Toyota Avensis Tourer (09 on) - Review

The Avensis provides a top quality interior for the money and occupants feel isolated from the outside world. Wind noise and tyre noise are unobtrusive, and both petrol and diesel engines are barely audible. Air conditioning is standard across the range (which you'd expect on this type of car), while all models, with the exception of the entry grade T2, come with cruise control. The interior is roomy enough for five adults to travel in comfort.

The Tourer might not have the largest boot in the estate class, but it's certainly big enough to cope with huge amounts of cargo. Fold down the rear seats and there's a maximum of 1,609 litres of luggage room available. That's some way short of the load space in the cavernous Ford Mondeo estate but not far off the Volkswagen Passat. The tailgate has near vertical sides and with cargo rails in the floor to help secure items (fitted to all but T2 models), the Avensis is a highly competent load lugger.

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 sat nav have a combination of large buttons either side of the display along 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.