Car Test
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R0338 | |
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May 2003 |
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| Toyota Avensis | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.0 T3-X 5-door | |
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Despite its staid image and road manners, the previous Avensis (and the Carina before it) generated a lot of owner-satisfaction, because it was comfortable and very reliable.
The latest version is designed specifically to appeal to more committed drivers, for European roads. Longer and wider, it turns out to be very comfortable, but no bigger inside – except for a bit more boot space. The seats are very supportive, the interior fabrics and plastics exude quality and this extends to the parts not normally on show, such as the interior of oddments cubbies and under the (folding) back seat. The commanding driving position offers a softly topped seat with excellent underlying firm support and plenty of adjustments – to the wheel, as well. The back seat is ideally angled, with a centre armrest or a low centre hump that should enable a third rear occupant to cope. Everyone has heater outlets at floor level. A perusal of the brochure reveals how generously the ‘basic’ T2 version is equipped, despite its keen price; it, too, has air conditioning, but of the simpler sort – our test car had full climate control with side-to-side temperature variation. More’s the pity, therefore, that only a diesel version of the estate car is available with this cheapest trim at present, and there’s no two-litre version at all. So much for accommodation – how does this new contender shape up on the road? Well, cornering is certainly improved, with a more alert response, thanks to rear suspension derived from the Celica. This longer test on UK roads left a better impression concerning this two litre’s ride comfort and mechanical refinement, as well. Some surface disturbance does get through, but it never jars, there’s a taut, fret-free body reaction and wind sealing is impeccable. The quite high-geared, direct-injection engine feels very relaxed about low rev pullaways or motorway cruising on the limit. It’s a versatile performer, although our figures show some rivals have an accelerative edge. Our car’s frugality is impressive, but other savings include realigned parts prices and no timing belt change to worry about later. The brakes stop the car well, with none of the disc-distorting vibration and inconsistency we experienced on the old Avensis – as well as owners, apparently. Our only grouse now is an over-servoed response if you pounce on the pedal at low speed. |
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