11/07/08

• Price19,045
• We like...Well made, well equipped
• We don't...Cabin looks glum

This mayn't be the most thrilling car. But if you need a big hatchback, it's among the best The Avensis is a car we barely remember driving. But, hey, that’s no bad thing: it means that it just gets on with the job of being a car. And it ds that pretty darned well.

There’s no one thing that strikes you. But as more miles pass, you catch on that this is a heck of a well-engineered car. The 2.2 D4D motor is a gem: powerful, smooth and quick to pick-up. It mayn’t be the quietest but it chuckles away nicely, only making a racket when you ask it to give all. It’s quick for a diesel and easy-going, pulling hard from low revs. And it’s also very economical, returning a best overall average of 47.9mpg – not bad for a big, family-size hatchback.
The Avensis drives neatly, too. In the metal it looks big and heavy, and that’s underscored by its high-set dash. But once on the move it ‘shrinks’ around you so that you feel confident driving it quickly, thanks to its responsive steering and a good view out, front and rear.

Despite this it is vast inside, its back seats delivering ample lounging space for three. The chairs front and back are firm but support you well to stay comfortable on a long trip. The dash and cabin look dull and the plastics used are nothing special to look at or to touch. Yet the storage spaces are handy and generous, while the dials and switches are clear and easy to get on with.

Out back, there’s an enormous boot, long and fairly deep, with space for four standard-size suitcases. And it’s simple to drop the rear seat backs, which double-fold flat to free a van-like space.

Our TR model is newish to the range and it’s a goodie: the touch-screen sat-nav, for instance, is standard as are the alloy wheels and auto-on lights and wipers, and auto air conditioning. Not bad for one trim level up from the cheapest.

Safety-wise it’s bang-on, too, with a five-star occupant protection rating that reflects it rating among the most crash-worthy cars that Euro NCAP has tested. There are nine airbags aboard, including one for the driver's knees.

Should you buy one? This Avensis is no steal at £19,045 but then it’s priced within a few quid of rivals such as Ford’s Mondeo and the Peugeot 407. But it should lose its value a little more slowly than either of these, while neither boasts a sat-nav within the price.

It won’t thrill you. But for a car that makes no fuss but ds what it ds well – you’ll struggle to do better.

• Engines2.2 D4D
• Power150bhp
• 0-60 mph9.2sec
• Economy47.9mpg
• CO2g/km156
• Insurance groups10
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags9
• Seats5

Motors.co.uk value verdict: