Its new status as the world's second-largest motor manufacturer after General Motors, Toyota is celebrating by expending its already-board model range still further; this includes the long-awaited debut of its acclaimed Lexus brand in Japan. New large sedans are about to be unveiled in Japan and in Europe the small car market has several new models due to arrive in the next year or so. Being all things to all people is a tough act to follow, though, and some industry critics are concerned that Toyota might be about to ‘do a Mitsubishi' and over-stretch itself. We reckon such fears are unfounded, and can expect consolidation of its Number Two status. Part of Toyota's success is attributable to the new brands it has launched (Scion as well as Lexus) the core strength of its success is attributable to an enviable reputation for quality and durability. They may be unexciting in appearance and specifications, but Toyotas are the Volvos of the eastern world.
CAMRY
From some angles Camry looks like Honda Accord than the Honda does. Toyota's everyman mid-sized sedan is offered in a variety of formats, all of which use the same four door sedan body shell. The XLE is at the luxury end of the market, whilst the SE does what its aggressive front spoiler suggests-behaves sportingly. This later car is by a along way the best handling. Performance from entry level engine, a 2.4 litre four, is satisfactory, but to get the best from the car it is necessary to head to top of the list and invest in a 3.3 V6.
COROLLA
An undistinguished-looking car (from some angles there is a nod to the old model Audi A3, from others a look of Mazda 3) Corolla is the world's best-selling car. Quite why nobody has been able to work out; the answer probably lies in its apparently endless number of body and driveline permutations. The smaller-engine models are underpowered but miserly with fuel, whilst the top-line 109PS variant is livelier without being too thirsty. Adding some more power to the output of the T-Sport would help matters along- but they haven't done so.
LANDCRUISER
Freshly revised, the land cruiser is a robust and dependable machine as it is best in wheelbase form; the shorter three door is a little lacking ability on tracks, and also pitches and rolls a little too much for comfort on the tarmac. The Landcruiser's reputation was forged on its ability of road, and this version continues to be as good as its predecessors were. Quality of interior trim is high is as the level of standard equipment. If you are planning to cross the Sahara or take the short route across the Alps, this is the machine that should be at or near the top of your list.
MATRIX
The first of the new wave of small MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles from Toyota the nose of the Matrix bears the passing resemblance to Europe and Japans Corolla Verso. From the side it is very distinct, with big and bold lines swaged into the body work. Two engines are offered; a 1310PS four, and highly-tuned version of that same 1.8 litre four that delivers 170PS. This later engine, when paired with six speed gearbox and sports suspension system, makes for a quite exciting time, not least because the drive goes through the front wheels only; other Matrix models have the same option of four wheel drive.
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