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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4 out of 5

Comfort

Thanks to a supple suspension set-up the Avensis is excellent over rough roads and proves very comfortable - it's certainly much happier as a relaxed cruiser rather than being hustled along country roads. Five adults can fit in but the rear space feels gloomy and there's a lack of leg and headroom, especially compared alongside newer rivals. Another black mark is the intrusive wind noise at higher speeds which takes the edge of refinement. However air conditioning is standard across the range along with electric front windows.

4 out of 5

Practicality

The hatchback version of the Avensis actually looks very similar to the saloon - which may explain why it surprisingly offers less bootspace with 510 litres (the saloon has 10 litres more). Of course the big advantage in the hatchback is that it's possible to fold and tumble the seats to give a flat-floored load space totalling 1,320 litres and access is easy thanks to the wide boot opening. Storage up front could be better though with only narrow door bins.

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How does the boot space compare?

Toyota Avensis Hatchback (03-08)
510 litres
500 litres
492 litres
460 litres
3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

While there's no denying the Avensis interior is well built the dash layout is uninspiring and not even the silver effect plastics can lift the atmosphere. The permanently back-lit dials help give the interior an upmarket feel, but the dashboard itself looks dated when compared to more modern and tactile rivals. There's good seat adjustment and both reach and height adjustment for the steering means getting a comfortable driving position in the Avensis is pretty easy to find, although the seating position still feels quite high.