Toyota in good shape, but not for the Avensis!

[Konrad C]

Yesterday, I stopped by my local Toyota dealership in Sidcup. The first question I wanted to know was how really big is the Auris TS boot compared to the Avensis Tourer. Armed with tape measure I got my answer, and it is not as straight forward. I measured with the seats up only, because this matters to me more.

Auris measured at 100 cm length by 100 cm width. The Avensis is 106 cm length by 105 cm width. All measurements are approximate, but the Avensis has more surface area. I did not measure the height to the cover, but the are roughly the same except there there is no storage between the spare wheel and false floor, in the Auris like the Avensis. This is more evident when the back seat is lowered, leaving uneven floor. The Avensis floor is level when the rear seats are lowered. Remove the Avensis storage compartment and replace with lower floor and the Avensis would be even larger! Where the Auris really loses to the Avensis is the rear seat space - it is more cramped by comparison. 

Whilst at the dealership, I noticed that there were a lot of hybrids - new, secondhand and customer cars. Every model was represented except of course the Avensis, GT86 and older models. I asked the salesman how were sales going and he said there is a 3 month waiting list for the Prius. On a more disappointing note, they have hardly sold an Avensis or diesel versions of any car! Not surprising on the diesel front and with no hybrid version of the Avensis. Every hybrid version from the Yaris, Auris, Prius, Prius+, C-HR, Rav4 are selling well. 

I am going to enjoy my Avensis for a few more years, then decide which way to go.

    

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Auris, being Toyota's entry in the market sector below the Avensis, has a smaller wheelbase than the Avensis (2600mm as opposed to 2700mm) - which will translate directly into less room for passengers, especially rear seat.

Toyota have said previously they won't be introducing a hybrid version of the Avensis, and it won't be continuing beyond the present model. 

Toyota's hybrid for the Avensis market sector is the Prius (same size wheelbase).As regards sales in the UK, the Avensis seems to be slightly down on year to date figures (1576 sold Jan to April whereas sales for the whole of 2016 were 5133).

Does make one wonder whether one model will replace both the Avensis and Corolla saloon for Europe - again they share the same size wheelbase.

[Willss]

Been playing with the idea of replacing our Auris tourer for a while and did the same boot measuring exercise myself although I made the difference in 'usable' space with the seats up slightly greater.  As already said above the rear seats area is smaller and this is the problem area for us.  Being tall I can't get a rear facing child seat behind me if I'm driving - not essential atm but if we had a second child wouldn't want to replace the car in order to accommodate 2 seats.

Equipment on the Avensis is also far far more generous than on the Auris for same spec' and price is not significantly different.

The short of it is that I ordered a 1.8 petrol manual, Business Edition, tourer yesterday.  Been looking for a used one for a long time and there has been absolutely nothing come up (nearly new, low mileage, good condition) for about 6 months - anywhere!  Got prices from a number of web based sellers and in fairness to my local dealership they matched the lowest price (very impressed with them and their service) giving me a huge discount (genuinely couldn't get it cheaper on line - I looked!!!).  

Appears that there are deals to be had on new as targets need to be reached and sales have slowed after the March surge.

Always said I'd never buy new due to depreciation, but used just wasn't an option in terms of availability.  Planning to keep it for 8+yrs so at least I'll know how it's been looked after.  Be interesting to see what - if anything - they replace the Avensis tourer with.

[Mr Wolf]

On 2017-6-1 at 11:50 AM, Willss said:

 Been looking for a used one for a long time and there has been absolutely nothing come up (nearly new, low mileage, good condition) for about 6 months - anywhere!

Hi Will. Knowing from a previous post you were looking for one, I wondered how you were getting on in sourcing a nearly new Avensis Tourer petrol. I have been looking too (but only for comparison price purposes) and like you I don't think I have found even one for sale! There are some higher mileage 2014 models on sale, but not many. There seems to be a complete absence of pre-facelift 2015 versions like mine, although some higher mileage diesels can be found. 

I considered buying new and remember getting a best quote of about £17,400 from CarWow in December last year. But at that time I had a realistic choice between nearly new and new and "saved" £6,500 buying used. Looking back I count myself lucky.

What I can tell you is that I couldn't be more pleased with my car. It's spacious, comfortable, well equipped with a refined engine producing over 50mpg (with very careful driving) on long journeys. I can't think of one negative aspect. Your new car is likely to be even better than mine and I hope and expect you'll be equally happy with your purchase. I'd be interested in your views on your new car when you get it as reviews of your model are few and far between!

[Willss]

I went for the Business Edition as we've got used to the rear camera and wanted several of the other features.  My local dealer beat my best Carwow quote by £1550 and matched the cheapest online seller I could find (where you still dealt with/paid the dealers direct rather than through a broker) - so very pleased.  

Really great service from the dealership (to date!), I know they're not making much at all from the sale but they have certainly got my custom for after sales stuff as well as positive reviews to everyone I speak to. 

Glad you've got on well with the car.  I've driven the diesel version so am happy with positions, controls etc and own an Auris tourer but no where could I test a newish petrol. People say it is too sluggish but on paper it's quicker than my 1.6 petrol auris tourer which I'm more than happy with so for my needs I'm sure it will be more than quick enough!

Heard good things about fuel consumption.  My 1.6 auris states 47mpg combined and I can regularly get low 50s on a run (driving like an old man) so hope the avensis won't be too far behind.

Delivery not till mid July so will let you know how I get on then.