Unlike the Progrès, the Brevis aimed at younger customers, with Toyota saying it is intended to compete directly with imports like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

The center console houses an LCD monitor and an alloy-effect sound system which consists of an on-dash CD changer, DVD and MD playback, with seven speakers on the top model.

However, dynamically speaking it can hardly match the European rivals (in Toyota's brand images, that role is left for Lexus to fulfil), even though it rides on double-wishbone suspension.

The suspension is set softer than the Lexus, steering is less direct, and its 1,550 kg (3,417 lb) kerb weight also harmed handling agility.

There is also an electric rear sunshade and a radar cruise control system to ensure a safe following distance to the car ahead in correspondence to the traveling speed.

Also included are the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, ABS, and high intensity discharge HID headlamps.