2 1.8 V-matic 4dr saloon handles well, providing a comfortable and refined ride all round for passengers. While it may not be the most exhilarating drive in terms of driver engagement, it soaks up bumps and uneven road surfaces without fuss and feels surefooted when cornering. It feels most at home eating up long straight stretches of road.
Inside the cabin, occupants are well isolated from any road, wind or engine noise - so it’s a very hushed ride.
The interior of the T2 1.8 V-matic 4dr is top-quality; well designed and finished using upmarket materials, and excellent in terms of the price you’ll pay. The exterior is anything but dramatic, but is has pleasing lines and looks thoroughly modern alongside its rivals.
The T2, which is the entry level model, comes equipped with power steering, central locking, VSC stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser, CD and Bluetooth all as standard. Toyota offers alloy wheels for £613.
It’s not as spacious as the Avensis Tourer (the estate version) but the T2 1.8 V-matic 4dr will still carry five adults in comfort and has an excellent boot offering 509-litres of space, which is more than in the VW Passat or Honda Accord.
EuroNCAP awarded the Avensis the maximum rating of five-stars in its crash-tests. It comes with seven airbags as standard, along with stability control and anti-whiplash head restraints fitted on the front seats, to keep occupants safe.
Anti theft measures include an alarm and engine immobilizer.
The Avensis has enjoyed Toyota’s enviable reputation for reliability for some time. Build quality is excellent throughout with tried and tested mechanicals, and customers have had very few complaints.
Toyota offers a five-year-100,000 mile warranty with the Avensis, which should also give you peace of mind. Regular service intervals are every 10,000 miles.
While the Toyota Avensis T2 1.8 V-matic 4dr may not be your dream car, it’s an excellent real-world choice. With a low price of £18,450 and low running costs too, it’s a car that’s practical, comfortable and easy to own. However, it doesn’t provide the performance or equipment to compete with the premium saloons.
Resale values should be rock solid thanks to Toyota’s reliability and five-year warranty, so you shouldn’t have much trouble selling it on.
Insurance is in group 18 and Road Tax in VED band G which is on a par with others in its class.
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