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Toyota Premio has advanced telematics and an intelligent continuously variable transmission system. (Photo courtesy of Globalautoindex.com)

TOKYO — Toyota in Japan has a much more complicated model structure than anywhere else in the world. Its midsize Premio and Allion sedan models, which slot between the Corolla and the Camry, have just been redesigned. In Europe the gap between the Corolla and Camry was filled with the Avensis. Although the Avensis is now available in Japan, there’s room for yet another upper-midsize sedan in Toyota’s domestic lineup. In fact, Toyota believes there’s room for two.

For decades, Toyota’s mainstream model was the Corona, which in 2001 was replaced by the conservative Premio and the sportier Allion. Now both models have been thoroughly revamped. Mechanically, they are nearly identical to the Camry, but each model features distinctively individual styling in keeping with Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design philosophy.

The 185-inch-long front-wheel or four-wheel-drive sedans are powered by 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines mated to an intelligent continuously variable transmission system.

Features include smart entry with card and an advanced telematics service that automatically updates the car’s navigation system and also has a warning function when the driver approaches a stop sign or a school.

The company hopes to sell a combined 60,000 units of both new models.

What this means to you: Toyota is filling all niches in Japan.