Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4-D Tourer T-Spirit
Car review: Sam Hardy
What is it?
AN updated version of Toyota’s Mondeo Estate rival. Latest Avensis gets a bolder grille, new headlights and taillights plus a simpler dashboard with better quality soft-touch plastics. Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre diesel produces the same 124bhp but it is more efficient, so will cost less to run. All Avensis models are generously equipped, particularly so in flagship £27,135 T-Spirit trim, as tested here.
What’s hot?
- With CO2 emissions of 119g/km, this family holdall will cost you nothing in first year road tax…
- …and will sit in a 16 per cent company car tax band. Toyota claims 62.8mpg too.
- Extra sound proofing means this is a very quiet and relaxing car, especially on the motorway
- The ride is soothing too, while the handling is composed and thanks to a new stiffer anti-roll bar, a bit more agile too
- With a 543-litre boot which extends to 1,609-litres with the seats down, the Avensis Tourer is very spacious indeed
- The interior has much better quality plastics and seat fabrics. It’s a logical and easy to live with environment
- The engine is punchy, doing 0-60mph in around 10 seconds
- T-Spirit trim comes with full leather, a reversing camera, climate control and sat-nav
What’s not?
- It may be relaxing to drive, but it’s not much fun. If you want that, buy a Mondeo
- Likewise, the styling (inside and out) is still emotion-free. This is a car that just gets on with the job
- Extend the engine to the redline and it can be bit harsh
- A Mondeo has slightly more space with the seats down
- The T-Spirit is pricey
Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4-D Tourer T-Spirit – the low-down
P11D Value: | £ 27,080 |
Monthly business rental (ex VAT): | From £367 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
Tax Bands 2011/12 to 2013/14: | 17%, 18%, 19% |
Benefit in kind 2011/12 to 2013/14: | £4,604, £4,874, £5,145 |
Engine: | 2.0 4 cyl turbocharged diesel |
CO2 Emissions: | 119g/km |
Power/torque: | 124bhp/310Nm |
0-62mph/top speed: | 10.0 secs/124mph |
Economy (official): | 62.8mpg |
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
If you want your company car to entertain you, a Toyota Avensis Tourer shouldn’t be on your list in any company car comparison.
But if you want a diesel estate that will be painless to drive, cheap to tax and fuel as well as being utterly relaxing on the motorway, it makes an excellent choice – we see it as ideal for SMEs with engineers on the road. Factor in a brilliant dealer network, solid reliability, competitive business car insurance and a huge cabin with lots of standard equipment and you’ve got a highly effective business tool. Just don’t expect it to be much fun that’s all.