2004 Toyota Avensis Aura review from UK and Ireland

I purchased the new Avensis in late march. I had it one day and it needed a new indicator bulb. only a minor problem. but surely not after a day (not the number of new/old Toyota Avensis on the road with one light or another gone!!

A few weeks ago the clip around the seat adjuster came off in my hand. put it back together in a few minutes. but I feel this is going to happen again.

There is a rattle from behind the dashboard somewhere. this seems to be a common fault in a number of new Avensis. as a friend of mine down the county has encountered the same problem.

Otherwise no major problems.

An improvement on the old one in some ways. more space for passengers. generally more comfortable. but I wouldn't say no to my old one again, why?

A lot more road noise in this then the last one. (mainly to do with the brand of tires fitted).

Major lack of storage space compared to last model. (just for small bits and bobs).

A lot of handy features removed. i. e rear arm rest. split rear seats (need to go for strata model for them today).

Speedometer clock temperature etc awkward to read. to small. it was like that in the 1st series Avensis 1997-late 2000.

A fondness of juice, which is surprising for Toyotas. this has also been commented on by other owners of the car. I am averaging 33mpg used get 37-39 mpg average on last model. I am keeping in mind the engine is still new. but mpg still seems low.

A big improvement in quality of materials overall. but build quality? time will tell.