Sector: Upper Medium Price: €23,640–€36,340 Fuel: 4.2–6.5l/100km CO2: 108–149g/km

Toyota reckons word of mouth plays a big part in Avensis sales, and they’re probably right. This might not be the most high-profile car in its segment, which as a whole has suffered in recent years, but its customers are loyal, often buy other Toyotas and generally rate the ownership experience very highly.

These are good foundations for a business car, and three quarters of European volume is sold to fleets, but the challenge it’s faced is getting user-choosers to discover its finer points. This refresh – the second for this generation  – recognises that it has to appeal to buyers who are also looking at premium brands.

From an operator perspective, revisions to the diesel engine range are certainly appealing. Toyota has replaced its own 2.2-litre diesel with a BMW-sourced 2.0-litre unit, essentially the same 143bhp engine usually denoted by an 18d badge. This cuts CO2 emissions by 24g/km and is expected to be the biggest seller, it’s incredibly quiet on the move with a broad spread of torque, and the claimed 4.5l/100km is competitive too.

Those seeking additional frugality have the option of a new 1.6-litre diesel shared with the Verso, and thus with the MINI Countryman Cooper D, which replaces the 2.0-litre D-4D offered to date. This is as hushed on the move as the larger engine, and fine for motorway cruising, but it lacks torque at low revs and needs to be worked hard while accelerating. It’s very much the economy option.

The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines are low-volume options in Europe, and the Avensis is unusual for Toyota in that there are no plans to offer a hybrid version. While there are plans to offer hybrids in every segment, it says the Prius and Lexus IS 300h better serve the demands of this one.

There’s a relaxed solidity to the way the Avensis drives. Its stiffer bodyshell and new steering and suspension setup offer confident cornering and a supple ride over rough surfaces on even its biggest wheels. But it’s no driver’s car. This is an exceptionally capable way to cover long distance in comfort, but it’s not a machine which will ever entice you to take the long way home as you might in a Ford Mondeo.

Recognising that it’s the part of the car drivers see the most, efforts to improve the aesthetics and consistency of materials, colours and switchgear have made a marked improvement to the cabin, and the Toyota Touch 2 infotainment system is quick to respond and easy to use. Aside from some buffeting around the mirrors, there’s very little noise at speed.

The wagon is an excellent load-carrier too. Its rear bench folds flush with the boot floor, under which is a compartment for the tonneau cover. Toyota Safety Sense, with lane-keeping, forward-collision and road sign alerts and automatic high beam, is standard across the range, which should reduce insurance costs.

This might be a largely rational choice, but the smarter design and cabin, with a  drop in running costs, should help push the able Avensis further onto buyers’ radars. This won’t transform Toyota’s D-segment sales, but it adds appeal for that all-important word of mouth.

Verdict:

Better looking, nicer inside and with a choice of two competitive new diesel engines, the Avensis offers plenty of reasons for drivers to take notice.