The Toyota Avensis has been a big success in the UK since the original went on sale in 1998 as a replacement for the Toyota Carina.

It quickly cut a niche, offering the sensibilities of the Carina, but into an altogether more appealing package. However, like its predecessor, it was never a car to pull on the heartstrings.

A replacement came in 2003 was a big improvement, and this, the third generation launched early in 2009.

At its launch it received a warm reaction; reviewers grateful for the effortless way it can cruise, the ease of use and a good level of equipment. And it’s dynamically far better than the second generation.

That’s not to say it’s the best handling in its class. Its key rivals, the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Vauxhall Insignia all offer more driver engagement. But the Avensis is still capable of raising a smile.

Having said that, the majority of our driving so far has been on motorways and fast-moving A-roads, where the Avensis feels most at home.

Best in class ride?

The ride is superb – among the best in its class – mainly because Toyota hasn't felt the need to fit large wheel and firmer suspension like some car makers do. Many buyers, particularly those spending hours every day behind the wheel want to feel cosseted, and arrive feeling refreshed, not like they've gone six rounds with Ricky Hatton.

Comfortable and supportive seats add to a pleasant experience. Out test car's seats have electric adjustment with a memory function which is great if you share the car with others. The steering wheel moves for reach and rake electrically, although there's no memory function here. It’s all very easy to get a comfy driving position.

Refinement is very good too, with the big diesel engine quiet for the majority of time, and road and wind noise is minimal.

The latter is testament to the car’s superb build quality, with a fit and finish as good as the very best in class.

The cabin is a very nice place to spend time, with quality materials and clear instrumentation. It’s just a shame it’s not prettier and more exciting.
That’s something that is evident with the handling. It’s competent, but lacks the almost sportscar-like responsiveness of some of its rivals. More to follow on this, as there are a few B-road journeys planned over the next few weeks.

Our Toyota Avensis fully represents the reason why British car buyers prefer large hatchbacks to large saloons. The latter may have the edge when it comes to looks, but the big-tailgated hatches win the practicality battle very time.

Big boot…or is it?

Last weekend I got four, full size interior doors in the Avensis' boot, with the lid able to shut fully. But the previous week, a cabinet half the height but twice the depth meant the boot needed to be strapped down. And an absence of obvious anchoring points made the job harder.

Our £23,000 Toyota Avensis offers an enormous amount of standard kit, with a quality sat-nav system with Bluetooth, voice activation and hard-drive music server at the centre.

The keyless entry system left me wondering how I’d ever lived without it, and simply walking up to the car turns the interior lights on – a nice touch, like the other half leaving a light on for you after they’ve gone to bed.

And the superb rear parking camera makes the Avensis easy to park for someone as ham-fisted as me; although front park sensors would help, especially with the curved front which slopes sharply.

The Toyota Avensis has a strong following, but it has always failed to pull on the heartstrings. Perhaps that has something to do with its massive competencies, for which it’s too easy to take for granted.

But our first month with the car has seen our affections grow – its incredible talent for eating up long distances is first rate.