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

Performance

The Avensis engine line-up is fairly straightforward with the entry-level unit a 1.8-litre VVT-i that has a decent 129bhp on tap. It's fairly smooth and free-revving but the 2.0-litre petrol engine while quicker, doesn't feel a great deal livelier on the road. From 2003 to 2005 the only diesel offered was a 114bhp 2.0 D-4D, which performs adequately but anyone initially choosing diesel couldn't select a higher performance option. In 2005, a 2.2 D-4D was also offered with 136bhp and was more competitive with other cars in its class. From summer 2006 the 2.0-litre diesel was upgraded to 124bhp, the 136bhp 2.2-litre engine continued, but a 175bhp version of the 2.2-litre was also available, called the T180. It doesn't feel as fast as you might expect though - the gearbox seems to be set up for comfortable cruising rather than sprinting. An auto-only 2.4-litre petrol engine was relatively short- lived as although refined it was uneconomical.

3.5 out of 5

Handling

The Avensis handles safely and predictably but it lacks the sparkle of rivals like the Honda Accord. The revisions in 2006 included reworked steering and suspension, plus greater body rigidity and as a result facelifted cars corner and ride better than their predecessors. However it's still not up to the standards of the class best - the steering is overly light and lacks feel and there's precious little in the way of driver involvement. It's better on the motorway where it cruises in a fuss-free manner and the diesels are especially good if you want superb long distance refinement.