Drove the Avensis

**videodoctor** · 2nd January 2009, 16:41

After going to look at an Insignia,i found out that Toyota have just released a new Avensis.I thought i'd go and take a look.(Bored until i go back to work on Monday!)

Here it is

I did like the indent down the side...

Alot more legroom in the back unlike the Insignia..

The toys were amazing...

The interior felt very good quality.

Nice alloy wheels....

Interesting dash board

I took out the 1.8 petrol.The dealers let me take the car on my own which was good of them.I had it out for about 40 minutes and all i can say is WOW.It drove silky smooth and was completely silent at tick over.The ride soaked up the bumps and the gear change was velvety.The brakes were fantastic,instilling great confidence.

Two negative points were,the electronic parking brake and also it will only come in either an estate or a saloon,so theres no hatchback.

The price was £17,400 for the model i drove.

This car has now gone to number one on my buying list.
What do you guys think.(I know its not a Vauxhall but i'm sure some of you will be interested in it....and the rest can diss it!!!)

**Waterboy** · 2nd January 2009, 16:50

It might drive great but I don't like the look of it at all.

That side indent is terrible and the door handles look like they're missing some chrome inserts or something around the handle. They just don't look finished

**mitch1965** · 2nd January 2009, 16:53

The rear end certainly don't light any fires for me. Yes they're not a bad drive, but i just don't like the kittykat tin metal its made out of but score well in safety tests, surrounded by airbags!!

**H11LGX** · 2nd January 2009, 17:00

I like that!

It will be a while before I change mine, but I am not sure about the Insignia, and I do like that.

I had an Avensis years ago (2001 model), was a good car, and their reputation for reliability is fully deserved.

**67688c** · 2nd January 2009, 17:02

I quite like it, and I like those indents down the side too, anything to breakup those large bland panel area's on cars is good in my book.
From what I've seen in the pics, styling looks okay.
Also seems to have a few useful extras, price doesn't seem too bad either.

First impressions for me based on pics is a thumbs up.

**steveked** · 2nd January 2009, 18:03

dunno if its just me but all these cars are starting to look the same to me

**Kcs** · 2nd January 2009, 18:33

Its not bad looking, bit like the Mazda 6 ! deffo has the Jap kook about it !
Toyota has'nt moved forward with the interia though have they ? i like the
front of the bonnet profile, reminds me of the 9-3 !