Toyota Avensis Saloon (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 20 January 2009

Last Updated: 21 February 2011

Toyota's Avensis has struggled to stand out in a highly competitive market of large family cars. As people downsize into smaller cars, models such as the Avensis, along with favourites like the Ford Mondeo, have been forced to move upmarket. As a result they're better value alternatives to premium-badge cars like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. For the 2009 model, Toyota has dropped the hatchback version of the Avensis, perhaps in line with this loftier image (Volkswagen doesn't offer a Passat hatchback, nor Honda an Accord hatch). The Avensis looks rather more elegant than its predecessors and the interior quality is as good as any other in this class. Other notable highlights include impressively low carbon dioxide emissions from the 2.0-litre diesel and excellent overall refinement. There are few thrills to be had though.

4 out of 5

Other Toyota reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The Avensis was one of the first models to undergo Euro NCAPs more stringent crash tests in 2009. The new overall rating covers not only adult occupant safety but includes child and pedestrian safety along with a rear impact whiplash test. It scored the maximum five stars even though Toyota has cut back on the number of airbags as standard compared with the previous Avensis. This third-generation model comes with seven (instead of nine) including a driver's knee airbag. However, electronic stability control is fitted across the range and front seat head restraints move forward in a rear impact to help reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. From Spring 2009 the 2.2 D-CAT 150 T Spirit automatic comes with a collision mitigation braking system that begins to apply the brakes should sensors predict a crash is likely.