2015 Toyota Avensis Touring Sports Business Edition Plus 1.6 D-4D first drive

What is it?

A heavily facelifted version of Toyota’s staid and eminently dependable third-generation Avensis. 

Much like those that preceded it, the third-gen Avensis quickly built itself a reputation for being reliable, inexpensive to run, comfortable and cosseting. 

It was by no means an exciting car, but that didn’t matter. Few buyers cared if it could be slung around a corner at a vast rate of knots, with most simply looking for practical, hassle-free, easy-going motoring. 

The estate market has changed dramatically since 2009, however, with several all-new rivals – including the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Octavia – pitching into the fray. More long-standing efforts, like the Vauxhall Insignia and Mazda 6, have also benefitted from an update, leaving the Avensis looking considerably behind the times.

The increasing popularity of crossovers additionally steals a substantial chunk of estate sales these days, so if you want to stand a chance of success then your product really needs to be at the top of its game. 

So, in order to get the Avensis back on buyers’ radars, a whole host of upgrades have been carried out. It has been restyled inside and out, in an effort to deliver a far more distinctive look, quality has reputedly been improved and the trim levels and specifications list has been given a thorough working over. 

Of more significance is the fact that Toyota has introduced two BMW-sourced four-cylinder diesels into the engine line-up. They offer lower CO2 emissions and improved economy compared to the outgoing Toyota engines, as well as extended service intervals. This should make the Avensis Touring more interesting to the all-important fleet and business market.

What's it like?

Pleasingly agreeable, and a notable improvement over its predecessor in many respects. The Avensis Touring Sports is far smarter and interesting to look at, for starters, although some may find its catfish-aping front end errs too close to plain odd, as opposed to classy and distinctive. 

Inside, upgrades such as the all-new dashboard, redesigned seats and slickly presented driver's display prove successful in uplifting the cabin. It's far more modern-looking, and very comfortable, although a little more range to the steering column adjustment wouldn't go amiss.

Some seemingly obvious details let it down, though, like harsh and grease-attracting plastics being used for the door grab handles. There's also quite a lot of bluster from the windscreen pillars at speed, which takes the edge off the otherwise impressive high-speed refinement.

The Avensis Touring Sports is still as practical as ever, with seating for five, lots of head and leg room and a vast boot, which offers up almost as much storage space as the Ford Mondeo. A space-saver spare is standard throughout the range, which is further indicative of this car's potential real-world usefulness.

Crucially, it’s also significantly better to drive than it was previously. It retains the MacPherson front struts and double-wishbone rear suspension of the pre-facelift Avensis, as well as the electric power steering system. Every element has been fettled, however, and the shell stiffened, to improve its road manners.