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

Other Toyota reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Depreciation is the biggest burden in the Avensis as is the case with most big selling family cars of this ilk. Servicing intervals are good though at 20,000 miles, although it's worth visiting the dealer for an oil change and 'health check' at 10,000-mile intervals in between. Parts are quite cheap and it's relatively affordable in terms of insurance too.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,574 - £2,116 *

Diesel

£1,257 - £1,393 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

20,000 miles (major), 10,000 miles (minor).

Warranty

Mechanical three years, bodywork six years.

Road tax (12 months)

£135.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
    146
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
    227
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Avensis is a fairly environmentally friendly choice for green buyers, with an average of 176g/km CO2 across the range. The greenest model in the line-up is the 2.0 D-4D that emits 146g/km of CO2 and can average 51mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2