Toyota Avensis Tourer estate

Drive

The Toyota Avensis' petrol engine range offers a choice between 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre four cylinder engines. To be honest, they all feel very similar. The performance margin between them only stretches from 130bhp in the 1.6-litre to 155bhp in the 2.0-litre. Our pick of the bunch is the 1.8-litre, which allows for a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds. The diesel engines are a better fit for the estate, and there are two options to choose from, an entry-level diesel 2.0-litre with 124bhp, and a 2.2-litre version is also available with 148bhp and the option of an automatic gearbox. The quicker engines may offer impressive straight-line speed, but the Avensis could never be considered a fun car to drive. While the steering is responsive, most of the major controls, including the brake pedal and the steering wheel itself tend to isolate the driver from the road.

Comfort

For some drivers though, that isolation will be ideal. The Avensis has long been a hit for company car drivers, and that's thanks to the quiet, comfortable and easy drive that this car offers on longer journeys. All the engines are smooth, and highly refined when cruising, but the diesels tend to become quite vocal when pushed hard, but this shouldn't be a problem for most customers. The soft ride and hushed cabin really are the Toyota's strong suit.

Reliability

In its current form, the Toyota Avensis has been around since 2009 and so far there have been no issues with breakdowns. It also works well in this model's favour that Toyota has an excellent track record and now offers a five-year warranty as standard on all of its models. Safety is excellent too, with the Avensis receiving a five-star rating from EuroNCAP as well as a 90% rating for adult occupant protection -partly thanks to the inclusion of ESP and extra knee protecting airbags.

Practicality

In comparison to other cars in this class the Avensis boasts a pretty spacious load area. In the boot there is 543 litres of boot space and dedicated one touch controls in the boot allow the rear seats to fold down for a maximum of 1609 litres. The cabin is large enough to comfortably seat four tall adults as well. It's not a class leader, though: the new Volkswagen Passat estate has 603 and 1,731 litres respectively.

Value for money

Toyota Avensis models start in the most basic trim level – T2 costing £18,550. Included here are basics like air-conditioning, alloy wheels and electric windows. As you move up a grade to TR, extras include cruise control, Bluetooth and a sat-nav system. Above that are T4 and T Spirit specifications, but TR is arguably the best value for money - with the estate commanding a £1,000 premium over the saloon.

Running costs

The 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines offer similar combined fuel economy at 42.8mpg and 42.2mpg respectively. CO2 emissions are close, too, standing at 153g/km and 155g/km. This puts them in road tax band G, which costs £155 a year. Cheaper to run are the diesels, with the 2.0-litre unit claiming 62mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km – that means road tax is free for a year. The range-topping 2.2-litre diesel claims 50.4mpg and 150g/km of CO2.