Toyota Avensis Touring Sport
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The new Toyota Avensis Touring Sport is the Estate variant of the saloon. Built right here in Britain, it’s aimed at both individuals and fleet managers who need a quality, spacious vehicle that also offers respectable running costs.
Like many cars in its class, the Avensis Touring Sport struggles to offer much in the way of on-the-road entertainment. But with lots of comfort, refinement, and practicality, it’s going to tick the right boxes for lots of people, and it also comes complete with Toyota’s reputation for making cars that are dependable. Moreover, Toyota claim improvements have been made in every area.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about, including prices and spec’s, as well as comparisons with its nearest rivals.[vc_single_image image=”32904″ img_size=”article-image” alignment=”center”]
Overview Of The Toyota Avensis Touring Sport
On The Road
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 new Estate is more upmarket than its predecessor, but while Toyota have made attempts to shake off the boring tag this car has been stuck with in the past, it’s still far from being a pleasure machine on the road.
In fact, very little has changed, and once you fire the car up and take it for a ride, you’ll discover that excitement is pretty much non-existent. For driving enthusiasts, it’s going to be a pretty limp affair. With that said, there is lots of comfort and refinement on offer, while the car always feels safe to handle. It lacks engagement through corners, while body roll is minimum. Grip is plentiful, though.
There is actually a decent number of engines available (three), but neither of them stand out. Performing fairly equally, none are what you could call especially performative. The diesel is made up of two engines: A 1.6-litre and a 2.0-litre unit which come fixed with manual transmissions.[vc_single_image image=”32905″ img_size=”article-image” alignment=”right”]The less powerful of the two takes 11.7 seconds to get from rest to 62mph before maxing out at 112mph, while the 2.0-litre box can cover the same sprint in under 10 seconds. It feels spirited, but not lively – but it’s arguably the better option and can develop 141bhp.
Buyers have only one petrol power plant to choose from at present, a 1.8-litre unit that you can pair up with either an automatic or a manual transmission. If you choose to hook it up with the manual stick, you can get from rest to 62mph in less than 10 seconds. Opt for the automatic, and you can expect to add a full-fat second to that time. Top speed for either gearbox is 124mph.
Interior, Design, And Build
[vc_single_image image=”32908″ img_size=”article-image”][vc_column width=”1/3″]As mentioned above, Toyota decided they were going to make this car more appealing in every area than last time around. While its on-the-road prospects are hardly edge-of-your-seat stuff and only marginally improved if truth be told, its exterior has been given a bit of a makeover so that it now looks like a more stylish, almost luxurious Estate. It looks similar to the Auris Touring Sport, thanks to shared LED elements, but comes with its own distinctive front end that is much less derivative than previously.Toyota have struggled to shake off the boring tag indoors. The dash lacks flair and imagination, but it is at least super functional and easy to use. Buttons are spare and well-spaced out, while the materials and plastics are on the whole pleasing to look at and touch. It all feels quite upmarket.[vc_column width=”1/3″]The Avensis Touring Sport is a big car, and four adults should be able to sit comfortably even on longer journeys. There is no transmission tunnel in the back, which means head, leg, shoulder and foot room will be good for three kids. There are storage spaces dotted around here and there, including a massive glovebox, while the 543-litre boot is among the best in class. The boot comes with side pockets and a further storage compartment underneath the floor.
Equipment
[vc_single_image image=”32909″ img_size=”article-image”]There are three trim levels available:
- Active
- Business
- Excel
The Business is probably the best option out of the three; it isn’t too expensive, and it comes with all the standard equipment most buyers need. The Active offers the basics – electric windows and air con – but the Business trim throws in a DAB radio, climate control, sat-nav, and 17” alloys. If you really fancy the Excel model, you’ll get 18” alloys, memory position seats and a panoramic roof.
Costs Of The Toyota Avensis Touring Sport
Fleet managers have been the dominant buyers of this Estate from Toyota in the past, but thanks to a few updates individual buyers will now be more interested. Prices start out from around £19,000 and rise to just over £28,500. If you choose to lease the vehicle, you will have to shell out between £300 – £400 plus VAT depending on trim.
Companies will probably be more interested in the base-level 1.6-litre diesel because it offers the best economy and emissions numbers. Individuals, however, will most likely prefer the pokier and quicker 2.0-litre unit, despite the slightly higher running costs. It’s also better to drive and is good for 141bhp.[vc_single_image image=”32910″ img_size=”article-image”]The 1.6 can return 67.3mpg while emitting 110g/km of CO2, while the bigger unit returns around 64.2mpg and emits 120g/km of CO2.
The petrol, meanwhile, can return 46.3mpg off a sensible drive and emits 143g/km of CO2.
Pros And Cons Of The Toyota Avensis Touring Sport
Pros:
-
Big Boot
Estates live and die by the size of their boot. If an Estate can’t offer at least 500-litres of space, buyers are usually tempted to look elsewhere.
The 543-litre sized boot found here isn’t the biggest in its class – but it isn’t far off. It’s gargantuan and should be enough to satisfy the needs of most families. It also comes complete with a few intelligent touches, too, such as an obscured storage compartment that you’ll find underneath the floor. Here, you’ll be able to confidently tuck your valuables away, while there are also side pockets included for your various bits and bobs.
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It’s Very Comfortable
The Volkswagen Passat Estate is arguably the comfiest car in the class, but the Toyota’s comfort levels are relatively good, too. The German car does comfort better, but the attempt is none too shabby at all. The suspension makes for a smooth ride, while the cabin does a good job at keeping out exterior noise. The overall driving experience is comfortable, serene and quiet .
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Interior Is Well Built
The interior is more functional than anything else, but despite its lack of glamour and colour, it’s largely composed of high-quality materials that add a touch of luxury. It has the appearance of a top-drawer product, and while it might not have too much emotion, it has a lot of slick rationality.
Cons:
-
Lack Of On The Road Excitement
The car won’t excite driving enthusiasts who will continue to look at the Ford Focus Estate or the Ford Mondeo Estate for their kicks. While some might convincingly argue that an Estate’s drivability shouldn’t be at the top of its list of priorities, others will disagree.
In 2016, more buyers than ever want to feel involved when driving their car, no matter how, small, large, functional or sporty. This functional car lacks engagement, but it does at least make you feel confident and secure when you’re behind the wheel.
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Rivals Do A Lot Of Things Better
This Toyota Avensis Touring Sport has been overlooked by individual buyers in the past for one major reason: Its rivals are generally better in numerous aspects.
Although Toyota have made a few improvements, the story is more or less the same. It doesn’t offer as much on the road entertainment or engagement as some rivals, while its boot (although big) is still a way off from competing with the class leaders. Its interior is better this time around, but while it’s clearly got an upmarket feel, it doesn’t look as interesting or as eye-catching as its competitors.
Toyota Avensis Touring Sport vs. Volkswagen Passat Alltrack Diesel Estate vs. Ford Mondeo Estate
The compact-Estate market is getting better and better all the time. Let’s see how the relatively inexpensive Toyota fares against some of the daddies in this sector in the crucial comparisons section of our Toyota Avensis Touring Sport review.
Toyota Avensis Touring Sport vs. Volkswagen Passat Alltrack Diesel Estate
[vc_single_image image=”32912″ img_size=”article-image”]The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack Diesel Estate sells in the same sector as the Toyota, but it’s got its own USP in that it’s an excellent tow car that can tow weight up to 2,200kg. Already this gives it an advantage over, not just its saloon counterpart, but many of its rivals in this sector who aren’t towing machines.
One of the reasons for all that muscle is the four-wheel-drive system. This system adds might – but it also means high running costs. It isn’t optional, and as such the Toyota is a lot cheaper to run; the 1.6-litre unit in the Touring Sport can return 67.3mpg while the cheapest Passat engine is good for 57.6mpg off a sensible drive. The Passat will also hit you heavier in the pocket in terms of outright costs, with even its lower priced variant costing more than Toyota’s range-topper.
It’s easy to get bogged down with pricing, though, and you also have to consider that the Passat offers good value for money. It’s a much better off-roader than the Toyota, has a larger boot, looks brand new, while the interior is luxurious and spacious. But while the Toyota is available in 3 different trims, the VW is available in just one. There is also no petrol unit in the VW range.
Toyota Avensis Touring Sport vs. Ford Mondeo Estate
If it feels as though the VW delivered a knockout blow to the Toyota, the less expensive Ford Mondeo Estate is here to even up the score a little.
Like the Avensis Estate, the Mondeo Estate doesn’t offer too much fun behind the wheel. This is unusual for Ford, a company who pride themselves on developing fun-to-drive cars. For whatever reason, they’ve failed to hit the sweet spot with this Estate, despite the hatchback variant being a willing plaything. Like the Toyota, the Mondeo is more about comfort and security than engagement.[vc_single_image image=”32913″ img_size=”article-image”]The Ford’s engine line-up is not awash with choices, but its 2.0-litre 234bhp unit covers the rest to 62mph in just 8 seconds, which makes it a far zippier affair than anything in the Toyota range. However, there is a caveat in the form of 4WD which stunts overall performance and stops the car from feeling as lively as its numbers otherwise promise.
Speaking of numbers, Ford have done well to improve running costs, and the 2.0-litre 148bhp unit can return 67.3mpg, which is on par with the cheapest-to-run engine in the Avensis Estate line-up.
Equipment is good throughout the Mondeo Estate’s range, and even the basic trim gets 16” alloys, cruise control and climate control. These are niceties that the Toyota’s entry-level trim misses out on. The Toyota can offer a plusher, more upmarket interior, though, as well as a bigger boot – 543-litres of space compared to the Mondeo’s 525-litres. The Toyota also has more intelligent storage space ideas, as well as that useful hidden compartment underneath the boot’s floor.
Verdict Of The Toyota Avensis Touring Sport Review
[vc_single_image image=”32914″ img_size=”article-image”]Some buyers have struggled in the past to take this car seriously, claiming it’s just too bland to drive and look at. For this reason, it’s fallen behind more commanding rivals. It’s won the hearts of fleet managers, though, thanks to its low running costs, practicality, and somewhat rough-diamond looks.
This time around, though, the Toyota Avensis Estate is almost like a new man. It looks better, comes with cleaner engines, and offers even more practicality. It still puts safety and comfort before on-the-road entertainment, but the Toyota Avensis Touring Sport might now have as much to offer individuals as it does fleet managers if you’re a sensible and not an emotional buyer.[vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#00625a”][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1466765025254{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
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