Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £16,485 to £27,515
Space, reliability, comfort, strong diesels, low running costs, safety kit, good stereo
Dull image, unimaginative interior, not at all sporty
Not desperately exciting, but very thoroughly thought out and pleasant to drive. A sensible buy.
Toyota's attention to cabin quietness has mostly paid off. The Avensis is impressively quiet at idle and low speeds, but the low levels of extraneous noise throw the 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines, which aren't especially pleasant-sounding, into sharper focus at times. The now-discontinued 2.4 engine and auto box made the best combination for long-distance cruising, but the D-4D diesels are all pretty quiet and smooth as well now.
Most drivers can get comfortable behind the wheel and all will enjoy a high-quality ride; the low-speed ride over broken surfaces has been improved in the 2006 cars, and the Avensis remains smooth in all but the most demanding conditions.
Though not quite as big outside as the Ford Mondeo or VW Passat, the Avensis offers generous interior space front and rear. Footroom for rear seat passengers is particularly good, with space to slide feet under the seat in front. The boot is long and wide, but not especially deep, even in the Tourer estate, though with its seats up, its floor can be folded to secure luggage in position - a neat touch.
Oddments space is excellent, the glovebox and centre console offering plenty of storage. There are four door bins too, though they aren't rattle-proofed with rubber linings.
Equipment levels are high, giving good value for money - even entry-level T2 cars have air conditioning, a CD player and all you really need, and T3, T4, TSpirit and T180 versions get progressively lavish, most having the usual rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps and cruise control expected these days.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Toyota Avensis
wrote on 27 03 2008