On a recent visit to Australia the President of Toyota’s California-based Calty Design Research Studio, Kevin Hunter, suggested the aesthetics of new models is now taking a higher priority than before. Thankfully, the bland design that characterized many Toyota’s in the past is making way for more dynamic-looking vehicles. Hunter’s west coast based design studio has already produced the mould-breaking C-HR small SUV and the striking Lexus LC luxury sports coupe – both achieving widespread acclaim. And of course the new fully imported Camry I tested recently also reflects a welcome change of emphasis from Toyota on style. As Hunter suggested “Design has a much stronger seat at the table now within Toyota’s organization and this is contributing to more dynamic looking automobiles.” Toyota’s new Global architecture modular platform now plays a crucial role in shaping more aesthetically pleasing vehicles and underpins the current CH-R SUV, the latest Camry, upcoming Corolla, Lexus LS sedan and new generation RAV4. Welcome news indeed. I’m David Berthon

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