Overall rating:

While the list of detail changes that make up the 2012 Toyota Avensis is long, and there's a fresh new face, the most important aspect of the model refresh is the fact that the updated 2.0-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine now emits only 119g/km. On paper this car makes a lot of sense.

Key Facts

Model driven: Toyota Avensis 2.0 D4-D T Spirit saloon
Pricing: £25,145 (2.0 D4-D starts at £19,445 for T2 model)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia, Volkswagen Passat
CO₂ emissions: 119g/km
Combined economy: 62.8mpg
Top speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
Power: 122bhp at 3,600rpm
Torque: 228lb.ft at 1,600 - 2,400rpm

In the Metal:

Taken in isolation it may be difficult to spot what's new about the design of the 2012 Toyota Avensis, but next to the outgoing model it's clear that the restyled front-end lends the car more presence. That's mostly to do with a large inverted trapezoidal lower air intake and shapely new headlamps (with LED daytime running lights on the T Spirit level). The rear of the saloon features new lights too, along with other detail changes.

The interior of the car benefits from new materials, with the intention of enhancing what we like to call 'perceived quality'. The seats have been re-profiled for more lateral support and the upholstery has been upgraded across the range. Along with all that the centre console has been redesigned. As ever the switchgear is tactile to use and logically laid out and there's plenty of space in the cabin and boot.

Driving it:

Changes to the chassis and body are intended to increase overall rigidity and steering feel. In reality, the Avensis is best described as competent. The steering is still a little too light for our liking and the relatively large wheel detracts from the driving experience. In short, it's not a car you'll drive for the sake of it. However, and despite the presence of some initial body roll, the Avensis does cling on gamely. Ultimately its handling is safe. It is comfortable too, though we noticed an unusual mild 'bouncing' effect at the front over certain types of bumps.

The updated engine is considerably quieter than the 2.2-litre alternative in the Avensis. Naturally it's not as quick, but nor does it feel particularly slow. There's little benefit in extending the engine beyond 3,600rpm, where it produces its peak power figure. It's best to stick to higher gears and lower revs to make decent progress. The six-speed manual gearbox feels like it features a high final ratio, but the shift action itself is satisfyingly slick.

What you get for your Money:

Toyota has taken the mid-life refresh as an opportunity to tweak the specification of the Avensis and it seems it's all good news. The volume seller in particular, the TR model, makes a good case for itself featuring Touch & Go satnav, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys, a rear-view camera and classy leather and Alcantara upholstery for a premium of £1,920 over the T2 Avensis. Above that sit the T4 and T Spirit versions.

Company buyers will be interested in the new CO₂ rating for the 2.0-litre Avensis. As it emits only 119g/km it will attract 17 per cent BIK for the 2012/2013 financial year - which compares favourably with similarly priced rivals. Toyota cites CAP when stating that the Avensis retains its value a little better than the competition too.

Other engine options include 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol units, including a CVT automatic for the latter. If you want an automatic diesel Avensis then your only option is the 2.2-litre model. There's also the capacious Avensis Tourer to consider.

Worth Noting

For now a 119g/km rating in the D-segment is good, if not ground-breaking. Toyota will have to find ways to reduce this further to remain competitive. One obvious route seems to be the adoption of a lower capacity diesel engine. The recent announcement of a tie-up with BMW means that it's possible that we'll see the MINI's 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet of an Avensis in the future.

Summary

There's nothing innovative about the refreshed Toyota Avensis. However, the 2012 model features a long list of updates, many of which are hidden from view. Taken together they undoubtedly result in a better car. The cleaner engine, upgraded interior and added equipment are the stand-out features.