Style has never been the Toyota’s strong point, but the exterior has been refreshed with a sleeker grille and reshaped headlights that give the car a lower and wider appearance. Look closely at the rear and
you’ll see the tail-lights have been subtly tweaked, too. Inside, Toyota has also simplified the centre console, while a leather-trimmed steering wheel comes as standard and the dashboard is now finished in a better-quality soft-touch plastic.
Not only does it look and feel much classier than it did before, but the Tourer also drives better. Extra sound-deadening keeps wind, road and engine noise at bay, while tweaks to the suspension have ensured the ride remains as comfortable as ever. Improvements could still be made to the way the Avensis tackles smaller road imperfections, though; potholes aren’t soaked up as well as they should be.
In an effort to spice up the handling, Toyota has fitted a stiffer anti-roll bar, plus the steering is now quicker than before. On twisty roads the Tourer feels more agile than it used to. The problem is that all the controls – the steering in particular – are a bit lifeless. There’s quite a lot of grip and very little body roll, but simply no driver involvement.
The engine delivers the same 126bhp of power, so the 10-second 0-62mph time is unchanged. But the car is noticeably more refined; only when you explore the upper limits of the rev range does it sound harsh. The Avensis is most at home on motorways, where the engine settles down to a barely audible hum.
you’ll see the tail-lights have been subtly tweaked, too. Inside, Toyota has also simplified the centre console, while a leather-trimmed steering wheel comes as standard and the dashboard is now finished in a better-quality soft-touch plastic.
Not only does it look and feel much classier than it did before, but the Tourer also drives better. Extra sound-deadening keeps wind, road and engine noise at bay, while tweaks to the suspension have ensured the ride remains as comfortable as ever. Improvements could still be made to the way the Avensis tackles smaller road imperfections, though; potholes aren’t soaked up as well as they should be.
In an effort to spice up the handling, Toyota has fitted a stiffer anti-roll bar, plus the steering is now quicker than before. On twisty roads the Tourer feels more agile than it used to. The problem is that all the controls – the steering in particular – are a bit lifeless. There’s quite a lot of grip and very little body roll, but simply no driver involvement.
The engine delivers the same 126bhp of power, so the 10-second 0-62mph time is unchanged. But the car is noticeably more refined; only when you explore the upper limits of the rev range does it sound harsh. The Avensis is most at home on motorways, where the engine settles down to a barely audible hum.
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