IF YOU took the badges off the new Toyota Avensis you'd be forgiven if you thought it had been built in Germany, not Derbyshire.
It's that good!
Toyota has always been up there with the best when it comes to reliability, but as far as style is concerned it has never really pulled it off with its bread and butter models.
The new Avensis goes a long way addressing this failing. The front end, especially, shows a more forceful, thrusting face even if the back end remains slightly staid.
It was designed at Toyota's studio in the South of France for European tastes in styling and Toyota has nearly got it right.
But looks aside, the new Avensis is light years away from the old model in terms of build quality. It has a feeling of solidity and complete togetherness usually found in German makes such as Volkswagen and Audi. In fact it reminded me very much of the VW Passat.
But this is a UK-built motor. It is built at Burnaston with engines from Toyota's plant on Deeside, where more than 135,000 units a year will be produced for the European market.
Toyota has set itself a target of around 27,000 sales in the UK in a full year - with a high percentage of these going to the fleet market.
With low insurance ratings - starting at 7E - and low servicing and parts costs, Toyota intends to be a major competitor in the D segment of the market which includes the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra.
At launch the Avensis is available with a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.8 and a two-litre. A two-litre diesel is on the cards for May.
All versions perform well with the 1.8 litre returning close to 40 mpg and the two-litre nearly 35. But if it's real economy you're looking for then the diesel, with its common rail D4D engine, is the one to go for. It returns a claimed 48.7 mpg on a combined route.
Of the three I drove at the car's launch, the diesel was my favourite. It has plenty of pulling power and performance enough for safe overtaking.
Safety has also come high on Toyota's list for the new Avensis. All models are equipped with nine airbags, including a driver's knee airbag - a European first. It is fitted underneath the steering wheel to protect the driver's knees and shins.
Ride and handling are excellent, probably best in class. I gave the Avensis a thorough test over twisty mountain roads, motorways and in city centre traffic and it feels balanced and solid. The rear suspension is derived from the system used on the Toyota Celica sports coupe.
Cabin space is adequate for five adults and luggage space is up to scratch.
All the while you motor along, regardless of speed, the quietness of the Avensis strikes you. Toyota has used what it calls Ultra Light Concept construction, which is a new sound deafening material, and it is very effective.
From the start there are saloon, hatchback and estate versions each of which comes is a choice of five confusing trim levels designated T2, T3-S, T3-X, T4 and T Spirit.
Prices start at £13,995 for 1.8 litre saloons and hatchbacks and top out at £20,495 for a two-litre estate. Diesels range from £14,995 to £19,495 and automatic versions - which feature tiptronic style gearboxes - cost £1,000 more.
Equipment levels are high, even on the entry-level T2. Included are: trip computer, anti-submarining seats, remote central locking, remote boot release, all-round electric windows, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, casette-radio and CD player and immobiliser and alarm.
In all, the Avensis is a competent, well-built motor which will appeal to fleet and private buyers looking for secure transport.