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Avensis Tourer 1.8 T4

Few cars have undergone such a dramatic change of image as the estate. As demands shift, they've become a jack of all trades: removal van, lifestyle statement - even performance car. Can Toyota's new Avensis Tourer span such a wide range of abilities? Not quite, but it comes close.

By Euan Sey

March 2003

Few cars have undergone such a dramatic change of image as the estate. As demands shift, they've become a jack of all trades: removal van, lifestyle statement - even performance car. Can Toyota's new Avensis Tourer span such a wide range of abilities? Not quite, but it comes close.

For starters, it's much more attractive than the hatchback version we drove in last week's issue. The unusual rear lights are far better suited to the estate's curvaceous rear than the abrupt tail end of other bodyshapes in the range. Also, the strong shoulder lines combine with the roof rails to create real presence. And where many other tourers offer little more space than their four and five-door cousins, the Avensis can carry from 520 litres to a massive 1,500 with the seats folded flat. However, you have to flip the chair bases up and remove the headrests first, making it a fiddlier set-up than in the Mazda 6, for example.

Otherwise, Toyota has created a spacious, comfortable area for rear passengers and a well thought out luggage bay. There's a lidded storage tray under the boot floor, and the retractable load cover can be located either behind the B-pillar or rear seats.

T3-X models and above feature a smart, metal-trimmed centre console, and the cabin has a more sophisticated feel than any of its Japanese rivals. Having already driven both the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines in the hatchback, for the Tourer we opted for the 1.8-litre T4, costing ΂£17,995. As with the larger unit, the four-cylinder isn't that smooth and refined. But its revvy VVT-i system, plus closely spaced manual ratios, deliver a decent turn of pace and will pull well even when fully laden. Factor in the ΂£1,000 saving on the 1.8 over the 2.0-litre, plus less company car tax, and the entry-level unit makes a good case for itself.

As does the car's impressive front-wheel-drive chassis, which rides beautifully, remains sure-footed at speed and controls body roll in bends. The Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 are more fun to drive, but neither is as relaxing over long distances as the Toyota.

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FIRST OPINION

    Roomy, practical and very well equipped in T4 spec, the Avensis Tourer impresses. The entry-level 1.8-litre engine offers decent performance and economy, and Toyota can be proud of the car's dynamics. We even like the looks...
 

AT A GLANCE

    Toyota Avensis Tourer on sale now, priced from £15,995
    Engine range includes 1.8, 2.0 petrol and 2.0 D-4D diesel
     
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