Toyota Avensis: It is just a car nothing else

Let’s start with the design. The Toyota Avensis is not the very car that will have eyes and neck turning in its direction. Obviously it has improved from its previous model but it still hasn’t got there where it becomes note worthy of something on particular. It is important to note there are many family […]

Let’s start with the design. The Toyota Avensis is not the very car that will have eyes and neck turning in its direction. Obviously it has improved from its previous model but it still hasn’t got there where it becomes note worthy of something on particular. It is important to note there are many family cars the Avensis will have to compete with especially those that do so much better than it itself. In that category there is the Ford Mondeo, Its bigger brother the Camry, Honda Accord, and VW Passat whom have all stepped up their game to move a level higher.   

The design of the latest Avensis certainly tries to be that: however, Toyota’s new approach won’t be to everyone’s taste. The rest of the car already looks a little outdated though – which is a shame, given that Toyota generally makes good cars, even if they are a little worthy and unexciting.

This is still pretty much the story with this new-generation Avensis. Once you step inside and you’re greeted by a generic Toyota interior, ergonomically sound and unfussy in its design. It’s hardly eye-catching but, to its credit, it has been very well put together. I didn’t find the interior exciting for me to run back in except for one thing- it was so easy to find a driving position irrespective of one’s height. But really would you pay up to 6 million naira for a premium seat inside a car?

Underneath the bonnet there are choice of six engines: the two petrol units are 1.6 and 1.8-litre, offering 130 and 145bhp, respectively; the four diesels are 124bhp 2.0-litre D-4D, 148bhp 2.2 D-4D, 148bhp 2.2 D-CAT and a range topping 180bhp 2.2 D-4D. Still the ranges are uninspiring. Granted the latest Honda Accord has a base 2 liter engine with its Asian version which comes to Nigeria. Yet there is still higher range of engines that are still recommended as frugal engines.

From other road testers internationally the Avensis is said to be a relaxed and capable car to drive, but it doesn’t have dynamic talents of rivals such as the Ford Mondeo. There’s a little body roll at times and it feels much more at home loping along a motorway than twisting road. The ride can be on the crashy side when riding on larger 18-inch wheels, but on 17s it tackles most lumps and bumps without too much drama according to Fifth Gear motor testers.

One of Toyota’s biggest selling points is its reliability record, which is exceptional. It is very unlikely the Avensis will break down and you can be sure that it will be quite capable clocking up massive mileage, with very few problems throughout its lifetime- perhaps this is its selling niche. The quality of the Avensis is good, and it feels solid and robust. This is a plus since many Nigeria are very rough with cars and this may just be the answer for them. The running cost may be lower than its contemporaries and a lot has to do with the fact that Toyota has chosen not to be sophisticated.