AS a small boy I had my own personal hit parade of dream cars stored - or parked - in my head.

All were exotic, each was totally impractical and without doubt every single one would remain unaffordable...even as an adult.

When you are grown up, you still dream. And like most chaps, I still have a fictional ‘hit list' but an awareness of financial possibilities, family responsibilities and a few grey hairs have combined to temper my dreaming.

Which brings me to the harsh reality that a well-built sensibly priced estate car with plenty of space for luggage and decent economy fits the bill for many drivers.

Among the plethora of option available is the Toyota Avensis Tourer - a British-built model that has been around in various forms for 17 years.

The current version hits the mark in most respects. For a start the Insignia/Mondeo rival has loads of space with room for five adults and up to 543litres of cargo. Fold down the rear seats and the area increases to carry just over 1600litres.

Under the bonnet in the Excel 2.2L D-Cat Tourer there's a sturdy 148bhp turbo diesel engine that gives the five-door useful punch. It accelerated to 62mph in a respectable 9.8seconds and will go on to a max of 127mph.

It's not the smoothest of oil-burners with a distinct ‘chatter' at low revs, but it pulls well and the six-speed automatic gearbox takes the strain out of driving.

In fact, the Toyota's ease of passage is one of its strengths - a compliant ride, vigorous mid-range acceleration and a relaxed gait make it one of the most comfortable and least tiring family hold-alls around.

Priced at £28,740 in Excel form, basic equipment is extensive. Cruise control, boot rails, six-inch touch screen with rear view cameras, sat nav, dual climate control and paddle-shift gear change are all standard features. It also has a glass panoramic sunroof which brightens the cabin.

When it comes to economy, the 4.7metre long estate with its weighty body doesn't fare quite as well as some of its more modern challengers.

With emissions of 167g/km it manages a combined figure of 43.5mpg. My average of 37.5mpg over 500 miles will probably reflect that of a typical high-mileage business user. Servicing is once a year or at 10,000 miles and Toyota offers a five-year, 100,000 miles warranty.

The cabin impresses for its high grade materials, sturdy switchgear and businesslike air. Dials are easy to read and well positioned, although the handbrake is somewhat fiddly. Front seats are armchair-comfortable and quite supportive and front legroom is ample.

Space to stretch your legs in the rear is more restricted but headroom is generous. All round visibility is good and the front pillars, though steeply raked, don't impair vision during cornering.