Toyota Avensis Hatchback (03-08) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 13 August 2008
It's easy to overlook the Avensis - especially given it's anonymous styling. Even a mid-life facelift in 2006 did little to boost it's kerbside appeal, however, look past that and you'll find a well built family car that's one of the safest on the market thanks to nine airbags. There's little excitement along the way though and the driving experience reflects the looks - in other words although safe and reassuring there's little to set the pulse racing. The interior is equally as mundane although on the plus side the layout is clear and the controls simple to get on with. But what the Avensis does boast is a superb record for reliability - add in a dealer network with an outstanding reputation for customer service, some great D-4D diesel engines and the Toyota takes on a whole new appeal.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£14,015 - £23,150

Used price range:

£2,170 - £9,873

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Incredible reliability, comfortable ride, excellent diesel engines

Anonymous styling, dull to drive

It's easy to overlook the Avensis - especially given it's anonymous styling. Even a mid-life facelift in 2006 did little to boost it's kerbside appeal, however, look past that and you'll find a well built family car that's one of the safest on the market thanks to nine airbags. There's little excitement along the way though and the driving experience reflects the looks - in other words although safe and reassuring there's little to set the pulse racing. The interior is equally as mundane although on the plus side the layout is clear and the controls simple to get on with. But what the Avensis does boast is a superb record for reliability - add in a dealer network with an outstanding reputation for customer service, some great D-4D diesel engines and the Toyota takes on a whole new appeal.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Avensis engine line-up is fairly straightforward with the entry-level unit a 1.8-litre VVT-i..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Avensis handles safely and predictably but it lacks the sparkle of rivals like the Honda Accord."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "Thanks to a supple suspension set-up the Avensis is excellent over rough roads and proves very..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "The hatchback version of the Avensis actually looks very similar to the saloon - which may explain..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "The Avensis model grades are T2, T3-X, T3-S, T4, T Spirit and T180. All come with air conditioning,..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "While there's no denying the Avensis interior is well built the dash layout is uninspiring and not..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "Depreciation is the biggest burden in the Avensis as is the case with most big selling family cars..."

  • Green credentials

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Avensis is a fairly environmentally friendly choice for green buyers, with an average of 176g/km..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Avensis was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating and was the safest family car on sale for a..."

  • Reliability

    5 out of 5

    "Toyota consistently tops build quality surveys (the company is top for reliability according to..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Avensis is well equipped and competitively priced but it's been on sale for a while now and as a..."

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "The Avensis holds its value better than similar aged volume rivals like the Vauxhall Vectra, so it..."

  • Selling

    4 out of 5

    "There should be few problems selling on an Avensis. As a result of its excellent reputation for..."

Owners' reviews