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TOYOTA what?’, asked a neighbour. He could be forgiven for not recognising the name as the Camry has not been around in this country for a while and he is quite young.

Toyota says increasing customer interest in and demand for hybrid vehicles have paved the way for its return to the UK after an absence of 15 years.

The Camry does buck the trend a little, a mid-sized full hybrid family saloon where the crossover/SUV seems to rule. But it is cheap at £31,000 for a hybrid, has headturning looks and excellent performance, matched by good economy and is packed with standard kit. Performance comes via a powerful 2.5 litre petrol engine, mated to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.

It is the eighth generation of the model and is built on the firm’s GA-K platform which means it sits lower to the ground, delivering a sleek profile. The front features a slim grille, flanked by narrow headlights, with LEDs and daytime running lights.

In addition, a much larger trapezoidal lower grille occupies almost the full width of the bumper, which the firm says are designed to be reminiscent of the twin hulls of a catamaran. It certainly gives it a distinctive look. The smart rear end and alloy wheels, complete a pleasing and contemporary design.

The interior features a mixture of dark and shiny in the shape of leather soft touch finishes, with chrome trim and a cockpit packed with goodies.

Centrepieces are seven-inch multi-function screen and leather multi-function steering wheel, while the binnacle features two large information dials, which monitor how the hybrid system is distributing the energy between engine, battery and electric motor.

The touchscreen is small, compared to some prestige competitors, but is supplemented by buttons and controls major functions such as infotainment, connectivity via Bluetooth and navigation.The power transfer can also be monitored here. There’s also a smartphone charging pad.

It definitely has an upmarket feel, with heated, powered leather seats, while the centre console houses the gearshift, two large drink holders and a large bin for odds and ends.

Standard kit on this model includes dual zone air con, footwell lights, an ambient door panel lighting and auto headlamps, smart entry and push-button start, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

On the road, the car is a comfortable place to be, with the clever petrol engine electric motor