By Chris Thorp

April 2003

There's one major problem with big luxury cars. When it comes to the daily city commute, they are useless for squeezing into tight parking spaces - yet there's nothing more comfortable to be sat in as the traffic grinds to a halt.
Wouldn't it be great if you could get all the niceties of business-class travel in a package that's more manageably sized? Enter Toyota's new Avensis, which aims to fill the role of mini-Lexus in the Auto Express test garage.
Our latest long-termer arrived fresh off Toyota's Derbyshire production line with only 45 miles on the clock - and it began to impress straightaway. As we are keeping the revs low until the engine's mechanicals have bedded in, the spacious five-door is receiving a gentle introduction to life on the fleet. And although it's still early days, the on-board computer would have us believe the car will come pretty close to matching the manufacturer's claimed 35mpg figure.
There's no denying that the styling of the latest Avensis is a great improvement over that of its predecessor, but it has still provoked a mixed response in the office. From the front, the 'neatly styled' nose looks handsome, but at the rear the odd fold-over light clusters are awkward. The overall appearance is solid and chunky, though, and the 17-inch alloy wheels add the
finishing touch. But there are still grumbles that it's all too conservative. Move inside and there is little to complain about. In the range-topping T Spirit trim, passengers are left wanting for noth-ing, with leather seats, a CD player, satellite navigation and climate control. Combined with sub- lime build quality, it all makes the Avensis feel like it belongs to the class above.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be putting the Toyota to the test on all types of driving route. Yet it has already proved itself an excellent motorway machine: the ride is seamless and smooth, while the near-silent engine note at 70mph helps long journeys pass in no time.
Unfortunately, the Avensis' B-road performance doesn't seem to be so impressive, due to over-assisted power-steering and a lack of feel. But although it may not have the zest for a twisty road that some competitors offer, the superb cruising ability should more than make up for the less-than-sporty driving experience.
Although it's not a problem for my 5ft 11in frame, the electrically operated seat has limited height adjustment, so taller members of staff may struggle to get comfortable. However, rear passengers have plenty of space, and the extra-long child seat-friendly belt arrangement is sure to prove invaluable for those with youngsters, while the enormous boot is a bonus. So have we experienced any problems so far? Well, the slightest pressure on the brake pedal brings an irritating squeal. This could simply be down to the brand new components bedding in, but we will be keeping an ear on it over the next couple of weeks. Other Avensis models we have driven have suffered a similar fault, so watch this space.
The only other apparent concern came at the first fill-up, when I couldn't work out how to open the fuel cap. Thankfully, this proved to be down to human error, and after scanning the handbook, I finally located the release button on the driver's door - a logical, if unusual position.
Teething worries aside, the Avensis has made a promising start. Rest assured, I'll keep you posted on how it fares as it piles on the miles.

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