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The start point for the best source of fleet information
It's surprising how far away some petrol engines are for CO2 compared to diesels.
Toyota's focus on emissions under the Optimal Drive banner has ensured the CO2 figure for its new 149PS Avensis 1.8 petrol saloon is well below the 161g/km capital allowance point at 154g/km. Comparatively, the petrol Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia come in at 189 and 182g/km respectively.
On paper the Avensis is the only sensible choice of petrol upper medium saloon. Apart from the BMW?318i, which is in a whole other price bracket, only VW's less powerful 122PS 1.4 TSi Passat and its Skoda Superb sibling with the same engine get under 161g/km. However, the Avensis's 43.5mpg trumps all its rivals.
It's not the most exciting, but it's comfy, refined and well-built. And the costs equation is unmatched among volume petrol saloons.
Toyota Avensis 1.8 TR saloon
P11D price
£18,070
Model price range
£16,560 -£26,110
Fuel consumption
43.5mpg
CO2 (tax)
154g/km/18%
BIK 20/40% per month
£54/£108
Service interval
10,000mls
Insurance
group 7
Warranty
3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space
509 litres
Engine size/power
1978cc/145PS
Top speed/0-62mph
124mph/9.4secs
On sale
January 2009
Score
8/10
Verdict
Impressive CO2 compared to petrol rivals, but slightly lacking in character and driving dynamics
Verdict
Impressive CO2 compared to petrol rivals, but slightly lacking in character and driving dynamics