Toyota Avensis T180 The Ultimate Diesel?

The Toyota Avensis has been a big hit on its long term test, primarily because it does the simple things so well

Some cars are easier to get excited about than others and Toyotas Avensis is always destined to be one of the others. The Avensis is very good at what it does. Sturdy and dependable in that typically Toyota fashion, it fills the family car void with the minimum of fuss. Its just not a vehicle thats destined to have its likeness splashed across magazine covers or pinned to bedroom walls.

So why is it then that the key to the Toyota Avensis weve been testing has become such a coveted item around the office? Could it be down to the four characters stamped on cars tailgate? T180.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

Some cars are great to look at and utterly sublime to drive but cars of this type tend to fall down when the time comes to fit the family in them, put fuel in them or pay the hefty sum the guy in the dealership wants in exchange for the keys. The kind of cars that people lust after are usually very different from the ones they buy and although our Avensis is no object of desire, when it comes to everyday life its a pretty good fit. The T180 diesel engine is the flagship in the Avensis range and the popularity of our long term test car can largely be put down to this installation. It can get a decent shift on if you bury the throttle and flip through the gears with a bit of purpose.

177bhp and an 8.6-second 0-60mph time might be peanuts by the standards of todays sports saloons or even top line hot hatchbacks but the Avensis side steps the financial penalties associated with such cars through its 46mpg combined cycle fuel economy and 161g/km CO2 emissions. The Toyota isnt a car youd take out for a lunchtime blast down some country lanes, the handling isnt really involving enough for that, but its surge of acceleration is satisfying when overtaking or zipping up to cruising speed and using it isnt accompanied by a pang of guilt as that fuel gauge lurches south.

"its all-round competence quickly becomes endearing"

Anyone in our office with a long motorway journey scheduled in over the coming days starts buttering-up the Avensis key holder nice and early. A constant stream of coffee is usually forthcoming along with casual remarks concerning the general excellence of whichever car they plan to offer in exchange. The Avensis excels itself on such trips, the aforementioned muscular power delivery doesnt go amiss but its more the general comfort and refinement, not to mention the manageable fuel bills, that seals the deal. The T180 unit isnt as hushed as the very best diesels in the medium range sector but it comes close and the Avensis suspension set-up does a good job of soaking up expansion joints.

Theres plenty of grip at the front wheels and body control is also surprisingly good. The Avensis dash is extremely solid and the simple control interface helps you get to grips with the various functions in double quick time. The large square buttons on the centre console are all clearly market and the instruments give-up their information at a glance. You just know that its all going to stand the test of time better than the more flamboyant designs and material choices found in rival products but that doesnt stop you wishing the Avensis interior had more of a spark to go with its undoubted quality.

All round practicality is extremely good. Its easy to find a decent driving position with a reach and rake adjustable wheel and the electrically-adjustable seat. Fold the rear seats down and theres a 190cm load area to play with. The rear seats dont fold totally flat and youll need to ditch the parcel shelf, but when youve done this, its apparent that the Avensis is a very capable load carrier.

Equipment levels on the Avensis are very generous and particularly so as this is the flagship model in the range. Dual zone climate control and satellite navigation are fitted while the T180 also benefits from a sports styling kit. Like the interior, the exterior lines are far from extrovert and said styling kit is barely worthy of the name but a huge tea tray spoiler and ground-hugging side skirts would hardly tally with the cars low key approach. The cars we want to drive and the cars we want to own are not always the same thing.

The T180 Avensis isnt a vehicle to capture your heart as soon as you clap eyes on it or slip behind the wheel but as an everyday drive, its all-round competence quickly becomes endearing.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Toyota Avensis T180 hatch
PRICES: £21,595 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 12E
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.3s / Max Speed 136mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 46.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags, drivers knee airbag, ABS, EBD, VSC, TRC, BA, ISOFIX child seat fixings
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height mm) 4630/1760/1480