Toyota's Avensis has struggled to stand out in a highly competitive market of large family cars. As people downsize into smaller cars, models such as the Avensis, along with favourites like the Ford Mondeo, have been forced to move upmarket. As a result they're better value alternatives to premium-badge cars like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. For the 2009 model, Toyota has dropped the hatchback version of the Avensis, perhaps in line with this loftier image (Volkswagen doesn't offer a Passat hatchback, nor Honda an Accord hatch).The Avensis looks rather more elegant than its predecessors and the interior quality is as good as any other in this class. Other notable highlights include impressively low carbon dioxide emissions from the 2.0-litre diesel and excellent overall refinement. As expected from the Japanese firm, reliability continues to be a major factor and selling point in the Avensis. What the car provides in terms of low running costs and mechanical assurance it lacks somewhat in terms of excitement. Comfort and refinement is top-notch.The Avensis has a neatly designed, if rather sober interior, with the audio and ventilation controls clearly laid out and easy to use. Cars equipped with satellite navigation have a combination of large buttons either side of the display with further touch-screen functions, leaving the dashboard uncluttered. Two-tone colours are used with lighter tones on the lower parts of the doors and dashboard, helping lend the interior an upmarket feel. The driver has a good range of adjustment to achieve the best driving position and high-spec models have electrically adjustable seats and steering column. The Avensis has a top quality interior for the money and occupants feel isolated from the outside. Wind noise and tyre noise are unobtrusive, while both petrol and diesel engines are barely audible so there's little to complain about when considering overall Toyota Avensis comfort levels. Air conditioning is standard across the range (as you'd expect in this type of car) while all but the entry grade T2 come with cruise control.