Toyota Avensis Saloon (09 on) - Review

The Avensis has a top quality interior for the money and occupants feel isolated from the outside. Wind noise and tyre noise are unobtrusive, while both petrol and diesel engines are barely audible. Air conditioning is standard across the range (as you'd expect in this type of car) while all but the entry grade T2 come with cruise control. The interior is roomy enough for five adults, although anyone about six feet tall or over might find the headroom only adequate in the rear.

While not as useful for carrying as the estate version, the Avensis saloon has a large boot and one-touch folding rear seats. With 509 litres of boot space it can carry more than alternatives such as the Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord. However, rear parking sensors are only standard on the top-of-the-range T Spirit models, which might make tight parking manoeuvres a bit more time consuming for some.

The Avensis has a neatly designed, if rather sober interior, with the audio and ventilation controls clearly laid out and easy to use. Cars equipped with satellite navigation have a combination of large buttons either side of the display with further touch-screen functions, leaving the dashboard uncluttered. Two-tone colours are used with lighter tones on the lower parts of the doors and dashboard, helping lend the interior an upmarket feel. The driver has a good range of adjustment to achieve the best driving position and high-spec models have electrically adjustable seats and steering column.