Toyota GB hopes some of the 'halo effect' from the successful Yaris can be transferred to the Avensis, which has been revised with new engines.

Nick Higgs, Toyota GB volume cars product planner, said: “Typical Yaris customers are in their forties which surprises some in view of its young image. Yaris conveys emotion which we want to see conveyed in the whole Toyota range.”

He said Avensis, launched in January 1998, had always been seen as a rational purchase, and a step forward from the Carina E. “The next move is to rethink Toyota, and to apply something from Yaris to the whole brand,” he added.

Priced from £12,995, the model year 2001 Avensis has a range of new VVT-i petrol engines. The 1.6 and 1.8 are built in the UK and the 2.0-litre is imported from Japan. Toyota claims better performance, fuel consumption, economy and lower emissions. Revisions to the interior include an integrated audio display.