What Car? Car of the Year 2005 - Family car

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D T2 5dr
List Price £15,345
Target Price £14,135

Once more the Toyota Avensis is the best family car. This time, however, it’s the 2.0-litre turbodiesel version which takes the spoils as our Family Car of the Year.

It might only develop 114bhp, but there’s enough pulling power to provide willing performance. The D-4D’s engine is civilised, too, blending into the background on motorways and remaining hushed in the city. All the while, you’ll be averaging 48.7mpg, while low emissions mean company drivers pay tax on just 17% of the car’s list price.

Firm suspension may allow a few too many road imperfections into the cabin, but it endows the car with genuine agility. Its turn-in is quick and precise, and grip tenacious.

T2 trim is at the bottom of the range, but brings plenty of equipment. All the materials used inside are superb and it’s screwed together brilliantly. Driver, passenger and side airbags are all fitted as standard, as are curtain airbags and an airbag to protect the driver’s knees in an accident. These all helped the Avensis achieve a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

The diesel Avensis really is cheap to run, good to drive, well equipped and spacious. Safety and class only serve to enhance its advantage further.

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