THE look of a car can sometimes put us off something that is otherwise excellent to drive and to live with.

The Toyota Avensis built up to 2009 was one of these because of its rather bland styling front and rear.

But it's a cracking car to drive with marvellous handling and beautifully informative power steering.

The road holding is excellent. It has tremendous grip even when pushed mercilessly and the ride is comfortable over the worst of surfaces at speed.

Add the fact that it's a Toyota and therefore among the most reliable and long lasting cars you can buy and it makes a great second-hand buy.

Even the 1.8 petrol engine is a gem and well man enough for the weight of the hatchback.

It has a very good 127bhp and the 2.0-litre which is next up the line has 145bhp and is just as smooth and sounds just as good.

There is also a 2.4 with 158bhp and very good turbo diesels with 114 and 136bhp.

The driving position is comfortable for all shapes, the build quality top notch and the controls all very easy. It holds value better than some in the upper medium class and so will be a little more expensive to buy.

There is plenty of space for a family of five and a good size boot with a split folding rear seat in both the hatch and the estate.