FOR some years now makeover television programmes have attracted a great deal of the viewing public's attention.
Programmes such as Changing Rooms have devoted much air time to showing people how to increase the size of their accommodation or make better use of the available space in their des res.
In recent times, car designers have begun to major on the latter, the motor makers' space invaders having become ever more adept at creating much manoeuvrably accommodating cabins.
The Toyota Avensis has been with us for some five years now, having replaced the Carina E to bring to the medium sector a range of saloons, hatchbacks and estates which were generously roomy, well kitted out and reliable.
Despite proving a favourite with the fleet buyers, its reliability suiting the high mileage user-choosers, the Avensis did get marked down cabinside somewhat for a rather boring inteior and a swooping roofline which limited the maximum headroom situation for some rear passengers.
But this is about to change, for last month heralded the arrival of the New Toyota Avensis, a car designed to bring dynamism and more than a touch of sophistication in Saloon, Hatchback and Tourer bodystyles to the medium car sector.
Five trim levels are also available, each offering a wide choice of specification, plus, there are currently two petrol engine options, with a diesel due in May.
While still not as long as the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat or the Renault Laguna, the new Toyota Avensis is longer than the outgoing model, its increased outward and visible dimensions having translated into an even more spacious interior.
An additional four inches in overall length and an extra two inches in width, plus a similar increase in height, having been used intellligently to further develop an already spacious cabin which boasts the added bonus of quality fabrics and plastics.
There are innumerable places in which to lose things on board, some with damped lids, while the cavernous boot in the hatchback prompts reminders of the fabled kitchen sink!
Front of house seating is comfortably supportive, height and reach adjustable steering, coupled with driver's seat height adjust, bringing you swiftly to the optimum driving position behind a centre console reflecting a silver sheen on the test car, the Avensis two-litre T3 Hatch.
There are other reasons, too, for this cabin's nice-place-to-be feel to it, not least the dual zone climate control and well suppressed noises-off, resulting in an extremely refined drive in which to enjoy the output from the eight-speaker sound system.
Safety, too, has been further addressed, all occupants being cocooned by nine airbags, which even includes a driver's knee-bag which is a European first.
Mounted on 16-inch eight-spoke alloys complete with those invaluable locking wheelnuts not found on all cars, the new Avensis responded well to the 147bhp of the smooth-spinning two-litre petrol engine, capable of doing the 0-62mph dash in a comfortable 9.1 seconds, en route to a top speed, where legally allowable, of 130mph, all accomplished in pretty frugal fashion.
The body is more firmed up than its predecessors, being around 40% more rigid, and combined with a re-worked suspension set-up which owes some of its qualities to the Celica, and sharply responsibe power steering, the reward is a firmish but comfortable ride.
On hand to arrest your progress when required is ABS Braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, while, to assist the unwise and the unwary, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control also come as standard.
Overall, this new Toyota Avensis is streets ahead of its predecessor, bringing even more to the D segment in the form of extra quality build, even more strength to the engine range, and an aura of all-round safety. And combined with Toyota's legendary reliability, makes an attractive proposition for the family buyer.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Avensis 2.0-Litre T3-X
Price: £16,495
Mechanical: 147bhp, 1,988cc 4 cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.1secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 191g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint