Toyota Yaris

A little ahead of the Polo in sales, and still the best of the superminis from Japan. I like the character of the styling and particularly the still-innovative instruments pod with its ‘floating’ digital readout, though a couple of the readings themselves are not that clear. The engines are excellent VVT-i units which are better than most anything else in the segment and some other makers would do well to strike a deal for outsourcing their own from Toyota. A 1.4-litre turbodiesel is good, but pricey in the segment, and will maybe be better recieved when it travels over to the BMW MINI during 2003. Don’t much like the looks of the quirky Verso mini MPV, but the T-Sport is a hoot. Stars: 8/10

Toyota Corolla

Every time I drive one, I realise just how good a car this formerly humdrum nameplate has turned into. And now the full range is here, I reckon they’ll really turn it into the market force it deserves to be during 2003. I know a few who have already abandoned their beloved Golfs for this one, and with that VW staple on its runout, the next 12 months are very fertile sales fields for the Corolla. The saloon is particularly well thought out, and there’s a Verso which has its own style as well as practicality in a compact MPV, preferably with the 2-litre D-4D engine if you really want to do the distances. Stars: 8/10

Toyota Avensis

Selling top of its segment for 16 out of the last 17 years is all that needs to be said about this favourite of Dublin taxi drivers. Even when it fell behind in size against its main rivals, it still rolled out under the starry skies of the best built car in the world. A brand new one, total change in style, substance, and target market, will be here around April and offers a real threat to make further inroads against Mondeo and company. But until then, there’s a chance to get a good spec and decent price on the runout models, which have been suitably upgraded to give the most for your bucks. Too many engine and specification versions to detail, but the D-4D could still be a couple of grand cheaper if you buy before Christmas. The Verso version replaced the old Picnic and is a whole ton better. Stars: 8/10

Toyota Prius

Dowdy-looking but technologically advanced, the hybrid that really got a respectable global customer base hasn’t done so well in Ireland because of high prices. But there’s a new one coming, and you’ll be seeing the technology in many other brands shortly, including Nissan and Ford, following agreements on technology transfer with Toyota. So far, something under 30 people in Ireland decided they were prepared to pay the price to help save the planet, and they’ll have found the driving experience much better than the car looks.Stars: 8/10

Toyota Camry

You’ll see a lot more of these around int he coming year, as sales are already well up with this new model compared to the long-served old car. The Camry is big, comfortable, and actually has a very upmarket outside styling. Inside it doesn’t quite keep up to the modern idiom, but you’ll be driving in armchairs and with a reasonable number of creature confort gadgets. The 2.4-litre V6 engine is state-of-the-art and almost frugal for its size. Accommodation for the golf clubs for a foursome is more than possible, and the drive will only be taxing in the ‘death and ...’ way. Stars: 8/10

Toyota MR2

A number of minor upgrades for 2003 represent a marginal enhancement on a car those in the two-seater open-air fun market. The MR2 is probably the best in its class for a mixture of driving thrills and that little bit of extra size over the rather toy-like MX-5 and MGTFs. Not that you really get any more room for carrying luggage and overnight necessities, though. Still, more civilised (and cheaper) than an Opel Speedster, and there’s that little bit more rawness in the handling that reminds us who is supposed to be driving the car. It fits my large frame better than most others in the type. Stars: 8/10

Toyota Celica

Again there have been very minor changes, mainly cosmetic, to what is a car they don’t need to fix. Arguably the most beautiful coupe of them all, in a strong-shouldered kind of way. is a real beautiful piece of sculpted carmetal. There’s 140bhp on tap from a VVT-i 1.8-litre, which doesn’t burn any sprinting rubber. For that, there’s the 189bhp T-Sport version. Which does. Then there’s the bit they don’t advertise - that the Celica can be turned into a 2-seater van capable of bringing home a full new wooden floor from Woodies. Truly. I did it. Stars: 9/10

Toyota Previa

Extraordinarily comfortable, and the 2.4-litre petrol engine is smooth and tractable, while the D4D diesel makes much more sense for family use. This is one MPV which doesn’t suffer from the major depreciation of some of its more common cousins, and is a good buy (if you can afford it) for medium-term ownership and the need for something that will stand up to heavy duty without getting scruffy. It’s not cheap, but the money is worth it if it is the kind of vehicle you want. Stars: 8/10

Toyota RAV4

In its second generation, the RAV has become a sophisticated and very likable soft-roader, and has been performing very respectably indeed in its segment, with sales steadily rising in a dowturning market. Stylish interiors match the perky outsides, and the finish of both is excellent. The 1.8-litre 5-door probably represents the best value now, though for the long haul and less running costs, the D-4D is what we’d all like. There are 2WD versions, but only really for town and posing use, and not the best if you feel you have to go where the car looks like it can go. It’s no longer a secret that they may produce a hybrid version for the US market. Stars: 8/10

Toyota new Landcruiser

I was lucky enough to drive this one recently in the kind of landscape where it works best - the high and rocky mountains of sourther Spain. And though it won’t be here until the second quarter of the year, I reckon it will find many fans who want the best of both road and rugged worlds. It brings the latest in electronic technology to make it the most heavy-welly-proof offroader in the world. Its Downhill Assist Control is an innovation that means the operator doesn’t have to rely either either on downhill braking or engine braking on steep and slippy grades. There’s also a Hill-start Assist Control which deals both with wheelspin when trying to start uphill on a grade and also the problem of a vehicle slipping backwards while travelling upwards. This is a world first. A 3-litre D-4D is a smooth and quiet performer. Stars: 9/10