Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D

Tweaks to chassis, engine and looks aim to transform saloon

The Toyota Avensis is the forgotten car of the large family car market. It’s dependable but dull, and has failed to make much of an impact on the class leaders.

Toyota hopes to change that, and take the Avensis to the top, with a sharper chassis and efficient new engines. The styling has been tweaked, too, although you’ll need to be alert to spot the visual changes.

Advertisement - Article continues below

At the front it features subtly restyled headlamps, a wider grille and reprofiled bumper, while at the rear are new LED tail-lights. Otherwise, the low-key Avensis looks exactly the same as before.

The car in our pictures is a T4 model, but apart from the smoked chrome alloys it’s visually identical to our TR test car. Either way, the Avensis is a well proportioned and inoffensive design; it just lacks the head-turning appeal of the Kia.

The theme continues inside, where you’ll discover a logically laid-out but blandly styled cabin. Yet look past the uninspiring design, and you’ll discover top-notch quality that even the Kia can’t match.

The soft-touch plastics, slick switchgear plus flawless fit and finish are clearly influenced by Toyota’s luxury Lexus brand. Buyers also benefit from a decent haul of desirable kit, including a reversing camera, dual-zone climate control and sat-nav.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s also no shortage of space, with the wide rear bench accommodating three adults thanks to the neat flat-floor layout. What’s more, there’s plenty of storage due to a deep, lidded cubby between the front seats, a large glovebox and roomy door bins, and the well shaped boot swallows 509 litres of luggage. Unlike the Optima, buyers also have the option of a practical Tourer estate.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While the Toyota narrowly wins the space race, it trails on pace. The refined 2.0-litre diesel has 10bhp less power than the Optima’s engine, at 124bhp, and the tall gear ratios – chosen with efficiency in mind, rather than performance – blunt acceleration.

In the real world the Toyota simply doesn’t feel as eager as its rival, requiring more space to overtake slower traffic. Yet while it’s not as fast, it’s slightly more refined, with similarly low wind noise, less tyre roar than the Optima and a smooth ride. The Avensis is a relaxing and comfortable long-distance cruiser.

Revisions to the steering, dampers and rear suspension have also improved the driving dynamics. There’s still very little feedback and it’s not as poised as the Kia, but the Toyota is composed and inspires confidence in corners.

But it will be the running costs that catch the eye of most buyers. The £21,525 Avensis undercuts its rival by £170 and is a cheaper company car choice due to its low 119g/km CO2 emissions. Our only cause for concern was our 30.5mpg fuel economy; even though this was over a short test route and included our performance testing, it’s a disappointing figure. Will this cost the Toyota dear?

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: The capable but dull Avensis has never had the star quality to shine in this class. A facelift aims to take it to the top.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,463 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,380Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Compare Offers
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Compare Offers
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £37,870Avg. savings £2,955 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics
These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics header

These used cars from 1985 just became tax-free classics

Is it time to get on board with these 40-year-old cars that have just qualified for the historic vehicle road tax exemption?
Features
12 Jan 2025
Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV

UK brand director says buyers will not be left waiting for Bigster deliveries as they have been for Mk3 Duster
News
9 Jan 2025
Car Deal of the Day: simply brilliant new Skoda Elroq SUV for under £300 per month
Skoda Elroq - side static

Car Deal of the Day: simply brilliant new Skoda Elroq SUV for under £300 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 12 January is a great price for Skoda’s supremely comfortable and very spacious new electric SUV
News
12 Jan 2025