According to Toyota, the top 10 compiled for the year in the segment would also have included several other Land Cruiser models, had the list not been limited to the highest-ranked example from each model range.

Adrian Rushmore managing editor of Glass’s Guide, said: "The Toyota Land Cruiser has never been a victim of distress marketing by the manufacturer and this has ensured used examples have been in very limited supply. It enjoys the credentials of being a durable and reliable workhorse, an image that has endured for many years."

Land Cruiser has forged its reputation for exceptional strength and lasting quality in the world’s toughest environments. The latest versions of the model remains true to the rugged principles that defined its earliest "ancestors", while making full use of advanced technologies to deliver even better off-road performance, safety and handling.

The Japanese manufacturer says revisions to its 2.0 D-4D engine have improved fuel economy by 15% to 61.4mpg while a cap on CO2 emissions at 119g/km results in cheaper road tax.

This lower VED equates to a 17% reduction in its Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rating, four points lower than the previous model, making it a more attractive prospect for business users.

A new turbocharger with lower friction bearings and an electric actuator also feature with the torque characteristics of each gear adjusted so drivers receive greater torque at low speeds.

Comfort was a prime concern during development and as such the new Avensis will bear a more rigid body with changes to the front and rear suspension. Adjustments have also been made to the aerodynamics and strategic use of extra insulation material to reduce noise and vibration in the cabin even more.

The new Avensis is on sale now.

Conceived to be a ‘driver-focused machine’, the model is built on a whole new platform with a compact, front-mounted  petrol engine driving the rear wheels. In true performance status the four cylinder ‘boxer’ engine  generates 197bhp at 7,000rpm and achieves maximum torque of 205Nm at 6,600rpm. A streamlined body helps the new car make the most of its free-revving power, with the GT 86 measuring 4,240mm long, 1,285mm high and 2,570mm wide; making it the most compact four-seater sports car available today.

Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance: the car has a near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. The flat-four engine format and the driver’s hip point – the lowest of any current Toyota production model – together give the GT 86 an ultra-low centre of gravity, at just 460mm. The design of the GT 86 successfully works within the technical constraints of achieving the most compact dimensions possible, a low centre of gravity and aerodynamic performance are inspired by motorsport technology.

Featuring a ‘scorpion’ grille the GT 86 has a powerful appearance, with further sporting details including the model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, twin exhausts and the “86” piston logo that denotes the car’s special powertrain configuration.

On board, the ergonomics and function of every element the driver interacts with have been scrutinised to make driving the car as natural, instinctive and rewarding as possible. For example, the steering wheel has a 365mm diameter, making it the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota, and it is trimmed in buckskin, developed from feedback from test drivers on how to achieve the best steering performance and grip.

The three-meter instrument cluster is arranged around a large tachometer, its design benefiting from close attention to the positioning of the displays, markings and typeface. The result is the best possible visibility and readability. The driver-focus of the cockpit is further reinforced by the carbon-effect trim, all-black roof lining, red stitching on the upholstery, aviation-style rocker switches and lightweight, aluminium pedals.

The manufacturer is planning to reveal three concepts at the show, one a near future car, one mid-term and one way out there idea.

For the near future, Toyota has produced an electric car based on the iQ, calling it the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) the model is a 4-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips. 

Toyota is developing EV technology with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012.  Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 65 miles on a fully charged battery (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

For the mid-term, the FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle – Reality & Revolution) concept, measuring 4.7 metres in length, is a practical, family sized vehicle fuelled by hydrogen. This concept model represents the next step towards the commercial launch of a Toyota fuel cell vehicle, planned for 2015.

With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed bodyshell, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and still offer impressive luggage space.  The fuel cell stack, with a 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 430 miles (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).

Finally the far out concept, is the The Toyota Fun-Vii ( Fun-Vehicle interactive internet) concept heralds Toyota’s vision of a future ‘where people, cars and society are linked’-yes we don’t really know what that means either, but we’ll know more when the Tokyo Motor Show opens on November 30, 2011.

The system will be fitted as standard to the top-spec T Spirit models while the regular Touch and Go will be a standard feature on all but the entry T₂ grade. The new Touch and Go Plus however, includes extra functions such as advanced traffic data improved mapping, and voice recognition.

Having the ability to keep connected to key communications channels while on the move will further strengthen the appeal of new Avensis to business customers, in addition to the attractive company car tax position enjoyed by the new 119g/km 2.0 D-4D diesel engine, which makes its debut in the 2012 Avensis.

Touch and Go Plus

Avensis is the first Toyota to offer Toyota Touch and Go Plus. It is designed for quick and easy use, with an advanced voice recognition system for inputting navigation addresses and “one-shot” destination entry. The on-board entertainment functions include a music search-and-play and, using a Gracenote database, a ‘Play More Like This’ music function.

Email can be sent and received and, for convenience on the move, there is a text-to-speech message function and a phonebook search-and-call facility.

The more sophisticated satellite navigation mapping incorporates 3D city modelling and landmarks, and an additional Traffic Patterns database which shows the average speed on sections of a programmed route, according to the time, day and month.

The system includes three years’ free map and software updates.

Future upgrades will enable text messages and emails to be dictated, and for the screen to display Google Search Street View.

The new Avensis range retains the same grade structure as the current model, with improved equipment specifications at every level.

The T₂ entry model now comes as standard with Bluetooth, daytime running lights, leather steering wheel and improved interior trim. These features are in addition to the established T₂ specification, which includes air conditioning; electric front windows, multi-information display, seven airbags and Vehicle Stability Control with steering torque assist (VSC+).

TR remains the best-selling core grade in the new line-up. It builds on the T₂ with Toyota Touch and Go multimedia connectivity and satellite navigation (see above), 17-inch machine-finished alloys, dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and, on versions powered by the 2.2 D-4D 150 engine, Smart Entry and Start. Cruise control, electric driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, automatic air conditioning, an Aux-in point, electric rear windows, front foglights and, on tourer models, loadspace rails and dark-tinted rear windows, remain part of the TR package.

Toyota Avensis car leasing deals

Toyota Avensis new and nearly new car deals

Toyota Avensis road test reports

New elements of the Avensis T₄ include Toyota Touch and Go with an 11-speaker audio system, leather and Alcantara upholstery, new-design 17-inch alloy wheels and a nickel and wood effect centre console. This grade also provides electrically retractable heated door mirrors and, on the saloon, rear window sunshades.

At the top of the range, the new T Spirit saloon and tourer gain the Toyota Touch and Go Plus system with 11-speaker audio system, plus daytime running lights that use LEDs in place of halogen bulbs. The premium features of the T Spirit also extend to 18-inch alloys, black leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric steering wheel adjustment, rear parking sensors and bi-xenon headlamps, plus a panoramic roof for the tourer.

The production of the new model is welcome news for British manufacturing, with Toyota injecting a £1.15 billion investment in its biggest production site in Europe since the Burnaston site first opened in 1992.

Tony Walker, Toyota Manufacturing UK Deputy Managing Director, said: “This is great news for Burnaston, we are proud to be starting work on the new Avensis, a car that is central to Toyota’s European strategy and a key model for the UK. British-built, and with petrol engines sourced from Toyota’s Deeside factory plus ultra-efficient diesels, it is a stronger market contender than ever before.”

Order books for the new model are now open with prices starting from £18, 450. The new Avensis is available in the usual Toyota trim levels of  T₂, TR and T Spirit models with deliveries to start in December. It benefits from a subtle restyling, giving the new model greater interior space . What is more, is that the top-selling 2.0-litre D-4D engine has been significantly revised to achieve lower emissions and better fuel economy: with CO₂ levels brought down to 119g/km, strengthening the Avensis’s appeal to fleet operators and company car drivers.

Toyota Avensis car leasing deals

Toyota Avensis new and nearly new car deals

Toyota Avensis road test reports

There is a small decrease in the price of T₄ models compared to the previous model, taking into account revisions to the specification, while prices elsewhere in the range remain the same. The new range starts at £18,450 for the 1.8 Valvematic T₂ saloon with six-speed manual transmission.

The model that took the production total to two million is a 1.4-litre D-4D five-door in Burning Red, destined for a customer in France. Joining with all the first and second generation Yaris manufactured since 2001, it could form a nose-to-tail queue reaching from London to beyond Kathmandu – more than 4,600 miles.

Production of Yaris – Toyota’s best-selling model in Europe – started at Valenciennes in January 2001, with an annual volume of 150,000 units. This rose to a peak of 262,000 cars a year in 2007. The factory was designed for flexible operation, with the ability to switch to a three-shift working pattern when required to meet market demand.

Following the recent introduction of the new, third generation Yaris, Toyota’s manufacturing facilities in France will return to three shifts in January next year and recruit 800 extra workers, taking the employee total at Valenciennes to 4,300. Production of the new Yaris Hybrid will also begin there next year.

Makoto Sano, TMMF President, said: "This important milestone was achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our members in TMMF. With the arrival of the new Yaris, TMMF is entering a dynamic new era. The latest model offers a promising prospect for our plant in Valenciennes."

The challenge is to create a 30-second video to reveal details of your dream trip – where you would go, who you would take with you and the one must-have item you would take with you.

Looking for originality, an inventive spirit and creativity, the judges will select three finalists who will compete for the top prize in a driving contest that promises more twists than an Alpine pass.

Toyota has supported T4 since 2006, linking into key shows such as Shipwrecked, The Big Bang Theory and Hollyoaks. Currently Saturday programming is sponsored by the Toyota iQ and Sunday schedules by Aygo, models that are small in size but big in appeal to younger drivers with modern styling, fun-to-drive character and low ownership costs.

To enter, you can enter your 30-second video to http://www.channel4.com/t4/film-tv/win_a_toyota_aygo, and it will be featured on an exclusive YouTube channel. The competition is being promoted on-screen on T4 from this weekend.

Starting from just £13,260, the new Yaris comes equipped as standard with seven airbags including driver’s knee airbag. The driver and front passenger side airbags have a new two-chamber design that improves protection with larger cushions – eight litres for the thorax/abdomen area and 4.5 litres for the pelvis.

There are also numerous features designed to reduce the risk of injuries to pedestrians. The front bumper contains energy absorbing materials that reduce the impact energy directed at a pedestrian’s legs, and a pantograph bonnet structure also absorbs energy to protect the head and body in a collision. There is a crushable cowl louvre at the rear edge of the bonnet, and the front wings have an impact absorbing brackets.

There is also a comprehensive package of active safety systems, including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Corner Stability Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control included.

The safety rating of the new model builds on the exceptional heritage, established by the original Yaris in 2000, which was named the safest car in its class by Euro NCAP. The second generation model went on to gain the five-star rating in 2005, and now the new Yaris has the distinction of achieving the highest mark.

The fundamental strength of the car’s structure is at the heart of Yaris’s ability to provide a safe environment for all occupants – adults and children. Impact forces from a front, rear or side collision are dispersed through strategically engineered elements in the body, minimising deformation of the cabin.

Toyota Yaris car leasing deals 

Toyota Yaris new and nearly new car deals 

Toyota Yaris road test reports 

For new Yaris, specific measures were taken to improve performance in side impacts, including fitting bulkheads inside the rocker panels that help ensure the efficient transfer of impact loads and reduce the risk of the rockers breaking. More protection is provided by side impact bars fitted in the doors.

In fact the car maker even managed to improve its brand performance rating by six percentage points on 2010, giving it 11th place overall in the annual study.

The report says: "Even though Toyota faced both an internal crisis and an external crisis, the company forged ahead by focusing on safety and quality, modifying its leadership structure and capitalising on its world-renown green efforts."

Interbrand calculates its rankings on analysis of three key aspects that contribute to overall brand value: the financial performance of branded products and services; the role of the brand in purchase decisions; and the strength of the brand in securing earnings for a company.

Toyota’s success has been recorded in difficult global economic conditions. Interbrand noted that those businesses which, like Toyota, had improved their performance in the report, showed their ability in "adapting to a new reality" in an uncertain business climate.