Toyota Avensis Touring Sports estate (2015-2018)

The Toyota Avensis Touring Sports is the estate version of the standard Avensis and offers a much larger boot and more spacious interior than the saloon. If you need to transport people or luggage over long distances, the Toyota Avensis estate is a great choice, with its sedate drive complementing its excellent comfort.

This third-generation model has also been moved more upmarket, while building on Toyota's enviable reputation for rock-solid reliability. It's often considered as more of a car for getting from A to B rather than something you drive because you enjoy it and has definitely failed to shake off the boring image of its predecessors, depsite a mild redesign in mid-2015.

All trim levels come well equipped, with features like air-conditioning and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Sat nav and DAB digital radio are offered on all but the entry-level Active trim, while the range-topping spec features luxury items such as a reversing camera and large alloy wheels. We think the mid-range Business Edition is the best compromise between standard kit and price.

You’ll be very comfortable inside the Avensis Touring Sports – it’s very hushed when cruising on the motorway. It’s practical, too, with more than the average amount of space in the back.

None of the engines is particularly exciting and there isn’t a wide range of power outputs to choose from. Fuel economy could be better, too, particularly from the diesels. Not all engines are available with all trim levels, either, so going for a less powerful engine could result in less standard kit as well.

Direct rivals for the Avensis estate include the Mazda6 Tourer estate, the Volkswagen Passat estate, the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, the Kia Optima Sportswagon and – if you're willing to stump up a little more cash – the cavernous Ford Mondeo estate. Prices for the Toyota Avensis Touring Sports start at under £19,000.