Toyota Avensis Road Test

Toyota Avensis

The Toyota Avensis likes motorway cruising and can do it all day long with ease, smoothness and a minimum of noise. On lesser roads the ride is quite firm but not to the point of being uncomfortable. However, although there is no discernable body roll, on fast bends, the Toyota Avensis seems to lack a certain tautness and dynamism.

The second generation Toyota Avensis set the segment, high point for adult occupant protection in the EuroNCAP safety tests and was also the first in its class to have a driver's knee airbag as standard. The tests are about to become more rigorous but Toyota expects the new Avensis to achieve the same, 5-star status. To this end, all of the cars in the range are fitted with ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Steering Assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) and Traction Control. A Pre-Crash Safety System with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning is soon to be available as an option on the T-Spirit D-CAT 150.

That aside, every Toyota Avensis has seven airbags, including the driver's knee protection and curtain airbags front and rear. Active front head restraints are also standard across the range and in the event of an impact the brake and clutch pedals are designed to retract.

With prices ranging from £16,560 to £25,605 and a good choice of engines and transmissions, the new Toyota Avensis is likely to appeal to private purchasers and fleet buyers alike. There is plenty of room, for load-lugging or people and the nice smooth drive will make life easier for long distance drivers.

Toyota Avensis