THE Avensis has become Toyota's flagship model in Europe.
In 2004 it was named Family Car of the Year and it also picked up an award for best upper-medium sector vehicle.
So how do you top that, then? By bringing out an all-singing and all-dancing turbo-diesel!
A few years back oil-burners looked to be lagging behind petrol engines in terms of performance and green credentials.
Yet huge advances in diesel technology have seen sales of diesel cars rocket worldwide - a growing market that Toyota is now ready to capitalise on.
It has come up with two versions of a new 2.2-litre D-4D engine - one rated at 148bhp, which hit the forecourts in the summer, and the super-charged 175bhp which is out next year.
I had the 148bhp saloon for a week-long test drive and was mightily impressed. The Derby-made Avensis is a good-looking family car that hits all the right buttons in terms of spacious interior and exterior design.
Its continuing success is underlined by the fact that it became the first European-built Toyota model to be exported back to Japan in 2003. Talk about sending coals to Newcastle!
The car is extremely slick to drive, hitting 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds, and the lightweight aluminium engine offers an adequate top speed of 130mph.
Speaking of engines, these new D-4Ds have been fitted with additional insulation to reduce cabin noise. It really works as there is only the slightest of hums once you are on the move.
Handling is excellent, the six-speed gearbox is super smooth and the car corners and hugs the road exceptionally well.
As for looks, the Avensis is pleasing on the eye without being a real stunner.
Similarly, the interior is good without being great, yet it is roomy with a well-laid-out dashboard. It also has figure-hugging, comfy seats, plenty of storage space and a sizeable boot.
Safety, as with all Toyota models, is a high priority and the Avensis has won a five-star rating for the crash protection it affords driver and passengers.
But, of course, one of the main pluses with the oil-burner is fuel consumption. This model offers an average of 47.9mpg combined - an excellent figure which is sure to attract families and businesses looking for an economical motor in these times of soaring fuel prices.
The much-anticipated 175bhp version follows next year to coincide with a planned facelift for the whole Avensis range.
It will offer even more power to a car that is already a powerful player in this most competitive of markets
FAST FACTS
Toyota Avensis 2.2 D-4D T3-S 4dr
Price: £18,145
Mechanical: 148bhp, 2,231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 9.3 secs
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 156g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust