If you've been around long enough to remember when Japanese cars began arriving in Britain in force we're going way back to the early 1970s here you'll probably have memories of lusty engines, and rusty exteriors.

Not to mention those cramped and cheaply-clad cabins.

My, how things do change.

Toyota, for example, now sits among the cream of Europe's automobiles, and the introduction of the latest Avensis some six months ago underpinned the firm's march on the mass market.

Toyota aims to sell around 20,000 Avensis models in the UK up to the end of this year.

Avensis business was very brisk, too, for the September 1st plate change.

But it is entirely understandable buyers are going for the Avensis in a big way.

Sparkling quality, impressively roomy, well-appointed interiors, and economical, eager engines have helped point Toyota's flagship range towards that terrific turnover.

The saloon's street stance is one of commanding presence, with a proud, purposeful nose streamlining back towards the solid and safe seating area, finishing in a fairly brief boot overhang that belies the generous luggage space the biggest in this class.

What could be more innovative than a kneecap airbag? One of Avensis' many safety features and handy for saving the shins in a shunt.

High on the likes list, too, goes the seatbelt warning system, which gets more audible and more agitated if you don't belt up after 30 seconds on the move.

Trouble is, you won't hear the police siren sneaking up on you if you choose to ignore it.

But it is little touches such as this that helps you take the Avensis to heart. And what drives the latest Toyota?