Toyota Avensis Tourer (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 20 January 2009

Last Updated: 21 February 2011

The Tourer is expected to be the more popular model in the line-up of the third-generation Avensis. There's no hatchback so anyone needing the versatility of a rear hatch will need to opt for the estate. It has all the appearance of a top quality product both inside and out, and ticks all the right boxes for anyone who chooses their cars rationally over emotionally. There's little here for people who enjoy driving their cars on twisty roads, but the Avensis Tourer is supremely comfortable, spacious and refined - which is more than enough to make it an appealing estate car. Toyota's superb reputation for reliability and customer service make it even more convincing when compared to the alternatives.

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. The saloon version 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 as standard (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 can apply the brakes should sensors predict a crash is likely.