Toyota Avensis review

The Toyota Avensis is a practical and stylish four-door saloon that is ideal for the driver who needs quality and refinement in an affordable larger car while still achieving superb economy. The Toyota Avensis is a large family car, available in both saloon and estate car body styles. It offers drivers the choice of four engines, including 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels. All models are generously equipped. There are four different trim levels to choose between, including Active, Icon, Icon+ and Excel. Special edition models, including the Edition and Select, are also available. Toyota is proud that the Avensis is built in Britain, and with 17 models in the range, believes that there is an Avensis for you. The diesel models are particularly efficient, with the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel model returning 62.8mpg. DRIVING Buyers of the Toyota Avensis saloon can choose from four economical engines, with one petrol and three diesel versions offered. There is also a wide range of transmissions on offer, including a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and seven-speed stepped CVT. Toyota’s engine technology, called Toyota Optimal Drive, ensures good performance and excellent fuel economy along with low emissions for the environmentally-conscious buyer. The Toyota Avensis saloon rides and handles superbly for a car of its size. The latest version, launched in 2013, features improvements to the suspension and power steering that deliver better ride comfort and handling responses. On the road, the 2.2-litre D-CAT offers the strongest performance, offering 148bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.9 seconds. COMFORT The inside of the Toyota Avensis saloon is quiet and comfortable, a peaceful environment thanks to excellent sound insulation keeping out unwanted engine and road noise. Six trim levels – Edition, Active, Select, Icon, Icon+ and Excel – are all well-equipped, with the latest Toyota Touch & Go multimedia and navigation systems included as standard on Icon, Icon+ and Excel models. Every Toyota Avensis is roomy inside with plenty of head- and legroom and uses high-quality materials that are pleasing to look at and to touch. A boot liner is offered as part of an optional protection pack that also includes rear parking sensors. PRACTICALITY The Toyota Avensis saloon is a large car ideal for family and business use. A large boot opening provides access to 509 litres of boot space, and the rear seat also folds forward to make space for longer items to be transported. The passenger compartment also has extra cubby holes and storage spaces for even more practicality in everyday use. SAFETY Both the Toyota Avensis saloon and Toyota Avensis Tourer estate scored the maximum five-star rating in the 2009 Euro NCAP safety crash tests, so you can be assured that its strong body and numerous airbags will protect occupants in the event of an accident. To help avoid that happening, the Toyota Avensis is also fitted with safety aids like anti-lock brakes, steering assist stability control, traction control and brake assist as standard. As an option on Excel models, a Pre-Crash Safety System uses radar and cameras to monitor the road for potential collisions and activate avoidance systems. All Toyota Avensis models have follow-me-home headlights that stay illuminated for 30 seconds to light your path home, keeping you safe even after you have left the vehicle. RUNNING COSTS* With its sleek, aerodynamic design and efficient petrol and diesel engines, running costs for the Toyota Avensis saloon are kept to a minimum. The low-emission engines mean that road tax rates start from £0 per year for the most popular 2.0 D-4D diesel, and at most will cost £285 each year (2.2 D-CAT 150 diesel). Impressive fuel economy ranges from 43.5mpg (1.8 Valvematic petrol) to 62.8mpg (2.0 D-4D diesel) on the combined cycle, and as it only needs a service every 10,000 miles or once a year, the Toyota Avensis saloon is affordable to maintain. QUALITY The Toyota Avensis is built in Derbyshire at the same state-of-the-art factory that makes the Toyota Auris and Toyota Auris Touring Sports. A comprehensive five-year/100,000 mile mechanical warranty reflects Toyota’s renowned build quality and reliability. The Toyota Avensis also has three years’ cover against rust and paint defects and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty for complete peace of mind. PRICES* The Toyota Avensis saloon is available in 17 different trim and engine combinations, with prices starting from £17,495. The 1.8 Valvematic petrol engine is available in all trim levels from Edition to Icon+, ranging from £17,495 to £23,250 for the six-speed manual models, or an extra £1050 for the optional Multidrive S automatic transmission. Toyota’s most popular 2.0 D-4D diesel engine is available in all six trim grades, costing between £18,495 and £26,145. The larger 2.2 diesel engines are available in Icon, Icon+ and Excel models, priced from £23,450 to £27,150 with a six-speed manual gearbox or between £24,550 and £28,255 for the six-speed automatic model. *Prices correct at time of publication CALL US TODAY TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE