Insurance Group: 24
MPG: 44.8
CO2: 167
0-62 Mph: 9.5 secs
BHP: 148 BHP
Range: 591 miles
PROS: Good performance from the diesel engine, excellent reliability and an impressive amount of standard kit.
CONS: It is not exactly efficient for a diesel model, it's no fun to drive and it's less spacious on the inside than its rivals.
The Toyota Avensis T Spirit 2.2 D-CAT comes with a 2.2-litre diesel engine which develops 148bhp and 250lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range. This means 0-62mph takes 9.5 seconds and flat out you'll be doing 127mph. It's a good engine and pulls the Avensis along well but the 2.0-litre oil-burner is a much better bet; it's nearly as fast as the 2.2 but significantly more economical.
The Avensis can't match its European rivals when it comes to handling. The steering is lifeless and there is plenty of roll through the bends. On the plus side, the ride is very composed and the cabin is very quiet, especially at motorway cruising speeds.
The Avensis is a very bland car. Toyota really don't seem to 'get' desirability and, as such, the Avensis looks like a car designed by committee. However, the interior feels well built and feels quite luxurious thanks to leather upholstery which is fitted as standard.
Power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, CD player, MP3 connectivity and sat nav are all standard features.
The Avensis isn't as roomy as some of its rivals but still offers plenty of space with good legroom in the rear seats. The boot is also a decent size with 509-litres on offer.
The Avensis scored five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests and is fitted with a vast array of safety kit including front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver's knee airbag. Active front head restraints and stability control are also fitted as standard.
The Avensis is supplied with a five year/100,000 mile warranty as standard but this is unlikely to be needed thanks to Toyota's superb record for reliability.
At £27,210 the Avensis T Spirit 2.2 D-CAT is very expensive for a Toyota. It's not bad value but buyers are going to be tempted away by offerings from premium marques at this price. However, on the plus side, the Avensis will retain a lot of its value.
The running costs are very high for a diesel-powered family hatchback. 43.5mpg from a diesel engine is not impressive in this day and age and CO2 emissions of 171g/km mean that the Avensis falls under VED band H - again, quite pricey for a diesel saloon.
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