Toyota Avensis Tourer

Our verdict

OK so it isn’t toxic, but there’s no getting away from the fact that the Toyota Avensis Tourer is an outdated and dull repmobile. With an extra bit stuck on the back.

Comfort

This is a fine place to while away a long journey. A soft ride and lack of road noise lull you, and there's room to stretch whether you've got the front or back seat.

Performance

It's OK in most versions, and the high-power diesel does the business. All engines have at least 120bhp, and there's remarkably little difference in the on-paper acceleration. The torquier diesels are more useful in real-life driving though.

Cool

An absurd question.

Quality

The Avensis could almost be a Lexus. It's very nicely finished using decent cabin materials and under all that is Toyota's excellent reliability. Mind you, they've had plenty of practice - it's been in production for donkey's years.

Handling

Good for munching through the motorway network, because that's the job description - though it doesn't like cross winds. Drive it through corners and you find initial liveliness but detached steering and strange inconsistent sogginess as it loads up.

Practicality

Huge and flexible in its boot space, this is definitely an estate that doesn't sacrifice room for style.

Running costs

Not that great, because you're going to be hit by that perennial rep-car disease, depreciation. The Avensis gets replaced soon, which will only make things worse.