As part of its drive to lift itself above the Japanese reliable-but-dull image, Toyota are holding several driving events at race circuits around the UK. The Car Enthusiast went along to see what was on offer.

At the Brands Hatch venue, it was obvious that some serious car buyers had turned up, but, in the car park, I also noted several Lotus Elises, a pair of Mitsubishi Evo VI Lancers and even a brand new TVR Cerbera. Are these drivers really considering trading up (down) to a new MR2 or Celica? More likely they were there to enjoy somebody else's cars on a track. For free!

Inside the purpose-built Toyota building we were greeted by a team of smiley PR people. The whole thing smacked of a regular press car launch. Complimentary cappuccinos included.

On display was a selection of Toyota models, including the MR2, a prototype Celica T-Sport, a Previa and the yet to be released Avensis Verso. Of more interest to us was the Toyota Indy car and the Formula 1 display. You are probably aware of Toyota's campaign beginning in 2002. Unfortunately, the car was not available, although a video of it in action was indeed interesting, as was the single cylinder development engine on show.

After coffee and a brief self-congratulating speech from Toyota, we were split into three groups of about thirty. First up was the actual on track driving. As it had been raining, it looked like the cars may be a handful. However, the track was soon dry. We each had a choice of cars - the MR2 (manual or semi-automatic) or the Celica (standard or 190). I opted for a manual MR2 as I feel its mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration better suits a track than the front wheel drive Celica.

The first laps were in the passenger seat as a professional driver talked me through the correct racing line and braking points. Then the moment of truth - the swap over. The pro-drivers gave a good running tutorial on track driving and I soon had the car approaching its limits, but it was all over before those limits could be tested.

The pro-driver took the wheel once more for one hot lap. It did show that the roadster is very capable, with heaps of grip on the smooth tarmac. It really took drastic driving to swing the tail out. More power could be handled by the chassis. That is not to say that there is anything wrong with the 1.8-litre engine currently used. It is smooth and responsive, if not quite sporty enough for my liking.

Talking this through with a knowledgeable Toyota representative, Toyota are happy with its position in the market place. They are not trying to rival the Lotus Elise. I doubt very much we will get more than a T-Sport version, which will encompass mainly cosmetic changes. Still, keeps Max Power in business...

An unexpected event on the day was a slalom course, designed to show off the Toyota Avensis' safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and traction and stability control. They all work as intended, making the Avensis capable and safe, if still dull. As a few of the marker cones will testify though, a car depends on four small rubber contact patches, no matter how clever the electronics.

Next up was a brief off-road course, in a Land Cruiser Amazon. We were fortunate enough to have Andy James (Ford Puma rally driver) as our instructor so talked about his rally exploits while manouvering the large Toyota over a not very challenging off-road course. Still, I'm glad that we didn't opt for the RAV4 for the job. They seemed to struggle on anything larger than a grassy knoll.

Just before lunch, we got to drive the Yaris SR on the public road. I was highly unimpressed. The car is solid, safe, and even tactile to drive, but utterly gutless. The central dash should work well, but the rev counter is useless. Overall, this car does not deserve the SR tag.

Lunch, as you would expect, was good. We left feeling that only a taster of the cars was had though. However, that taster could never be had on a regular dealer test drive. It may well be enough to make buyers choose Toyota.

If you are in the market for a Toyota, ask your local dealer about the On Track days. You'll love it.