You don't expect a very colourful motoring ownership experience if all you can afford is the entry-level version of any given model line-up. That applies in the Mondeo and Vectra-dominated medium range sector as much as in any other - but perhaps it shouldn't.

That's certainly the thinking behind Toyota's Avenis Colour Collection models, priced from £14,545 (£1,100 under the normal 1.8-litre T2 entry-level point) but sacrificing nothing terms of specification and in fact adding metallic paint (normally a £325 option) at no extra cost. Body-wise, there's a choice between a five-door hatchback or a saloon.

And the 'colour' bit? Well basically, you get a wide choice of metallic hues (Eclipse Black, Silver Steel, Carlo Blue, Silver Fern and Metropolis Grey), plus you get colour-matched bumpers, mirrors and door handles. You also get a chromed front grille surround and, if you're interested, a 'Colour Collection' badge at the rear. The basic price buys you a 1.8-litre petrol-powered model but there's also the option of a 2.0-litre D4-D diesel version.

Normal Avensis features include an eight-speaker CD sound system with steering wheel controls, air conditioning, a trip computer, multi-adjustable front seats and a steering column that adjusts for both reach and rake. Security is provided by remote central double locking, an alarm and an immobiliser.

Avensis sales across Europe are on a huge roll just at the moment and one of the many reasons is that this Toyota looks so much more substantial than many of its rivals. It really does appear at first glance to be half a class bigger again, but the tape measure doesn't lie and shows the Avensis to be a mite smaller in most key dimensions than a Mondeo. That needn't matter as long as the car looks good and has a European feel. Hence this Avensis was designed in France and is being marketed solely on this continent.

"Avensis sales across Europe are on a huge roll just at the moment.."

All Avensis petrol engines, including the 1.8 used in the 'Colour collection', are sophisticated VVT-i set-ups. This is Toyota speak for variable valve timing system which offers decent torque and fuel economy at low revs and a hefty slug of power at full throttle. With more power than most rivals, the Avensis is surprisingly quick, feeling not only brisk off the mark, but also pleasantly punchy at the top end. Despite its apparent size, the Avensis weighs some 120kg less than a 1.8-litre Mondeo and as a result will nudge an average of 40mpg. The 1.8's 171g/km CO2 emissions figure is also the best in class and makes the Avensis a tempting choice for company car drivers, even those who have yet to be headhunted or earmarked for the board.

Safety has been prioritised with all models getting no fewer than nine airbags as standard, including a driver knee airbag - a UK first. Secreted beneath the steering column, this system protects the driver's knees and lower legs from injury. Step from an old Avensis into the cabin of the current car and you'll spot no significant family resemblance. The doors thunk shut like a Lexus and it was to their luxury division that Toyota looked to imbue the Avensis interior with a genuinely upmarket feel. It seems to have worked. Soft touch plastics, neat metallic finishes and a huge cabin again make the Avensis feel a class up.

Better sound insulation has reduced weight and decreased noise, but to give some illustration as to how seriously Toyota took refinement, they didn't choose the most refined car in the class - let's say the Vauxhall Vectra - as a comparison. Instead they chose the Lexus LS430 as a benchmark and claim that even at 124mph, there is zero wind noise from the door mirrors. The Mondeo and the Peugeot 407 were identified as class leaders in the area of steering feel, handling and ride and Toyota have tuned the steering for better feedback. The compact strut front suspension is similar to that of the Corolla, but the rear is a modified version of the Celica's multilink system. One advantage of this is that it reduces intrusion into the luggage bay, the saloon version featuring a 520-litre boot.

Overall, the 'Colour Collection' package works because the Avensis itself works: why else would sales be soaring? To take that package, effectively slash the best part of £2,000 off it and 'colour' it up has to be a job worth doing. Overall, a car that should be on your shopping list in this sector.

TOP 5 AVENSIS DEALS

The results below show the top AVENSIS deals on buyacar

	Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVT-i Colour Collection 4dr Spec edn Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £231	Saving £2,288	Price £12,252
	Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D Colour Collection 4dr Spec edn Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £244	Saving £2,404	Price £13,136
	Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVT-i Colour Collection 5dr Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £228	Saving £2,288	Price £12,252
	Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D Colour Collection 5dr Spec edn Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £242	Saving £2,404	Price £13,136
	Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D Colour Collection 5dr Tourer Spec edn Estate
	ETR	Mthly £260	Saving £2,514	Price £14,026

typical 12.36% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000