AS Toyota edges ever closer to becoming the world's biggest car manufacturer, it's the British-built flagship that is leading the way in Europe.
The changes for 2007 to the Avensis take from a worthy but slightly dull looking machine, to something altogether more classy. It offers smart styling, particularly with the sporty 17-inch alloy wheels, distinctive grille and chrome inserts, restyled rear light clusters and door mirrors. It also offers performance to match some of the sportiest hot hatches around, which is quite an achievement for a clean-burning diesel estate.
The Avensis has also been revamped with the introduction of two new diesel engines, a two litre D-4D 130bhp engine and a 2.2 litre D-4D 175bhp unit, the T180, which complete the range of three diesel and four petrol engines.
Both deliver good performance especially the bigger engine, superb economy and low CO2 emissisions. Add to this excellent build quality and decent resale values and you can see why Toyota in now such a success.
It also poses the question that if Japanese manufacturers like Toyota, Honda and Nissan can produce top selling cars made in Britain, why are the likes of Peugeot bailing out?
Top selling good value cars can still be built in Britian and provide excellent returns for those companies.
This car was the T180 Tourer and claims to be the most powerful and cleanest engine in its class thanks to a new catalyst engine which reduces harmful emissions to well below the latest Euro legislation.
Performance is electric for this type of car. The 0-60mph sprint takes only 8.6 seconds with a top speed where permitted of 137mph, but add to this economy of a claimed 46.3mpg andCO2 emissions of 161g/km and you a have a truly versatile motor.
The car is also quiet and composed on the road with taut handling and a comfortable ride. Diesel clatter is virtually absent thanks to the refined nature of the engine and sound absorbing materials.
The interior is now what we have come to expect from Toyota. Exceptional build quality with a host of gadgets as standard, which includes leather upholstery cruise control, dusk sensing headlights and a top class audio system.
Climate, radio and sat nav controls are conveniently placed in the centre console and are simplicity to use. The smart steering wheel also houses audio control with the cruise control stalk easily within reach.
As you would expect from a tourer, there is ample room for five adults, although headroom is more limited in the rear because of the sloping roofline.
It is the boot that really scores and makes this an ideal family vehicle.
It has massive capacity, enough for most eventualities, but if that bit extra is required the rear seats can be double folded flat to proved cavernous space. Extra smaller bits of luggage can be placed by folding sections of the floor which reveal separate storage compartments. Access is also pretty good with a low sill to allow loading of those awkward items.
Safety features also abound and include a five-star NCAP rating for occupant safety which is achieved with traction controls and braking assistance, vehicle stability control and nine airbags and Isofix child seat anchors.
The Avensis has a bewildering array of models and options, enough to suit just about anyone looking for a stylish, economical and versatile motoring.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Avensis T180 Tourer 2.2 D4-D
Price: £21,515
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2,231cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual transmission
Max Speed: 136mph
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Insurance Group: 12
Combined mpg: 46.3
CO2 emissions: 161 g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000-mile warranty, 3yrs paint and 12yrs anti-rust