The Avensis was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating and was the safest family car on sale for a short time. All cars get nine airbags – more than any rival – including a drivers kneebag, ABS, vehicle stability control and traction control. Toyota’s MICS (Minimal Intrusion Cabin System) is designed to help absorb and disperse impact energy and minimise cabin distortion in the event of a collision.

The hatchback version of the Avensis actually looks very similar to the saloon – which may explain why it surprisingly offers less bootspace with 510 litres (the saloon has 10 litres more). Of course the big advantage in the hatchback is that it’s possible to fold and tumble the seats to give a flat-floored load space totalling 1,320 litres and access is easy thanks to the wide boot opening.

Storage up front could be better though with only narrow door bins.