According to CAP, a new Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR will retain 35% of its cost new after three years and 60,000 miles – a huge uplift on the current comparable model’s 23%.

Avensis goes on sale in January in four-door saloon and five-door Tourer estate bodystyles.

Five engines will be offered – three diesel and two petrol – all of which are equipped with Toyota Optimal Drive.

This is a cover-all term for a range of measures fitted to the new engines which produce more power yet fewer emissions than the units they replace.

Toyota expects to sell nearly 12,000 models in the UK next year, of which 80% will be fleet sales.

Two-thirds of sales are anticipated to be diesels, with the 2.0-litre 130bhp D-4D unit likely to be the biggest seller.

Unlike the old Avensis, and in line with the current upper-medium market, Toyota expects the Tourer to take the majority of sales – probably 55% of all registrations.

Prices start at £15,760 – a slight increase on the old model, but predicted residual values have improved dramatically.

Toyota is taking a new approach with the fleet launch of the new Avensis model – by offering customers a free seminar on how to cope in the current financial climate.

The manufacturer is organising three regional drive events to introduce the new upper-medium saloon and estate range to current and prospective buyers at the Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Silverstone racing circuits.

While there, guests will also be able to take part in a free seminar called ‘Ten ways to beat the recession’ run by David Rawlings, of Business Car Finance.

Toyota Fleet general manager Richard Balshaw said: “We have taken this approach as a direct response from business customers who are finding it increasingly difficult to justify a day out of the office to drive new cars.

By making the events regional and including an independent fleet business seminar we are minimising the impact on customers’ time and giving them added value from the day.”

Around 200 customers will be invited to each of the three regional driving days during January.

Toyota is also organising a special driving event for contract hire company customers.

Mr Balshaw added: “This means that at least 750 existing and prospective customers will have driven the new Avensis within three weeks of its launch date.”