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Toyota squares up to Mondeo with updated Avensis Tourer

<em> Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4-D Tourer T-Spirit car test review</em> <br />TOYOTA has updated its Mondeo estate rival, the Avensis Tourer. Has the Toyota got what it takes as a company car? <br /><br /><em> Car review: Sam Hardy</em><br />

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Toyota AvensisTourer 2012 FrontView

 

 

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
Serious: Quiet, relaxing and soothing - but not as much fun to drive as its Mondeo rival

 

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.

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