Toyota has joined the ranks of price-cutting car makers by lopping up to 15 per cent off the prices of its cars.

The most significant changes are to the award-winning Yaris, Corolla, Celica sports coup and Land Cruiser models.

The Yaris will be reduced by 450 across the range starting at 6,995. The Mini MPV Yaris Verso will also be reduced by 450 to 10,545.

The Corolla, revised in January with more specification and lower running costs, will be available from 8,995 on the road, a 1,000 reduction on the S model. Corolla GS will be available from 10,795, meaning a reduction of 1,100 and the GLS will be available from 12,395, a reduction of 1,500.

The sporty Corolla SR is reduced by 15 per cent to 12,245.

The new Celica 1.8, launched in November 1999, also takes a significant reduction of 2,260 to 16,995 and 18,495 for the Premium Pack, which includes leather front seats and climate control air-conditioning.

Toyota is also reducing the price of its fun, two-seater, open-top sports car the MR2 Roadster by 500 to 17,995, reaffirming its competitive position in this niche sector of the market.