Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 42.8
CO2: 153
0-62 Mph: 10.4 secs
BHP: 145 BHP
Range: 565 miles
PROS: The Avensis T4 1.8 V-matic is very well equipped, refined, comfortable and very easy to drive.
CONS: The 1.8-litre engine is a bit gutless and the Avensis is no fun to drive. The diesels in the range are better.
The Avensis is fitted with a 1.8-litre petrol engine which produces 145bhp at 6400rpm and 133lb-ft of torque at 4000rpm which translates into a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 124mph. The Avensis is a heavy car and the engine is a little out of its depth. It's not slow but it needs to be worked hard and the diesel models, with bags of low-down torque, are a much safer bet.
The Avensis rides well but is let down in the handling stakes. The whole car rolls about through the bends and the steering offers very little in the way of driver feedback. The cabin, however, is quiet, making the Avensis a capable long-distance cruiser.
It's going to be fairly easy to lose the Avensis in a multi-storey car park. It's not ugly, just unbelievably bland both inside and out. However, the interior is at least livened up by part leather seats.
Power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, CD and MP3 connectivity and sat nav are all fitted as standard. Rear parking sensors can be added for an additional £409 whilst a metallic paint finish can be given to the exterior for £450.
Toyota have a superb repuation for reliability and supply the Avensis with a superb five year/100,000 mile warranty.
Although not as spacious as a Mondeo, there is plenty of room in both the front and back seats. The boot is also very big, offering 509-litres of space with the rear seats up.
The Avensis scored the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests thanks to front, side and curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag.
The Toyota Avensis T4 1.8 V-matic M-driveS is priced at £23,630 which is more than reasonable for a large family car with this level of standard equipment.
Running costs will also be fairly low thanks to CO2 emissions of 157g/km which put the Avensis under VED band G. You should also return 41.5mpg (combined), which is reasonable.
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