Toyota Avensis Saloon 1.8 V-matic TR 4dr Review

For This is a lot of car for the money. TR trim supplies plenty of kit and the clean, frugal petrol engine guarantees low running costs.

Against Performance is only adequate and the engine needs to be worked hard, especially when you’re carrying a full load. The styling is bland, inside and out.

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

This is our favourite petrol model in the Avensis range. It’s well equipped, cheap to own and a fine all-rounder. The performance and styling won’t set the world alight, however.

What Car? readers say

4

Key facts

0–60mph: 9.4 secs
Top speed: 124 mph
Average mpg: 43.5
Tank range: 574 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Toyota Avensis Saloon range

The full Toyota Avensis review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Entry-level engines need to be worked
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Effortless rather than rewarding
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Generally easy on the ear
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Keenly priced; low CO2 emissions
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Should prove totally reliable
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Ticks just about every box
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort and clarity are hard to fault
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
No hatchback, but big and roomy
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Lots on all apart from entry-level car

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Toyota Avensis won’t be your idea of a dream car, but most versions are a great real-world proposition. Choose the right model and you’ll have a car that’s practical, easy to live with, comfortable and cheap to own.

You’re best off sticking with either the 1.8 petrol or the 2.0-litre diesel engines, as the 2.0-litre petrol and 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel aren’t much quicker and cost more to buy and run.

TR trim is the one to go for, because it provides air-conditioning, Bluetooth, daytime running lights, a leather covered steering wheel and a touch-screen multimedia interface, called 'Touch & Go'. It’s pretty simple to use, and gives access to the audio and Bluetooth systems, as well as sat-nav with a Google local search function.

So, unless you simply must have leather trim and electric seats we’d recommend TR over the pricier T4 and T Spirit trims.