Odd-looking Avensis worth a look

Oct 7 2008 Peter Hayward

FOR many drivers, the look of a car is as important as any of its other attributes.

But that can put us off one which is very good to drive and this is a real pity because we are the ones who lose out.

Toyota's most recent Avensis, with its rather bland nose and rounded rear corners, looks a little odd.

But it's a cracking car to drive, with the kind of reliability some makers can only dream of.

Even the 1.8 petrol engine is a gem and good enough for the weight of the hatchback.

It has a very good 127bhp, and the 2.0-litre which is next up the line has 145bhp and is just as smooth and sounds just as good.

There is also a 2.4 with 158bhp and two very good turbo diesels with 114 and 136bhp.

All have marvellous handling with beautifully informative power steering. The road holding is also excellent and the ride comfortable.

Interior

There is plenty of space for a family of five and a good size boot with a split folding rear seat in both the hatch and the estate.

The driving position is comfortable for all shapes, the quality top notch and the controls all very easy. It holds value better than most in the class.

FAST FACTS

Toyota Avensis 1.8 hatchback

Price : Pay around £5,460 for an '03 03-reg T2, £7,300 for an '04 54-reg T3-X, or £9,500 for an '06 06-reg T4.

Mechanical : 127bhp, 1,794cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 124mph

0-62mph : 9.7 secs

Combined mpg : 36

Insurance group : 7

Marks : 9/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra