TO celebrate the Avensis's first anniversary, Toyota has brought out special editions based on the S 1.6-litre saloon and 1.8-litre liftback models. The Corolla has also been enhanced with its own special edition.

The Avensis specials are called SE and have air conditioning, 15in alloy wheels and a Sony CD/tuner fitted as standard. Prices are £13,495 and £13,995 for the four- and five-door, making the Avensis SE, Toyota says, better equipped for less money than the Vauxhall Vectra Expression 1.6, Volkswagen Passat 1.6S, Ford Mondeo Verona 1.8 or Peugeot 406 1.8LS.

The special edition Corolla, the SE 1.3, is available in three- and five-door versions and adds air-conditioning and an RDS radio-cassette in addition to the features available with the entry level 16-valve injection model. Prices are £10,495 for the three-door and £10,995 for the five-door - priced lower than the similarly-specced Ford Focus 1.6I, Nissan Almera 1.4 Equation, 306 1.4L or Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Envoy.