Toyota, whose new MR2 sportscar hits UK showrooms in the spring, will introduce a two-wheel drive new RAV4 as an entry-level derivative.

The 3- and 5dr RAV4, on sale in June, will cost from £15,000 to take it head-to-head with Land Rover Freelander. Also unveiled at the Geneva motor show was the all-new Previa, first complete reworking of the giant MPV since the 1989 launch. Major difference is Previa now has two sliding rear doors rather than one.

The Toyota Yaris Cabrio, which created considerable interest, was described as being “just a concept for now”. Toyota's Lexus brand will have a full model line-up of five body styles at the Birmingham show in October. They will include the RX300 SUV and new flagship LS430 which debuted at Geneva. The SC Coupe, to be shown in Birmingham, arrives early next year.

Stuart McCullough, Lexus UK director, put potential sales at 14,000 a year with the full range and estimated 10,000 this year.