It looks a bit like a Lexus, but is the new Toyota Avensis good enough to be the best in class?
'Dull' was the best word to describe the exterior of the old Avensis. Inside the car was well built but lacking in highlights. The Avensis sold in spades in Ireland and was loved by owners for its reliability and residual used value but we critics certainly never hailed it as a motoring pinup. The latest car is a massive improvement.
Watch the video review of the Toyota Avensis.
Up against good lookers like the Opel Insignia, Ford Mondeo and Citroen C5 to name just three, the five-seat Toyota has thankfully upped its game. The cabin is larger and the exterior dimensions tweaked to free up more space. In terms of shape, Honda's Accord and, of course, the Lexus IS seem most like siblings separated at birth from the big selling Toyota.
Inside there is just a hint of 'occasion' behind the wheel but the interior could offer more. The dash and general layout is functional, and the quality of materials used and overall fit and finish can't be faulted, but Toyota has stopped short of making the driver's environment a special place to be. The Avensis lacks a certain flair inside to lay claim to the crown in this most competitive of sectors.
The car is even better built than before, but for me the biggest change is to the car's dynamics. The front wheel drive's steering, which was overly assisted and devoid of 'feel', is now weighty and confidence inspiring.
On the open road the Avensis now has a solid, almost Germanic feel. I was not alone in criticising the outgoing car's 'lightness' and, thankfully, with the car's suspension and steering revisions, it is something I will no longer be doing.
The Avensis is stuffed with safety features like front, side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, plus Toyota expects a high score at Euro NCAP. Parents of babies will be glad to know you can now turn off the passenger airbag when fitting a rearward facing baby seat.
Petrol engines feature new 'Valvematic' technology that increases power by up to 20% while reducing CO2 by up to 15%. Petrol engines start with a 1.6 litre (130bhp) entry-level unit, a 1.8 and 2 litre. Diesels start with a 2 litre (125bhp), 2.2 D-4D (150bhp), 2.2 D-4D with 150bhp and a very green 2.2 D-CAT version, which reduces the amount of NOx and particulate emissions.
Specification grades start with Terra and rise through Aura, Strata and Luna, with Sol topping off the list with all the toys. Gearboxes come with six-speeds, with manual, automatic and 'multidrive' (optional). There are two body styles, namely a saloon and a tourer. Prices range from €25,565 to €44,850. On Toyota Ireland's website the handy JATO 'car comparison' did show the Avensis in a good light next to its rivals on price and performance, although at the time of writing there was no option to select a Mondeo 1.6 litre to compare.
I was going to say that as a proposition the latest Avensis is as good as money in the bank! But let's just say it will continue the Toyota legend in this country where the Japanese brand is frequently ranked Number 1.
The Avensis is a solid buy and will no doubt repay your investment.
Michael Sheridan
