I THOROUGHLY enjoyed Toyota's latest Avensis - a superbly built, big saloon with a very easy driving style.
I'm not yet convinced by the exterior styling, but that's something which we all feel differently about.
With Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability, it should never give any new owner a minute's unease and it has more British content than similar cars from Ford or Vauxhall, being built at Burnaston in Derbyshire.
I drove the two-litre petrol T4 model. It's close to the top of a range with a choice of a 1.8 petrol and 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels.
It is brilliantly smooth and quiet and refinement on the move is such that the engine is inaudible unless revved.
There is plenty of performance, but more at higher revs than low down. The ride is excellent over all surfaces at slow and fast speeds and the handling and road holding are also great, except for a slightly dull feel to the steering.
Interior
There's plenty of people room front and rear and the driving position is excellent for all sizes.
The boot is huge, there's a split folding back seat even though it's a saloon and it also comes with leather, electric driver's seat, bluetooth and climate control. It also has significantly lower emissions and holds value better than rivals.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Avensis T4 2.0
Price: £20,230
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,986cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9 seconds
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 163g/km
BIK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Ford Mondeo