THERE’S a lot to like about Toyota’s substantially revised Avensis, not least Toyota’s new generation of variable valve timing engines which give it plenty of clout.

These comprise of 1.6 and 1.8litre and an all-new direct injection 2.0 litre petrol. A 2.0 D4-D direct injection common rail diesel, one of the most technically advanced diesel engines on the market today completes the power line-up.

But it’s not just under the bonnet where the Avensis has seen some big changes. Lurking beneath a subtly revised skin is a much more refined car. The chassis has been tweaked to improve ride and handling. Suspensions have been adjusted, anti-roll bars modified, spring and damper rates tuned and damper top mounts strengthened to give improved rigidity. Throw in antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, which are now standard throughout the range, and you now have a desirable family motor.

Outwardly, this latest Avensis has picked up a more distinctive face, jewel effect headlamps, a chrome grille and a cleaner, deeper front bumper while round the back the restyled rear lamp clusters are complemented by a chrome boot release button and exhaust tail-pipe trim. Fifteen inch wheels are standard.

The solidly built neat and functional interior features a new centre console with a fully integrated stereo system and soft touch plastics. Heating and ventilation controls, too, have been redesigned along with the instrument panel which now gives greater clarity. Everything is where it should be and subsequently easy to use.

There is plenty of good living area inside the Avensis, which comes in three bodystyles – saloon, liftback (our test car) and estate – and in four levels of trim. Space is generous with excellent legroom in the back. The comfortable seats, although maybe just a little on the high side, offer good support.

An abundance of standard equipment on our vehicle, a 1.6 litre Liftback with Terra trim, includes front airbags for driver and passenger, keyless entry central locking, electric front windows with jam protection, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustments, 60/40 split/folding rear seats, three adjustable rear seatbelts, power steering, headlamps levelling, high stop lamp, immobiliser...the list goes on and on.

At the technical heart of the Avensis are the new generation of Toyota’s VVVT-i petrol engines which offer strong, smooth performance quietly and very economically. In addition, the engines also benefit from Toyota Direct Ignition and a new, plastic intake manifold, which reduces weight and heat transfer.

The fun-to-drive 1.6 litre driving our car is as powerful as a 1.8, offering 3.4 per cent more torque than the engine it replaced. It develops 110bhp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 150Nm at 3,800rpm for a 0 to 62mph in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 122mph. We returned a miserly 37mpg (average).

A spacious family car to enjoy.