Toyota Avensis Saloon 2.2 D-4D 150 T Spirit 4dr Review

For T Spirit is the most lavish trim you can buy, and it comes with leather upholstery, cruise control, alloy wheels and adual-zone climate control.

Against This engine isn't actually much quicker in everyday driving than the 2.0-litre diesel, which is also more frugal and cheaper to buy.

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

We're not entirely convinced that the Nav version of T Spirit trim is worth the extra over the standard model. And, it's the same story comparing the 2.2-litre engine to the 2.0-litre. Overall, then, it's hard to recommend this model.

What Car? readers say

4

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.9 secs
Top speed: 130 mph
Average mpg: 51.4
Tank range: 678 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.