Toyota Avensis Saloon
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Review of the Toyota Avensis Saloon
The new Toyota Avensis Saloon is one of the best affordable Saloon’s out there. It’s relaxing, dependable, and covers long distances with ease. It might not have the out-and-out allure of some of its rivals, but it’s the sensible choice.
Indeed, in many ways, it’s a traditional car that has so far struggled to convince buyers who are enticed by slicker, more distinctive rivals. However, if you’re looking for a vehicle that won’t let you down, and which is robust and safe, it’s well worth a test drive.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our 2017 Toyota Avensis Saloon review. JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGZGdLZEIxUHRyQjglMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmF1dG9wbGF5JTNCJTIwZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhJTIyJTIwYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNFJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF
On The Road
One of the things the Avensis isn’t is entertaining. It wasn’t designed to compete with rivals that are fun to drive. Instead, Toyota has kept the focus firmly on making it as relaxing as possible. The soft suspension cushions you from broken roads, while the light steering ensures that it’s hassle-free to drive.
This will be music to the ears of a certain type of buyer, while others will yearn for a bit more excitement. Body lean is also a bit of an issue in bends, but all engines are relatively performative and can haul the Avensis from a rest to 62mph in under 12.0 seconds. That’s perfectly fine for when you’re out and about in the town, and the car stands up well on the motorway, too. [vc_single_image image=”65170″ img_size=”full”]There is the option of an automatic transmission, but it’s dated and isn’t as slick as the manual gearbox.
In terms of the engines, the 1.6-litre diesel can’t be specified with the automatic anyway. It has enough oomph to get you from a standstill to 62mph in 11.4 seconds, and it’s an engine that should suffice for the more undemanding buyer.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine is much faster, however, and when paired up with the manual ‘box can get you from 0-62 in just 9.5 seconds. That said, it will cost more to buy, and it’s more expensive to run.
Rounding off the range is a 1.8-litre petrol engine, the only power plant that can be specified with the automatic ‘box. It barely makes an impact on fuel economy, but otherwise, we find it hard to recommend. It holds its engine revs longer than it really should, and lacks feel.
The engine delivers 145bhp, which is enough to haul you from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds if you stick to the manual gearbox, and 10.4 seconds if you switch to the automatic. It’s a sound choice that doesn’t make much noise. 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
Toyota Avensis Saloon Interior, Design & Build
Inside, the Avensis is both comfortable and quiet. Both the back and front seats are easy to get comfy in, while the suspension guarantees good ride quality. We’re not saying that the Avensis is akin to gliding along the road on a magic carpet – but hey, it isn’t all that far off.
There are no design flourishes to get excited by in the cabin, with Toyota opting for a much more traditional design instead. The dashboard is simply done, with all the buttons and dials well-positioned and easy to use. It’s not exciting, but it’s easy to live with.[vc_single_image image=”65171″ img_size=”full”]However, there is evidence of cheaper plastics here and there, which does let things down a little. The steering wheel is coated in leather, which is a nice touch at least.
In terms of how practical the car is, large windows and a big boot could seal the deal for families who need a versatile interior. It’s one of the longest cars in this market, and while that can make it hard to park at times, it means there is enough leg and headroom for longer trips.
Storage areas include a hefty glovebox and various cubbies here and there, but the slender cup holders disappoint. The boot measures an impressive 509-litres. A saloon boot lid makes lifting heavier items tricky, such as furniture, but for your shopping and suitcases, it’ll be just fine. It also extends to 1,320-litres when you fold the rear seats.
Equipment & Safety Of The Toyota Avensis Saloon
Toyota like to offer cars that are value for money, and the Avensis saloon is another one. Standard kit is good, though the entry level model feels a little too basic. It gets electric windows, cruise control, alloys and air conditioning, but not a lot else.
The Business Edition is popular with buyers, and it comes with part-leather seats, a rear view camera, a digital radio, 17” alloys touchscreen sat-nav and the brands Touch 2 infotainment system. The Business Edition Plus model adds keyless entry, privacy glass and LED headlights.
Rounding the range off is the Excel model, which gets 3D mapping with its sat-nav, power-adjustable heated leather seats, adaptive headlights and 18” alloys.
Is the Toyota Avensis Saloon safe? It was awarded all five stars when Euro NCAP crash tested it, while standard safety kit on all models includes tyre pressure sensors, electronic stability control, hill-start assistance and autonomous emergency braking. Rear and front parking sensors are optional.
Costs Of The Toyota Avensis Saloon
Prices for the new car start out from £18,905 and rise to £27,495. If you prefer to lease, you can pick up a deal from £202 + VAT per month. For more information on our leasing deals, check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, the Avensis’ cheapest engine to run is the 1.6-litre diesel that returns 67.3mpg and emits 108g/km of CO2. The bigger 2.0-litre diesel is also affordable to run, and can return 62.8mpg while emitting 119g/km. If you opt for the larger 18” alloys, you will emit more CO2.
When paired up with the manual transmission, 1.8-litre petrol engine is good for 47.1mpg. Pair it with the automatic, and it returns 47.9mpg at best. Both models emit 138g/km of CO2, but all Avensis Saloons cost £140 a year to tax.
Pros and Cons Of The Toyota Avensis Saloon
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Pros:
Spacious
Space is one of the things buyers look for in this market, and the Avensis is one of the longest and thus roomiest cars available.
Offers Lots Of Value
Low running costs, an affordable price tag and exceptional reliability records add up to a superb value for money proposition.
Refined
Insulation is excellent, and all engines are hushed. [vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]
Cons:
Dull Looks
It’s far from aesthetically pleasing, and this could be a sticking point for some buyers.
Dreary Drive
Dull looks and a dull drive will make it a forgettable experience for some.
Toyota Avensis Saloon vs Ford Mondeo Saloon vs Skoda Superb Saloon
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2017 Toyota Avensis Saloon review.
Toyota Avensis Saloon vs Ford Mondeo Saloon
The new Ford Mondeo Saloon is an entirely different proposition to its predecessor. It’s now much more commanding, has serious road presence – but isn’t as fun to drive.
Indeed, in what for some will be an inexplicable move, the new Mondeo is more of a comfortable and quiet cruiser. It’s like the Mondeo, but its dancing shoes have been replaced with slippers. [vc_single_image image=”65172″ img_size=”full”]Some will argue this means the car is just more grown up, and that’s kinda true. But did it need to grow up so much?
Either way, the steering now has less feel, although it is lighter and quicker. The suspension is able to deal with poorer road surfaces better than ever, but body lean is excessive in corners.
In terms of the engines, the smallest petrol engine – a 1.0-litre unit – is well worth overlooking. It’s unusual for a company to offer such a small engine with such a large car, and while it’s willing and keen, it just doesn’t have enough power to cope with a full load.
Both the other EcoBoost petrol engines are better choices. They are sized 1.5 and 2.0-litres respectfully, though the former is our top pick.
A 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops 178bhp is less appealing. It does 0-62 in 8.3 seconds but doesn’t quite feel as fast as those numbers suggest. A 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel that develops 207bhp, on the other hand, is smooth, fast (0-62 is done in 7.9 seconds), and economical – it returns 59mpg.
That said, the 2.0-litre diesel returns over 64mpg in both variants (148 and 178bhp), while the small 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is good for 55.4mpg. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost, meanwhile, returns 48.7mpg.
Inside, the new Ford Mondeo Saloon looks better than ever. It’s well-built, comfortable and can hold its own when judged against the Toyota, as well as more upmarket German rivals. It’s a Ford alright, but one with more luxury than buyers are used to. Laser-cut quilted leather seats are just the tipping point, with other fine touches including handcrafted details and a soft-touch instrument panel.
But is the new Ford Mondeo Saloon practical? It is. It’s bigger than before, which means more interior space. This is good news for taller passengers, and leg and headroom is good for all. The wide opening doors make access easy, and there are storage areas everywhere.
The boot, meanwhile, measures 550-litres, which is an improvement on the old model. Fold the rear seats and you can extend it to 1,466-litres.
Price:
Toyota – £18,905 – £27,495
Ford – £19,445 – £31,195
Toyota Avensis Saloon vs Skoda Superb Saloon
The new Skoda Superb Saloon is another commanding-looking large family car that’s spacious, safe and can boast a massive boot.
Like the Toyota and the Ford, the Skoda is more comfortable than entertaining. The ride is quiet and smooth, the top spec models come with grippy four-wheel-drive, while £800 optional adaptive dampers do add a bit of the X-factor to the driving experience.[vc_single_image image=”65173″ img_size=”full”]In terms of the engines, diesel clatter isn’t as much of an issue as it has been in the past. Instead, where the diesels struggle is with out-and-out power. The 2.0-litre 148bhp is your best bet if you want a diesel, while the 1.6-litre 118bhp GreenLine engine would benefit from more oomph. After all, this is a big car.
However, buyers will be attracted by its fuel economy returns of 76.4mpg.
We like the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine that develops 148bhp. It’s got bags of power and is relatively economical, thanks to the addition of cylinder-activation technology. It can return 52.3mpg at best.
If you want as much speed as possible, the 2.0-litre 276bhp petrol engine can rocket you from a standstill to 62mph in a matter of 5.8 seconds. It won’t be cheap to run, but a jet-heeled 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel variant is able to return an astonishing 68.9mpg economy.
Inside, the Skoda Superb Saloon can boast a tasteful cabin that’s well built and nicely appointed. The design isn’t radical, but it’s modern, crisp and a pleasant and comfortable place to be.
We’d even go as far as saying that it’s Skoda’s best ever interior.
All the buttons are easy to find, the quality of the materials is right up there, and everything feels built to last.
Is it practical, though? It sure is. There is just oodles of space, with the three back seat passengers getting treated just as well as those upfront. That said, the driver benefits from an adjustable steering wheel and a height adjustable seat.
Where interior space and comfort is concerned, this is like a limo.
Then there is the small matter of the 625-litre boot. It’s not only 30-litres bigger than last time, it’s also way over a hundred litres bigger than the Toyota’s. Fold the rear seats and you can increase it to 1,760-litres.
Price:
Skoda – £20,080 – £36,445
Verdict Of Our 2017 Toyota Avensis Saloon
The Avensis is far from the most popular car in this class, and the reason for that is down to its lack of style and excitement. It has to be, because everything else about the car is exactly what families want from a Saloon like this. It’s comfortable, refined, spacious, reliable and easy to live with. If you can get over its dull personality, the new Toyota Avensis Saloon is a solid choice. 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