Toyota Avensis (2009-) Review

On the road

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Toyota needed the new Avensis to drive far better than the old dynamically forgettable version and that's why it's on a totally new platform.

The new car is only 50mm longer than the old car and the front axle has been moved further forward to improve balance. Both front and rear tracks are wider and that should improve the car's handling capabilities.

But is it a Ford Mondeo beater? Not quite. At motorway speeds the Toyota feels stable and comfortable, but in the corners its nowhere near as agile, entertaining or even as capable as the class best.

We tested the car on the Italian roads, and although it felt nicely supple at first, it was easily upset by poor resurfacing and sharp bumps. Maybe it'll be more suited to the UK roads.

There are two excellent engines in the line-up. The 124bhp 2.0-litre diesel is likely to be the biggest seller in the UK. It is noisy when stretched but it can haul the Avensis to 62mph in 9.7 seconds and is capable of incredible economy (see running costs). The new piezo electric common-rail injection unit delivers the torque far lower in the rev range and that means you get a much more relaxed drive and, unlike some of the other economy specials, Toyota hasn't nobbled it with overly long gearing.

Then there's the plucky petrol 1.8-litre unit. This uses new Toyota's 'Valvematic' technology to ensure the best possible fuel mix is available at all times regardless of engine speed. Not only does the new engine produce a healthy 145bhp, it is smooth and flexible with its power delivery.

Our car had the optional £980 Multidrive CVT gearbox. Like all CVTs it can feel a little unnatural holding revs on hard acceleration but this is one of the best, offering a smooth, jerk-free response at low speed.