IT'S one of Britain's best kept secrets.
A British success story but in typical fashion not many know about the Toyota Avensis Tourer, which is built in Burnaston near Derby.
There is a 23 model range of Tourer and Saloon models in the Avensis range with a choice of 1.8 and 2.0 petrol or 2.0 and 2.2 diesel engines, with six speed manual or automatic transmissions and four trim levels. Prices rise from £16,560 to £25,605 and insurance groups are seven to 12 depending on the engine fitted.
This higher specification Spirit was fitted with the 148bhp 2.2 diesel engine and retails at £ 24,490 with the £980 sat nav fitted.
The powertrain is a very refined and sophisticated unit with the eager, smooth and quiet engine which delivers plenty of power from low revs, pulls strongly over a wide power band and never sounds stressed even at highest engine speed.
I would have liked slightly more feel through the steering at speed but its assistance and turning circle make it agile in town and very easy to handle.
Underfoot, the brakes slow the Avensis without a problem and with a lot of control and feedback. They really are very well balanced and strong and the parking brake securely holds it on steep hills.
Secondary controls are similarly well thought out, close to the driver and operate with a satisfying quality. Instruments are big, clear and well lit at night and have a good range of warning lights to back them up. The Avensis Spirit comes with keyless entry and starting which is useful when arms or hands are loaded with shopping.
Automatic dual-zone air conditioning is standard on the Spirit and it fills the interior with air at a desired and well maintained temperature and it works quietly.
Access to the passenger compartment is good with wide opening doors and the standard leather trim of the Spirit provides a luxury feel while the seats are well shaped and infront adjust over a good range for short or tall drivers, aided by the fully variable steering column and wheel.
Ride comfort is extremely good. It is biased towards firmness but it's not at all hard or uncomfortable and it soaks up potholes and ridges with ease.
Despite this compliance the control it shows when pressing on is also commendable. Body roll is minimal around corners and it barely pitches or dips under acceleration or braking.
The handling is very surefooted with a tendency to run wide at the front when pressed but lift off and it quickly comes back on line with precise control.
Excellent visibility is another benefit of the design with a low waistline, good wipers front and back and bright headlights which can be set to come on automatically to improve vision and safety. Rain sensitive wipers are a further plus point.
The refinement and sophistication is considerably enhanced by very low noise levels generated from the Avensis. Mechanical, wind and road noise is all modest and this makes it particularly relaxing over long journeys.
Make no mistake the Toyota Avensis Spirit is an extremely impressive car, a remarkably sophisticated car at the price and one which can more than hold its own against rivals costing double the price of this British bargain.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Avensis T Spirit 2.2 D-4D 4dr
Price: £23,510
Mechanical: 148bhp, 2,231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 51.4
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 149gkm
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles