The Avensis, like its Carina predecessor, has always been one of the more worthy but dull options among large saloons and hatches. And while this new engine has provided it with some much needed spark on the road, its rather homespun static qualities endure.
Take a look inside this T3-X model and, without the satellite navigation screen of the identically priced T3-S (which loses other goodies to make sense of the pricing) there is little to draw the eye’s attention. The driving position is predictably good, thanks in no small part to a 2-way adjustable wheel and 8-way adjustable seats but the controls, while well spaced and organised for easy use, are really rather bland. Likewise the orange instruments, which are looking really rather 20th century these days.
But it all works well, as does the rest of the cabin which provides good levels of space for five occupants and a boot that’s bigger even than the monster trunk of the Mondeo hatch, not to mention several outright limousines.
It’s also likely to provide a phenomenally safe environment if you’re unlucky enough to throw it off the road and into something hard. Not only does it have the now almost obligatory five star EuroNCAP rating, it also carries a barely believable nine airbags – two in the front, one in each door, two full length curtain bags and even a knee-bag for the driver. An electronic stability programme with traction control is standard.
Otherwise, equipment levels of this mid-spec car are reasonable, without really bordering on the generous. There’s a trip computer, leather wheel, front fogs, electric windows all round, two zone climate control, alloys and automatic wipers. However, as Toyota rarely offers any options, if you want cruise control, leather and/or electric seats you will have to buy a more expensive model.
