Avensis still not top of the class

Road test
Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4-D TR
Emissions: 120g/km; Combined fuel consumption: 61.4mpg; Top speed: 124mph; Price: £22,560

On paper, Toyota's newly face-lifted Avensis looks like a big improvement on the old car. It's leaner, greener and looks meaner than before, but somehow it still lacks excitement and driver involvement.

On smooth European roads the car rides well, corners fairly flat and feels a little more refined than before. But the two-litre diesel lacks torque, and making reasonable progress involves a lot of stirring of the gears.

Externally, the new Avensis has narrower headlamps, daytime running lights and a large lower front grille, making it look wider and more purposeful than before. The rear bumper and light clusters have been reworked and there is more chrome embellishment. The suspension, steering and cabin have all been tweaked and CO2 emissions are 15 per cent lower than before.

The Avensis, built in Derbyshire, has a choice of three petrol and three turbo-diesel engines and four grades of trim. It also shares a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty with other Toyotas.

Perforated leather and Alcantara seats look classy and feel comfortable, and a variety of trim materials including brushed aluminium and wood look and feel good quality, although the rough-feeling plastic used on the top of the dashboard won't be to everyone's taste. The car is spacious with plenty of leg and headroom and a generous boot. Worthwhile improvements on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions help make a case for the Toyota, but some rivals, notably the Ford Mondeo, still trump it for driving pleasure.

For fans of the Avensis, the new car will make a better workhorse than the model it replaces, but despite having the resources of the world's largest car manufacturer behind it, it's still some way from being the class leader.