There are three essential elements at the heart of our products.

Quality & Reliability, Advanced Powertrain Technology with hybrid and Safety.

Speaking about quality, perhaps no model expresses it better than the Toyota Land Cruiser. With 65 years of heritage, it is synonymous with toughness and trustworthy performance in extreme environments. That's why it's known as "the only car that will take you almost anywhere and bring you back!"

I am proud to say that today it is getting even better.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the king of off-roaders,
The new Toyota Land Cruiser!

It is now the only vehicle in its class that uses a body-on-frame construction. That pure engineering quality defines its status as the 'king' among off-roaders. At Toyota, it is our philosophy to always make improvements. So we have developed a new Torsen locking differential for even better handling in slippery conditions.

In the cabin, we have a redesigned dashboard with superior quality trims and finishes, and even higher equipment levels. Ventilated front seats, heated rearseats, a heated windscreen and new Optitron instrumentation are just some of the features that have been added to the specification.

The lead engine is a 2.8-litre diesel that is fully compliant with the latest EU6 Step 2 emissions standards.

For Russia and other eastern markets, we will also be offering 2.7 and 4.0-litre petrol engines.

Safety is, of course, paramount. The new Land Cruiser comes with an expanded range of safety features and Toyota Safety Sense is also available.

Speaking about advanced powertrain, do you realise that it is now 20 years since Toyota started the electric revolution in the motor industry?

That is when we launched the first Prius, an electric car that doesn't have to be charged. It is interesting to see how the technology solutions we pioneered all those years ago...have today become a top priority for so many other manufacturers.

At the time, we said this hybrid car represented our vision of mobility for the 21st century. And we have been proved right! With Prius we defined a new powertrain architecture that we have constantly developed and improved.

Today, within the Toyota Group, we have 16 different hybrid vehicles on sale in Europe, making use of seven different hybrid powertrains. Worldwide, we are approaching eleven million hybrids sold, more than one-and-a- half million of these in Europe. More people than ever are making hybrid their first choice.

Our customers appreciate not just the tangible benefits it offers in terms of environmental performance and cost of ownership, but also the special driving quality it delivers, with smooth performance, silent running and a very low level of vibrations.

As a result, hybrids currently make up 40 per cent of our sales mix in total Europe and even close to 50% in Western Europe. That brings us close to our target of 50% hybrid mix in total Europe by 2020.

Hybrid is not a single solution rather a flexible powertrain architecture that can be adapted to suit different customer needs and driving scenarios.

For example, our Prius plug-in hybrid is based on our full hybrid vehicle architecture, but with a more powerful battery and with the addition of a mechanism for external charging. And by replacing the internal combustion engine of a full hybrid vehicle with a hydrogen fuel cell stack, you have a zero emission car, like our Toyota Mirai.

Even our future battery electric vehicles will be based on the same architecture, where you have an electric motor directly powered by a higher capacity battery.

With this kind of adaptability, hybrid is the backbone of our powertrain programme that will help us cut our vehicle carbon emissions by 90 per cent by 2050 compared to 2010. This is a key target within the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, our strategy for significantly reducing the impact of our products and our business on the worldaround us.

Continuing with hybrid, we listen carefully to our customers opinions. It is not just about hearing what they like about our hybrid technology. We also want to learn from them how we can make our hybrids even more attractive to more people.

It is exactly that kind of feedback that has made us realise there is an opportunity to introduce a higher performance hybrid powertrain. I can announce today that in future it is our ambition to provide our core models with a choice of two hybrid powertrains.

One will provide the traditional benefits of efficiency and fuel economy, like in our current offer. The second will build on this and add more power and a more dynamic driving character. We will reveal more details about these plans early next year.

The prospect of a more powerful hybrid system is part of the inspiration for the new Toyota C-HR HY-POWER design study. Revealed today here in Frankfurt, it symbolises the dynamic and fun-to-drive qualities that have helped make the Toyota C-HR such an instant success for us.

The design is the work of a team at ED², our European design studio. The aim of the designers was to give the Toyota C-HR an even more emotional, powerful look. A look that will resonate strongly with people who enjoy highly individual lifestyles.

Together with Quality and Hybrid, Safety is one of our core values. Our belief is that we should make the best technology widely available to our customers. Last year we said we would make Toyota Safety Sense available across our entire model line-up.

Today I am pleased to tell you that 92 per cent of the cars we are selling across Europe is already fitted with Toyota Safety Sense. That includes 100% of Yaris sales, in the highly cost-competitive B-segment.

Of course, the full benefits of Toyota Safety Sense will be realised as more and more cars are equipped with the technology. But already positive results are being achieved.

Our studies in Japan show that Toyota Safety Sense has reduced rear-end accidents by 50 per cent compared to vehicles not equipped with this technology. And this is not the end of the story! Our ultimate goal is zero accidents.

And the work of our Toyota Research Institute (TRI), in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Connectivity, will support the introduction of automated driving technologies, helping us to achieve such an ultimate goal.

Has our product strategy delivered? Yes (I believe so)! In the first half of this year our European Toyota group sales are up by 11 per cent compared to 2016. And that brings our Market Share to 4.9 per cent, 0.3 percentage points more than last year.

We expect to reach the one million sales mark by the end of this year. And this growth has not been to the detriment of our profit. Our quarterly financial results show an operating profit increase of 125 per cent compared to last year.

Key drivers of this growth are the successful launch of the new Toyota C-HR,which has achieved a segment share of 11% in just 10 months, and the outstanding sales of hybrid models up by 52 per cent year-on-year!

In our core models the hybrid mix is achieving very high levels 45 per cent on Yaris, 52 per cent on RAV4, 65 per cent on Auris and an exceptional 77 per cent on Toyota C-HR!

So, how are we going to sustain our business moving forward? We will maintain our sustainable growth by making ever better cars.

Hybrid will remain our key differentiator. We will expand our (hybrid) offer with more derivatives. And we will take care of our customers with an ever stronger focus on our "customer-first" approach.

Thank you for your kind attention.

I would now like to invite Koyari san, Chief Engineer of the Land Cruiser, to join me on stage for photographs.

The production model has provided the inspiration for Toyota designers to explore the possibilities for a higher powered hybrid version, with an even more impactful and emotional styling treatment. The result is the new Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, created by a team at ED², Toyota’s European design studio in the South of France.

Concept

Toyota’s intention has been to develop the styling of the Toyota C-HR to produce a very desirable vehicle that connects even more strongly with customers who have highly individual tastes and lifestyles, emphasising its stylishness and fun-to-drive character. Further exploring the “diamond” architectural theme of the production model, the new concept displays a high quality execution and attention to detail throughout. The design also reflects the presence of a more powerful hybrid powertrain, heralding a future expansion of Toyota’s hybrid programme.

Exterior

From the start of the Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept project the design team knew that they did not want to use heavy customisation or “bolted-on” elements to achieve the impact they were looking for. Instead, their skills were applied to amplifying the inherent qualities of the production car’s design through innovative use of colours, finishes and detailing. In fact, the concept uses exactly the same sheet metal as the showroom car.

Exploring the diamond theme that underpins the Toyota C-HR’s styling more deeply, the team at ED² found inspiration in the natural forces that turn carbon into diamonds and the way in which solid rock can conceal a fiery, molten core.

This thinking led to the use of a new Dark Carbon silver paint with a matt finish to accentuate the interplay between the vehicle’s sharp lines and deeply sculpted surfaces. The effect is heightened by the use of gloss black elements, including the lower front lip spoiler, the area above the Toyota emblem on the front of the car and the wheel arch trims. Dark chrome sustains this effect, witnessed in the headlamp ornamentation, window frames and in the 20-inch alloy wheels.

A dramatic contrast is struck by dazzling use of an anodised Burning Orange finish on the front pillars, the door mirror housings and an accent bar within the headlamp units. The colour is also used as a highlight within the black diamond mesh pattern of the lower grille.

The use of colour, texture and form combine to even greater effect on the concept car’s roof. A unique, “diamond-cut” film covers the entire surface in a faceted, crystalline pattern that flows from darkest black at the rear to brilliant anodised orange at the front, mixing together contrasting matt and gloss planes.

Interior

The interior carries forward the exterior themes to sustain the power of the concept’s design with a tone-on-tone approach the combines black upholstery and trim with Burning Orange details.

The highly supportive seats are finished in black leather with orange headrests and bolsters. Burning Orange yarn has been used to create a unique, asymmetrical quilting pattern of multiple diamond shapes across the seatbacks and cushions. The design is replicated on the inner door panels, which also feature orange arm rests. A further flourish is provided by the orange finish for the highlight trim that extends the full width of the instrument panel and frames the Toyota Touch® 2 multimedia touchscreen.

New high-power hybrid powertrain

The concept has been designed around the use of a new hybrid powertrain that offers more power and performance than the 122 DIN hp system featured in the current production Toyota C-HR. This reflects a significant and strategic future development of Toyota’s world-leading technology that will higher performance hybrid options being made available in all its core models. More details regarding this expansion of hybrid will be revealed early in 2018.

Interview Lance Scott, Chief Designer, Toyota ED²

Lance Scott led the team which produced the Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept.

He explains how the project was delivered.

What contribution did the ED² design centre make to the production Toyota C-HR?

Lance Scott: We were involved in the early stages of the project for both exterior and interior design. We developed the original concept exterior that was shown in Paris in 2014 and revised it for the Frankfurt motor show in 2015 as a preview of the main exterior design themes. For the interior design, our proposal was the direction selected during the internal design competition phase and was developed for production.

The production model already has a dramatic and highly distinctive design – what impact did this have on producing an even stronger look for the HY-POWER Concept?

When we started the project, we knew that we didn’t have to make any dramatic changes to the overall design. What we wanted to do was almost to purify or concentrate the unique value of the Toyota C-HR and see how we could give it further emphasis by using a new and unique colour and interior trim execution.

Did the status and success of the model have an influence on how you approached the project?

The fact that the Toyota C-HR is a key model that was recently launched and has been selling well made us aware that we shouldn’t cause any confusion with the show car. We went back to the original brief and the target customer profile to identify how we could accentuate the design while remaining faithful to its original direction.

What challenges and opportunities did the show car design process present?

The challenge was not to stray away from the qualities that define the Toyota C-HR, but to add to them in a fresh and original way. For example, we wanted to retain the high quality of the production car, so we explored different ways of expressing uniqueness in the interior. By using a high-quality leather trim with a unique gradation yarn and stitch patterns, were able to build on the fundamental qualities of the interior ambience.

How did you interpret the Toyota C-HR’s diamond design theme?

The diamond theme prompted us to think about the process by which a diamond is made from carbon. Carbon itself has very interesting qualities and the led us to producing a new fluid carbon exterior colour treatment with a look that is not matt, but not gloss in appearance either. This in turn made us think about molten materials, such has lava, which presents a powerful contrast between its cooled upper surface and red hot liquid centre. This was the inspiration for creating the roof colour and a dynamic pattern that progresses from vivid red to black.

The new Land Cruiser further enhances this reputation with new, more modern and robust exterior styling, more sophisticated, comfortable and higher quality interior design, improvements to its dynamic abilities and user-friendliness, both on- and off-road.

Featuring ergonomically optimised and functionally grouped switchgear, a new dashboard design incorporates the large, 8 inch Toyota Touch® 2 with Go multimedia system, Optitron driver’s meters, and a steering wheel switchgear-controlled 4.2’’ Multi-information Display.

On-board comfort has been enhanced through the adoption of front seat ventilation, rear seat heating and automatic climate control, an electric, heated windscreen and heated washer nozzles, reverse tilting door mirrors, and a new smart key design.

In western Europe the new Land Cruiser is powered by a 130 kW/177 DIN hp 2.8 D-4D turbodiesel. For eastern European markets the model is also available with a choice of 120 kW/161 DIN hp 2.7 VVT-i and 183 kW / 249* DIN hp 4.0 VVT-i petrol engines.

Key to the Land Cruiser’s peerless off-road capability is its highly durable, deformation-resistant, segment-unique body-on-frame construction.

Easy to maintain and repair, its combination of very high strength and proven durability not only offers a high level of damage protection, but also significantly reduced body twist, allowing the driver to optimise both vehicle positioning and control.

In addition, the body-on-frame construction efficiently isolates the cabin from suspension impacts, making even the most challenging off-road conditions more comfortable for vehicle occupants.

Helping even unskilled drivers maximise the vehicle’s off-road performance, the Land Cruiser’s all terrain support systems make it one of the most technically advanced, safe, pleasurable and easy to use four-wheel drive vehicles in the world.

No other SUV can offer the new Land Cruiser’s unique combination of off-road performance and on-road dynamics. Its powerful road presence and high levels of on-board technology hallmark it as a premium 4x4 with the perfect blend of go-anywhere capability, comfort and refinement.

Wherever you want to go, Land Cruiser will take you there. And bring you back.

MORE DYNAMIC, MODERN AND ROBUST STYLING

The exterior design of successive Land Cruiser generations has always combined the stylish aesthetics of a vehicle entirely at home in any environment with the robust image of durability and power expected from a genuine four-wheel drive machine.

The new Land Cruiser builds on this proven, trusted formula with a new design which is visually more agile and dynamic, yet maintains three core strengths essential to the vehicle’s renowned go-anywhere credentials:

Total Practicality -with headlamps and cooling openings positioned to maximise both protection and wading depth; Total Durability -with the powertrain and all functional parts well protected; and Total Capability -with the tight turning circle and generous ground clearance essential for even the most demanding off-road driving.

The new Land Cruiser’s overall length has increased by 60 mm to 4,840 mm (4,565 mm for the 3-door model). It boasts exceptional manoeuvrability, with a minimum turning circle of just 5.8 metres (5.2 metres for the 3-door model).

With newly designed bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps, front bumper and fenders, the front of the Land Cruiser draws on several structural elements from its unique design heritage.

The bonnet has been shaped to enhance downward visibility at the centre. In order to protect the engine bay, it is sandwiched by the bumper sides. Incorporating integral fog lamps, the lower part of the bumper corners kick upwards and the centre section has been shaped like a skid plate to enhance off-road manoeuvrability. And the fender tops have been raised to help drivers more easily locate the vehicle extremities.

Organised into a powerful, single graphic form, the radiator grille and headlamps have been placed high for greater off-road functionality. The grille openings are as large as possible to allow for optimum engine cooling performance, while the headlamp main beams are positioned inboard to avoid damage from obstacles during off-road driving.

In keeping with Land Cruiser heritage, the grille itself features broad vertical bars with slit-shaped cooling openings finished in chrome. Integrating high and low beams, a front turn signal lamp and Daytime Running Lights (DRL) within a distinctive casing, the headlamp clusters may be equipped with either halogen or LED/halogen headlamps, the latter incorporating LED DRL.

Reinforcing the Land Cruiser’s broad, powerful stance, the sharply trimmed lower section minimises the effect of the front overhang on the vehicle’s off-road driving approach angle. Allied to a minimum ground clearance of 215 mm (205 mm for 3-door models), the 31 degree approach, 25 degree departure and 22 degree ramp breakover angles, ensure the model’s off-road abilities.

In profile, the front bumper peak has been raised, and the bonnet, fender line, front bumper and rear bumper are now aligned on the same horizontal axis, giving the new Land Cruiser a more athletic and dynamic posture. The vehicle profile is further enhanced by a choice of six-spoke 17” alloys with new, low RRC (Rolling Resistance Coefficient) tyres, high gloss painted 18’’ alloys, or a new, 12-spoke, machined finish 19’’ alloy wheel design.

To the rear, new elements include a redesigned lamp cluster featuring an LED stop light, a smaller rear garnish plate incorporated within the number plate surround, and a restyled bumper with a kicked up base to the protruding corners.

The new Land Cruiser is available in a choice of ten body colours, including two newly available –Midnight Emerald Blue and Avant-Garde Bronze metallic.

HIGHER QUALITY INTERIOR

The interior of the new Land Cruiser features revised dashboard styling incorporating new designs for the driver’s instrument binnacle and centre console. It combines improved operability with the refined finish appropriate to a premium quality all-terrain vehicle.

The drivetrain-, driving- and comfort-related switchgear has been clearly separated into function-specific zones and ergonomically optimised for ease of use under even the most extreme conditions.

The top of the new centre console tower has been lowered for a more sleek appearance and improved front visibility when driving off-road. It incorporates a new, larger 8’’ full-colour multimedia screen, a flush-surface air-conditioning control panel and the drivetrain-related instrument cluster.

Behind a new leather-clad gear lever reshaped for greater comfort, the driving- and comfort-related switchgear are clearly divided into separate panels for ease of use. The latter now includes heating and ventilation to the front seats.

Finished with a Silver Hairline texture that creates the appearance of sculpted metal, the centre console tower is cushioned between soft pads that support the occupants’ knees.

In the redesigned, four-gauge driver’s instrument binnacle, the precision Optitron meters feature a metallic base panel and spin polished dials with raised scale markings. They flank a 4.2’’ TFT colour Multi-information Display which provides drivers with comprehensive vehicle and infotainment data. Controlled via steering wheel mounted switchgear, the display features on-screen content including driving, vehicle, navigation, audio, driver assistance and warning message information.

The steering wheel itself is also new, now matching that found in Land Cruiser V8 models.

The heightened luxury and sophistication of the new interior design has been further enhanced by new, white illumination for the instrument panel, centre console and door switchgear. And a new interior lighting scheme incorporates LED front footwell, roof head lining and glove box lamps, and door panel illumination for a high quality cabin ambience.

The new Land Cruiser’s interior features a choice of three colour schemes -Black, Brown/Black and newly available Premium Beige. A choice of trim finishes completes the premium quality cabin ornamentation –a silver Hairline metallic finish matching the centre console treatment and newly developed Light Brown or Dark brown wood grain.

DIESEL AND PETROL POWERTRAINS

The 2.8 D-4D is a 2,755 cm³, 16 valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine which develops 130 kW/177 DIN hp at 3,400 rpm. Mated to the 6-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain develops an impressive 370 Nm of torque at only 1,200 rpm, and a maximum 450 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. It will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 175 km/h. Average fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are 7.4 l/100 km and 194 g/km respectively.

When mated to the 6-speed manual transmission, the Land Cruiser 2.8 D-4D develops a maximum 420 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 2,600 rpm. It will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 175 km/h while returning an average fuel consumption of 7.4 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions of 194 g/km.

The proven, 2,694 cm³ petrol engine generates 120 kW/161 DIN hp at 5,200 rpm and maximum torque of 246 Nm at 3,900 rpm. When mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 2.7 litre unit achieves a top speed of 165 km/h and an average fuel consumption of 12.3 l/100 km. When matched to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, maximum speed is 160 km/h and average fuel consumption 12.5 l/100 km.

The 4.0 VVT-i petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and develops 183 kW / 249 DIN hp at 5,600 rpm and 381 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

EXPANDED RANGE OF SAFETY FEATURES

High grade Land Cruiser models with automatic transmission come equipped with ‘Toyota Safety Sense’, a set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

Combining a camera and millimetre-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, the Land Cruiser’s Toyota Safety Sense system features a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a Pedestrian Detection function, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beam (AHB) technology.

Further driver support and safety enhancing systems include a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and an upgraded Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS).

*207 kW / 282 DIN hp for models sold in Ukraine

Development at the Nürburgring

Right from the completion of the first Yaris GRMN concept in 2015, a prototype was sent to a Toyota facility close to the legendary Nürburgring race circuit in Germany. Here a select group of Toyota tuning specialists from Europe and Japan have honed the car’s handling and performance, working both on track on the famous Nordschleife and on the wide variety of roads found in the immediate neighbourhood – from ultra-fast Autobahns to tightly winding mountain routes. Toyota’s belief is that if the car can prove its capabilities in this environment, it can do so anywhere.

The name GRMN itself declares the special efforts that have been invested in the car, standing for Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of the Nürburgring. The team working on the car have developed their skills through participation in motor sport, working side-by-side with racing professionals, and through sports car development programmes. They have also been able to draw on the experience gained by Toyota Gazoo Racing from competing at the circuit.

Even since the car’s show debut in Geneva, work has continued to define the optimum shape of strategic areas of the bodywork. Every part has been painstakingly reconfirmed so that the Yaris GRMN is in perfect trim for the start of production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France’s Valenciennes plant this autumn. Production will be supervised by a team of TMMF’s most skilled members and each car will undergo a special quality control check, including a specific test drive.

Engine and performance

The heart of the Yaris GRMN is its 1,798 cm³ four-cylinder engine, a 16-valve unit equipped with a Magnusson Eaton supercharger and Dual VVT-i intelligent variable timing for both inlet and exhaust valves. The 2ZR-FE unit is built by Toyota Manufacturing UK and has been specially adapted for use with the smaller Yaris platform.

With a 10:1 compression ratio, it delivers a maximum 212 DIN hp (156 kW) at 6,800 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm at 5,000 rpm. Driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, the engine enables nought to 100 km/h acceleration in around 6.3* seconds; top speed is electronically limited to 230 km/h.

Installing the supercharger presented a particular challenge, as only very limited space was available in the Yaris GRMN’s engine compartment. The packaging solution combines the supercharger, cooling and air intake together in a single, space-saving stacked unit. Cooling is crucial, so there is an intercooler for the supercharger and an oil cooler, both located in front of the radiator, and an enlarged air intake to support better engine breathing. The fuel system has also been upgraded, using components from a V6 engine.

With kerb weight kept down to just 1,135 kg, the Yaris GRMN achieves the best power-to-weight ratio in its class at 5.35 kg per 1 hp.

Chassis and handling

To ensure the Yaris GRMN’s power is transferred smoothly to the road, the car is equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential. Chassis stiffness is enhanced with a lateral bar across the engine bay, between the front suspension towers, with further front and rear chassis underbody bracing.

Shorter springs allow the car to hug the ground more closely (24 mm lower than the standard Yaris) and these are teamed with dedicated performance shock absorbers, developed with Sachs, and a larger diameter (26 mm) front anti-roll bar. The suspension is a development of the Yaris’ front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam design.

To achieve razor-sharp braking controllability, the 275 mm-diameter grooved front disc brakes are fitted with four-piston callipers; 278 mm discs are featured at the rear. The callipers are a stand-out feature, painted in signature Toyota Gazoo Racing white and visible through the slim spokes of the alloy wheels.

The wheels are 17-inch BBS lightweight multi-spoke alloys which not only save weight but also provide sufficient space for larger brakes to be used. Fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 205/45R17 tyres, they also contribute to the Yaris GRMN’s very precise steering feel.

Performance exhaust system

The exhaust has been fully reworked, a task that had to be achieved within very tight space limitations, and with careful attention to underbody heat management. The goals were to reduce exhaust back pressure and control emissions and noise levels. Success in this task has enhanced engine power and produced a rousing exhaust note. The design has also helped reduce the car’s overall weight.

Body and styling

Like its world rally counterpart, the Yaris GRMN uses a three-door version of the new Yaris bodyshell. It introduces a number of dedicated features including a black, wing-type rear spoiler, bespoke rear bumper design, rear diffuser, honeycomb front grille and – again echoing the rally car’s styling – a central oval exhaust tailpipe.

It also sports a special paint finish – white with red and black flash detailing on the bonnet and sills, echoing the livery of the Toyota Yaris WRC, and a black roof with a unique-in-segment black shark fin antenna. The front lip is picked out in red and the LED headlights are given extra visual impact with the addition of a black upper ornamentation.

Cabin design

The cabin is equally an expression of the car’s performance focus, with front sports seats designed specifically for the car by Toyota Boshoku, providing best-in-class body holding and support.

The authentic performance details include an engine start button and a small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sourced from the Toyota GT86 coupe and further adapted to suit the special requirements of the Yaris GRMN. There is also an aluminium sports pedal set, aluminium trim detailing and a bespoke, high-grade combimeter with TFT display, designed to reflect the car’s special performance character.

Sales and pricing

Just 400 Yaris GRMN will be available to European customers, including both right and left-hand drive models. The price is €29,900, with market variations for taxes and other local factors.

* Subject to final homologation

Toyota is unveiling further developments of the Auris range at the Frankfurt motor show that will strengthen and widen its appeal in the highly competitive market for compact hatchbacks and wagons. These include the new Auris Touring Sports Freestyle edition and the 2018 model year Auris range.

Hybrid leading Auris’ success

Toyota’s petrol-electric hybrid technology was introduced to the first generation Auris range in 2010 and has steadily increased its share of sales. More and more customers are making it their first choice in preference to conventional petrol or diesel powertrains. Toyota hybrid technology has always been renowned for delivering low emissions and strong fuel economy, but there is also strong user-appeal in its quiet and relaxing drive quality.

In 2016, hybrid versions of the Auris hatchback and Touring Sports accounted for almost 60 per cent of the models’ total European sales. This year the rate of growth has increased further, with almost two thirds of Auris buyers choosing a hybrid.

Toyota has sold more than 1.26 million Auris in Europe across both generations of the model, with around 400,000 of these being hybrid versions. Significantly, the current model has increased its sales volumes every year since its introduction in 2012, reaching more than 144,000 units in 2016.

Auris Touring Sports Freestyle edition

Smart urban styling features distinguish the Auris Freestyle, a new interpretation of the successful Auris Touring Sports wagon.

This special edition model features black wheel arch covers and side skirts, and front and rear underbody protection with an aluminium finish. The purposeful appearance also includes a black front grille, rear privacy glass and bright silver door mirror covers, plus five double-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a black and machined silver finish.

In other respects, the new Freestyle model offers customers all the established benefits of the Auris Touring Sports, including an exceptional range of hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains and a generous loadspace that extends to an impressive 1,685 litres with the rear seats folded – ideal for those who need plenty of room for sports and lifestyle kit.

The Freestyle will be offered as a limited edition model, on sale in European markets from December.

2018 Model Year Auris

The Frankfurt motor show provides first sight of changes to the Auris range for the 2018 model year. The new features amplify Auris’ established quality and style, adding extra contemporary and sporty appeal to the exterior.

The colour choice is extended with a new blue colour available for the popular Auris Bi-tone models. There will also be a fashionable Manhattan Grey option, a new metallic shade that has a more subtle, deep tone rather than a glossy look. This will be available as a full bodywork finish and will also be added to the choice available for Bi-tone models, in an eye-catching combination with a contrast black roof, shark fin antenna, rear spoiler, door mirror housings and front grille. Black side sills will be available as an option and the new black grille will also become a feature of Auris Style grade models.

“Roads train people, and people make cars”; that ethos has been the backbone of the Five Continents Drive project. It is about enabling engineers to get out from behind their work desks to feel the road, to experience first-hand how vehicle performance is impacted by the wide variety of driving conditions around the world and to gather new insights. By connecting with customers in a meaningful way and listening to their feedback, Toyota can better understand their needs and usage patterns.

The Five Continents Drive matches Akio Toyoda’s desire for Toyota to create cars that are fun to drive. “I wanted to change how people who work at Toyota feel through the Five Continents Drive,” he said. “If we try to create cars that will sell simply as a business, we will end up becoming a company that pursues this alone. We can’t build cars if we only take data from the test course. This is why we have to face the roads and the harsh environments in which our customers use our vehicles. The valuable information that we gain will improve the skills of our engineers and help us to create Ever-Better cars.”

INSPIRING FEEDBACK

The first two continents covered on the Five Continents Drive have been completed safely with resounding success and inspiring feedback from those who have participated. From Australia to North America and, most recently, Latin America, nearly 70,000 km of roads, some previously unchartered, have been covered in the pursuit of creating better, cleaner and safer vehicles.

The Five Continents Drive began in 2014 with an opening leg in Australia, where 80% of the most demanding types of roads on the planet can be found. The team travelled cross-country through vast and rugged terrain starting and finishing in Melbourne, home of the Toyota Motor Corporation

Australia headquarters. The expedition took in 20,000 km over 72 days and with 13 vehicles.

The Ever-Better expedition continued into North America in 2015 covering 28,000 km over 109 days with 24 vehicles from across the Toyota range. The expedition was split into two sections with a summer leg starting in Texas, and a winter itinerary venturing into the icy Canadian and Alaskan climate.

In 2016, the journey moved into Latin America, with three legs covering 20,000 km over 78 individual days and 16 different vehicles used. Divided into three parts, the opening leg covered Brazil to Paraguay, the second took in Chile, Peru and Bolivia, and the concluding part covered Argentina and Uruguay.

This year, it’s the turn of Europe. The seven-year cycle will then progress onto Africa and into Asia where the project will conclude in 2020 in Japan. That year will see Tokyo host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Toyota is a TOP partner for the Games, providing sustainable mobility to the entire Olympic and Paralympic movement.

ENGAGING ALL SENSES TO BUILD EVER-BETTER CARS

The Five Continents Drive project is being run under the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing umbrella, as the global brand for Toyota’s motorsport operations.

Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder of Toyota, once said that motorsports are vital to the evolution of car making and the entire auto industry. This belief has been passed down over the generations and embodied most recently as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

It represents the company’s commitment to overcoming every limit in the pursuit of creating Ever-Better cars through motorsport. What we learn at the very limits of performance, we seek to transfer into benefits for everyday driving.

But the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing spirit goes even beyond this. Characterised by the ultimate goal of creating Ever-Better cars, the Five Continents Drive project exists to directly develop human resources by exposing participants to the most varied and challenging road conditions around the world. This experience is much more than visual; it’s about sharpening each of the senses to “feel” the roads and cars together and, as a consequence, to develop the skills to make Ever-Better cars.

ONE PASSION, ONE TEAM

By uniting Toyota team members across all continents, the project aims to increase collaboration globally. Driving in a convoy of some of Toyota’s best-loved models, the project is the ultimate test of real vehicles in the real world.

The itinerary takes in some of the most punishing terrains that each continent has to offer, visiting key Toyota facilities on the way. It’s not just going down the paths well trodden; it is about encountering the unknown, and finding new places to drive.

Expedition teams have encountered harsh roads and revived Toyota’s passion and hungry spirit. Driving distances farther than they had driven before, the teams of engineers were able to bring back the intrinsic fun of cars. Thinking about cars holistically and realising that these vehicles are built by their peers, they got a sense of how well loved Toyota cars are by their owners. It is about unity: creating Ever-Better cars that exceed customers’ ever-higher expectations irrespective of culture, values and customs.

FIVE CONTINENTS DRIVE IN EUROPE

Europe is one of the world’s most complex and progressive territories. It is as culturally diverse as it is environmentally with over 30 languages spoken.

Known as the birthplace of the automotive industry, Europe offers a totally different set of challenges and opportunities to the continents that have preceded it on this project. Europe’s unique blend of politics, history, culture and laws has shaped the driving conditions in each of its countries.

The Five Continents Drive route for Europe, which has been developed based on input from a knowledgeable group of Toyota technicians and engineers, tackles the widest cross section of the continent. All in all, more than 20 countries will be visited across two legs over a distance of 19,000 km.

The precise route has been split into two distinct periods, one specifically for the summer months and one for the more treacherous winter conditions. In doing this, the convoy can capture the complete range of climatic conditions that Europe has to offer: from the searing summer heat in Portugal to the claustrophobic humidity in urban city centres and onto the frozen wintry roads of Scandinavia.

The eight-week summer itinerary covers around 13,000 km in the western and southern countries, before arriving at the Toyota Motor Europe headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The route takes in some of Europe’s most iconic road types, from winding mountainous passes over roundabouts and cobblestones to narrow streets in bustling city centres and the high-speed Autobahn in Germany.

A second four-week winter expedition will take in the north and east, covering 6,000 km. Starting in Copenhagen, Denmark, it will conclude at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team factory in Puppola, Finland.

SYMBOLIC NÜRBURGRING

The summer expedition also put vehicles to the test on the world famous and technically renowned Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Acting as the midway point in the first route, the venue plays a poignant role for Toyota through its attachment to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

“GAZOO Racing” first entered the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2007. Known as the world’s most punishing racetrack, the Nürburgring is symbolic of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, just as it marked a key point in our Five Continents Drive.

With its intense up-and-down hills and rough road conditions, Nürburgring is the only track in the world that features the same environment as the general road. It’s said that running ten laps at Nürburgring is the equivalent to traveling 800 km on public roads. It is arguably the best track in the world to test the limits of both man and machine.

The Nürburgring is known as the “Holy Land” to automobile manufacturers, many of whom conduct test drives of their vehicles. The mountain terrain is utilised well, with a 300 m difference in height and elevation of 17%.

It is precisely the track’s unique challenges that make it such a spiritual place for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing; a place where we can learn and improve.

LONG-LASTING AIMS 

When the winter convoy reaches the finish line in Finland later this year, it will not mark the conclusion of the Five Continents Drive in Europe. All the valuable information, customer feedback and driving experiences gathered by the team will be shared across the organisation worldwide to move one step closer towards the company’s mission of making Ever-Better cars.

First released in 1968, and one year later throughout Europe, the legendary Toyota Hilux is the world’s favourite pick-up, currently selling in 180 countries and regions throughout the world. To date, it has recorded cumulative global sales of over 18 million units.

Renowned for its Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR), the unstoppable Hilux has proved its invincibility time and again, having conquered the North Pole, Icelandic volcanoes and the Antarctic continent, and also achieving podium finishes in the Dakar Rally Raid.

The Hilux 'Invincible 50' show car embraces the growing market for dual-usage vehicles in the pick-up segment. It reinforces the model's worldwide reputation for toughness and QDR with a range of bespoke accessories which not only make it instantly recognisable as a special edition vehicle, but are also ideally suited to a broad range of both professional and leisure activities.

Externally, the vehicle features matt black high over and side bars, a black front under-run, and black wheel arch mouldings housing unique 18" matt black alloy wheels fitted with robust All Terrain tyres from BFGoodrich -the company which supplies race tyres to Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser Dakar vehicles.

On board, the Toyota pick-up show car further benefits from a plastic bed liner and a large tool box, model-specific scuff plates, floor mats and a leather hand brake.

Reflecting its ability to satisfy the needs of a growing range of leisure, business and dual-usage pick-up customers, Hilux European sales are expected to top 40,600 units in 2017, beating the previous record of 40,104 set in 2007.

Toyota’s unique 65 years heritage and QDR* Leadership is embodied by the world premiere of the new Land Cruiser. Featuring a segment-unique body-on-frame construction, the new Land Cruiser will take you wherever you want to go. And bring you back.

In addition, the Toyota stand will also feature the hot hatch Yaris GRMN and the new Auris Touring Sport “Freestyle”, which brings a higher degree of personalisation to the Auris line-up.

The Toyota Press Conference takes place at 08:50 on Tuesday September 12^th, on the Toyota stand in Hall 8.

* Quality, Durability and Reliability

In 1997 the original Toyota Prius was launched with the declaration “just in time for the 21st century”. As the world’s first mass-produced hybrid-powered car, it was true to the Latin roots of its name in being ahead of its time.

That first car was a small four-door sedan, powered by a new hybrid system featuring a combination of 1.5-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and 33 kW electric motor. Headline efficiency figures were 120 g/km CO₂ emissions and an average 5.1 l/100km fuel consumption. This initial package was comprehensively redesigned and improved in the second generation model in 2003, with considerable gains in power and efficiency, plus a larger, more stylish, comfortable and practical hatchback design. The improved hybrid system adopted a hybrid battery pack that was smaller and lighter and offered a higher energy density. The fuel economy improved by 15 per cent to 4.3 l/100km and CO₂ levels fell to a new low of 104 g/km.

The current Prius made its debut in 2009, delivering an even stronger combination of power and efficiency. The hybrid system’s output was now more than a third greater than in the original model, while at the same time CO₂ emissions had fallen by a quarter and fuel consumption was 23 per cent better.

The first generation Prius created the hybrid vehicle market, the second generation raised the model’s popularity with a more advanced image, and the third generation secured mass-market success, helping Toyota progressively roll out hybrid power into its mainstream model ranges.

In its first 18 years, the Prius has reshaped the motoring landscape, bringing hybrid technology into the mainstream market and helping focus the attention of industry and consumers on how cars can be made cleaner and more efficient. The way in which people have come to understand, appreciate and adopt Toyota hybrid power is witnessed by more than eight million cumulative sales of Toyota hybrids worldwide since 1997, including more than 3.5 million Prius. The growth rate has accelerated in line with the technology’s higher visibility and the availability of an increasing range of vehicles covering different market segments. The fourth generation Prius will add further impetus to hybrid’s market appeal, achieving its strongest environmental performance yet, while delivering much improved styling and driving dynamics.

Toyota’s experience with the Prius has been central to its development of hybrid as a foundation technology for alternative powertrains, not just with conventional gasoline and diesel engines, but with biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells as well. The basic technical premise that gave Toyota its breakthrough with Prius continues to support development of new mobility solutions, from the all-electric urban i-Road to Mirai, Toyota’s first hydrogen fuel cell saloon.

The Market

The new car market has changed greatly in the 18 years since Toyota introduced the original Prius and set in motion its hybrid technology programme. Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to protect natural resources have not only shifted people’s perceptions of how a vehicle should perform, they have been reinforced by national and international legislation requiring manufacturers to reduce vehicle emissions.

These changes have helped Toyota hybrids establish themselves in markets worldwide and have also given impetus to other manufacturers in the development of rival hybrid systems and other alternatives to conventional gasoline and diesel engines, such as all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Hybrid has become Toyota’s key competitive advantage, the principal quality that differentiates it from other manufacturers and which gives it a specific strength in the marketplace. This is reflected in the fact Toyota hybrids make up more than 50 per cent of all the alternative powertrain vehicles sold in Europe – more than all the other hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles combined.

The way in which hybrid has become a driver for Toyota’s success in Europe’s core new car market segments is evidenced by sales figures for 2014 which show hybrids accounted for 55 per cent of all Auris sales and 33 per cent of Yaris sales. Furthermore, hybrid is bringing more new customers to Toyota, with these models attracting significantly high levels of conquest sales from other brands – up to 63 per cent for Yaris Hybrid and 51 per cent for Auris Hybrid.

Toyota believes hybrid’s market potential will increase further, with more people taking up the technology as the emissions performance of conventional gasoline and diesel engines come under closer scrutiny and legislative control. At the same time, more manufacturers are following Toyota by introducing their own hybrid models, increasing competition and giving customers a wider choice.

Toyota will continue to enjoy the advantage of offering a full hybrid system, in which the electric motor can operate independently of the petrol engine. This allows the car to be driven in all-electric EV mode when possible, with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. These benefits are not available in “mild” hybrid systems, in which the electric motor can be used only to support the performance of a gasoline or diesel engine.

Toyota believes that continuous improvement of its full hybrid technology will enable it to strengthen its market position, ahead of the wider uptake of alternatives such as plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles. Key challenges in securing this growth are to strengthen environmental performance while increasing the attractiveness of hybrids as desirable cars that are fun to drive. These qualities are fundamental to the new Prius, which sets new benchmarks for environmental performance while making a stronger emotional connection with customers through improved styling, quality and driveability.

THE THREE PILLARS OF THE NEW PRIUS

The new Prius is founded on outstanding hybrid technology, delivering unprecedented efficiency and environmental performance. But beyond these credentials it embraces stronger emotional and performance qualities that give it wider and greater appeal to customers who appreciate eye-catching, original styling, high levels of sensory quality, practicality and a driving experience that is genuinely fun and rewarding.

The realisation of these qualities in the new Prius is based on three pillars: the Toyota New Global Architecture, design and styling, and a new generation full hybrid system.

Toyota’s First TNGA Platform

The new Prius is the first model to use a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. This plays a defining role in the car’s essential fun-to-drive quality, giving new Prius a lower centre of gravity compared to the current model, which in turn allows for an improved driving position.

It makes a significant contribution to improved driving dynamics – beyond what might be expected of an eco-car. This quality is further supported by a body that is 60 per cent more rigid than before thanks to extensive use of high-strength steels and additional reinforcement to the centre pillars’ lower structure and the panel connection. The result is superior, direct and responsive handling, without having to use firmer suspension settings.

Double wishbone rear suspension

The new double wishbone rear suspension plays a significant part in this, producing one-third the level of shock when driving on uneven roads compared to the current Prius. To achieve better handling with more direct response, the front MacPherson strut suspension has been revised with an increase in the incline angle of the shock absorbers and the use of slant bearings.

The chassis is fully able to harness the more responsive acceleration provided by the new full hybrid system. Greater stability is maintained, body roll is much reduced in high-speed lane changes and performance is smoother on rough surfaces. On winding roads, new Prius holds easily to the driver’s intended line and there is outstanding straight-line stability when driving at speed.

Improved safety with TNGA

Safety is a key consideration in the development of the new TNGA platforms, not just in terms of secure, stable handling, but also in improving the driver’s vision. The view from the steering wheel of new Prius is significantly wider and deeper than in the current model and rearward vision is improved by the wider curve of the rear glass.

The platform has been optimised for excellent performance in independent international crash testing, including Euro NCAP.

Styling and Design

New Prius is not simply “another green car,” its design and high quality throughout give it greater emotional appeal and a powerful, desirable presence, underpinned by the fundamental strengths of the new TNGA platform. As Toyota’s most advanced car, it is appropriate that it is an image leader and the intention has been to produce a design that makes an immediate impact.

The car’s new low-slung stance – made possible by the TNGA platform – suggests an excellent driving performance, supported by a distinctive new body silhouette that is both athletic and aerodynamically efficient. The result is a “human-tech” design with strong emotional quality, fully exploiting the opportunity presented by the car’s lower centre of gravity.

Exterior

The design theme for the new Prius has been to capture in the contrast created between the rich curves and hard surfaces of the bodywork. The result is a new form that stands out with its smooth yet sharp use of lines.

The frontal design is true to Prius’s heritage in making the Toyota emblem a strong focal point, but it also makes an impactful visual statement about its more advanced design and performance with a much lower hood height. New headlights have permitted slimmer, more striking headlamp units to be designed and these combine with an intricate but unfussy treatment of the fog lights and air intakes to give the car a distinctive and intelligent appearance

In profile, the Prius displays a silhouette that is lower and more athletic. The TNGA platform has allowed for significant reduction in height in key areas to create a lower, more dynamic appearance. The overall height has been reduced by 20 mm compared to the current Prius, to 1,470 mm. The peak of the roof has been moved forward, and the belt line has been dropped, emphasising the car’s stronger dynamic qualities. The new model retains the 2, 700 mm wheelbase of the current Prius, but is 60 mm longer overall at 4,540 mm. It is also 15 mm wider at 1,760 mm.

New Prius has a unique aerodynamic treatment to the rear section of the roof, which supports the clean flow of air over and away from the vehicle. The new TNGA platform is also designed for the smoothest possible airflow beneath the car. In combination, the car’s low wind resistance features secure a world-class coefficient of drag.

The rear end design flows strongly from the rear spoiler down through the bumper, with the wheel placement further emphasising the car’s firmly planted stance. The slim, striking combination lamps have been moved to the outer edge of the car, following a sharp angle that is accentuated by the distinctive, unbroken line of the red LED tail lights.

Toyota has produced a vibrant colour palette for new Prius with seven exterior finishes available, including a new shade, Emotional Red.

Interior

“Peace of mind” is the theme for the cabin, which is designed to be a welcoming, quiet and comfortable space, with a dashboard that wraps gently around the driver and which flows almost seamlessly into the door panels. The number of different parts that make up the instrument panel has been reduced, for example the piano black section is now a single unit. This creates a strong visual contrast with the areas of the dashboard and door panels, finished in a high-quality white material that is soft to the touch and scratch-resistant.

The fine attention to detail can be seen in elements such as the air vents, while the high ergonomic quality extends to intuitive positioning and range of adjustment of the seats. The high sensory quality of the interior is further emphasised by a pleasingly tactile leather steering wheel trim. Two interior colour choices have been created for the new Prius – cool grey and black. Overall the cabin environment is light and spacious.

Quietness has always been a distinguishing characteristic of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles and the new Prius provides a cabin environment that exudes a genuine sense of luxury in exceptionally low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. New Prius’s improved ride is further supported by a new front seat design that provides more comfort and wraparound support.

New Hybrid System

The New Prius heralds the next generation of Toyota’s signature hybrid powertrain. This new family of powertrains builds on the two pillars that have made Toyota hybrids popular with drivers across the globe: on the one hand their fuel efficiency, and on the other the relaxed and carefree drive that they provide.

Toyota has focused its efforts on making this next generation of hybrids even easier and more intuitive to drive. They have been set up so that they give a natural, immediate, but smooth response to any accelerator pedal input. Refined and confident, they deliver the right level of performance.

But of course, fuel economy has been improved as well. The new hybrid systems will come in a more compact package, that is lighter in weight and lower in cost. This new generation will reflect significant advances in battery, electric motor and gasoline engine technologies.

The batteries will offer higher energy density, which means more output from units of the same dimensions and weight.

The electric motors will be smaller in size, yet also provide a better power-to-weight ratio.

And the thermal efficiency of the gasoline engine – at 38.5 per cent already very high on the current Prius – is increased to more than 40 per cent – a world’s best for a gasoline unit.

As a result, applied to the new Prius, this new hybrid system targets an 18 per cent* improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the current car .

PRIUS: TOYOTA’S HIGH-TECH AMBASSADOR

The Prius has always provided a reference point for Toyota’s development of useful, intuitive high-tech features and that remains true for the fourth generation model, which benefits from a number of innovations that support safety, convenience and better, more sophisticated HMI (Human Machine Interface) performance.

New Prius Chief Engineer Koji Toyoshima explains: “Prius is the ambassador for Toyota technology, a brand vector pulling hybrid sales of our core models.”

Toyota Safety Sense with additional functions

The new Prius will make a significant advance in active and preventive safety measures with the adoption of Toyota Safety Sense. This package of safety features will be further extended in the new Prius with the addition of radar-governed Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian recognition capability in the Pre-Collision Safety system.

In the current Prius range, only around two per cent of vehicles are sold with the Pre-Crash Safety system. In the new Prius this is one of the standard features of Toyota Safety Sense, together with Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

Extra sensors for safety and convenience

The technologies Toyota has developed for successive generations of the Prius have always served a clear purpose. This continues in the new model with an increase in the number of sensors to provide the driver with more comprehensive information, improving safety and convenience. In effect, new Prius becomes a driver’s sixth sense, recognising and anticipating things they might not notice themselves.

* According to New European Cycle (NEDC)

The new Prius uses the first TNGA platform to be developed, one which will also underpin a number of other future models. Further platforms will be developed to provide comprehensive provision for a complete model range.

Toyota takes the concept of platform sharing to a high level with TNGA by standardising components and their lay-out across different vehicle segments, and fully integrating both its manufacturing operations and its suppliers in the new concept at a very early stage.

Through TNGA customers will be able to enjoy more stylish cars that are safer and more enjoyable to drive. At the same time, Toyota will substantially reduce the number and variety of different vehicle components, enabling smarter development and manufacturing that will increase efficiency and save time.

Improved driving dynamics with a low centre of gravity

TNGA directly contributes to making cars more enjoyable to drive. The new TNGA vehicle platforms are designed to achieve a low vehicle centre of gravity, a quality that is fundamental to securing a more engaging driving position and more precise and responsive handling, with less body roll. This means better handling can be achieved directly from the quality of the chassis and body without compromising ride and comfort.

TNGA promotes more responsive handling by significantly increasing vehicle body rigidity with strategic use of high-strength steels. The impact of this can be seen in the new Prius, which benefits from a 60 per cent more rigid body shell, with high-strength steel used as reinforcement in key areas. Higher rigidity contributes to better chassis responsiveness and ride quality for a more rewarding driving experience.

Ergonomic excellence in vehicle packaging

TNGA introduces new, defined lay-out rules for the position of different state-of-the-art components which will simplify vehicle design in key areas without compromising the styling qualities that give each vehicle its individual character and appeal.

For example, the driving components – items such as the pedals, steering column and driver’s seat – will conform to one of five different lay-outs according to vehicle type and platform. Previously much time was spent on millimetre-adjustment to define the most suitable design and arrangement of these components to achieve the optimum driving position in every new model. The TNGA solution will provide an ergonomically ideal combination to suit the vehicle, in line with the floor height provided by the platform. Each lay-out can be further refined with detailed adjustment to the pedal and pedal operation angles and the position and angle of the steering column.

This will be effective whether the emphasis is on sporting character or practical packaging with plenty of rear seat legroom. The five lay-outs cover the requirements of the complete vehicle range, from compact sports cars to SUVs.

TNGA also brings a new approach to the design of the engine compartment, with a focus on placing components lower down in a more rationally organised “clean and tidy” space. This allows for a more attractive, lower hood, which in turn improves safety by giving the driver a clearer forward view. It also helps lower the car’s centre of gravity, contributing to better handling and stability and a more engaging drive.

Styling freedom

Although TNGA will produce a standardised vehicle architecture and many uniform components, it will not lead to a range of vehicles that are similar in appearance and constrained by their use of shared elements. The impact of TNGA is on areas that are largely out of sight, so that designers retain the freedom to produce cars that are visually distinctive and individual.

TNGA will empower Toyota designers to produce stylish vehicles with a lower stance and more appealing proportions, as can be seen in the new Prius and the C-HR Concept car.

Improved safety performance

The new TNGA platforms and designs have prioritised the highest active and passive safety standards. They are designed to meet the exacting standards of indepen-dent crash testing programmes worldwide and provide impressive levels of active and preventive safety through the functions and systems of Toyota Safety Sense. And by enabling a lower hood height, TNGA also provides the driver with a deeper and wider view of the road ahead.

Smart development and manufacturing

TNGA is not only helping Toyota create ever better cars, it also has a direct, positive impact on product development and manufacturing. In the most significant changes yet to the Toyota Production System, TNGA will ultimately lead to vehicle factories being smaller and more flexible, better able to respond quickly and easily to accommodate new or additional models.

Production lines mounted on the floor rather than being suspended from above will be simpler to install and adjust in length. Toyota anticipates TNGA will enable multiple models to be produced from the same line, supported by new, more efficient ways of producing parts and systems. Accommodating changes in design and specifications will also be simpler and quicker to achieve. Further gains will be made in environmental efficiency, by using equipment that is not only more compact, but also uses less energy.

The sharing of many common components among different vehicles in different segments will greatly reduce the number of different parts that have to be designed, manufactured and supplied.

Toyota calculates that TNGA will reduce the amount of manpower required for vehicle development by 20 per cent, giving it more time to devote to designing ever-better cars. It reduces the level of investment required for bringing new products to market, while increasing the competitiveness and flexibility of Toyota’s existing manufacturing plants.

Much of this ongoing sales success may be attributed to the introduction of the Yaris Hybrid in 2012. 170,000 hybrid units have been sold since its European launch at the end of June in that year, a figure expected to rise to over 200,000 by the end of 2015. The full hybrid model currently accounts for more than 35% of all European Yaris sales and is expected to grow further.

The introduction of the Toyota Safety Sense system to the Yaris model range in June 2015 places it at the very top of its segment for active and passive safety. By the end of this year, Toyota anticipates that one in three Yaris’ produced will be equipped with the company’s innovative integrated safety technology.

Bringing a breath of fresh air and even greater appeal to the Toyota Yaris range, a revised grade structure will be available throughout Europe from January 2016. It introduces bold new colours, high-quality trim and stylish upholstery finishes across the model line-up.

New Style Grade – most striking execution now available on Hybrid Models

For the first time, the Style grade also becomes available on the Hybrid, combining our most advanced execution with the most innovative powertrain.

An enhanced Style grade features a new, Black-painted honeycomb grille with satin chrome ornament and front foglight surrounding.

The interior benefits from new, all-black seat upholstery and a new Piano black inserts inside the cabin.

Bi-Tone:

A new dynamic and elegant touch

Adding a touch of true élan to the Yaris range, a new Bi-Tone option combines a metallic black ‘wrap-around’ exterior paint treatment with a choice of exclusive interior finishes.

Based on the Style grade, the Bi-Tone version combines a choice of Pearl White, Platinum Bronze or Barcelona Red exterior colours with a ‘wrap-around’ metallic Black finish to the roof, A pillars, door mirrors, upper front wing and bonnet leading edge.

Incorporating a black head liner to match the exterior roof treatment, the Bi-Tone interior offers a choice of three exclusive colour schemes; all-Black, Warm Grey or Soft-gradation Grey.

With three new Bi-Tone versions Toyota is giving customers the possibility to have their own unique Yaris execution.

The new Style grade and the new Bi-Tone version add even greater appeal to the 2016 Yaris model range.

This highly-innovative design study for a stylish, lightweight and dynamic hybrid crossover is designed to stand out in an increasingly homogenous market place. It is the next rendition of Akio Toyoda’s promise, on taking over the presidency of Toyota, to build always better cars that bring the fun back to driving.

Its compact proportions placing it between the B-SUV and C-SUV segments, the TOYOTA C-HR Concept offers the combination of outstanding agility and flexible packaging, both essential to those with urban lifestyles.

It has been designed around a new platform, developed under the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) programme, to satisfy customers’ demands for state of the art handling and controllability. In conjunction, a new, advanced, full-hybrid powertrain offers a uniquely engaging driving experience matched to 21st century traffic conditions, whilst delivering outstanding efficiency.

A Refined Diamond Styling Theme

The new, 5-door C-HR Concept continues Toyota’s exploration of an expressive new, diamond architecture styling theme. Below a compact, sensual cabin profile, the lower bodywork has been sculpted to represent the facetted surfaces of a highly-durable, precision-cut gemstone.

In plan form, the corners of the bodyshell have been cleanly shaved off. This both removes mass from the overall volume, and highlights the powerful flair of the front and rear wheel arches, reinforcing the crossover’s broad, planted stance from every viewpoint, and matching the target customer’s desire for a vehicle with a confident and sporty look.

The front of the C-HR Concept represents a further development of Toyota’s Keen Look design identity. Above a robust central bumper profile, the slim upper grille has been evolved into a floating ‘wing’ graphic which flows seamlessly around the front corners of the vehicle. At the wing extremities, streamlined headlamp clusters combine advanced lighting technology with diamond-pattern detailing.

Adding impact to the vehicle corners to further reinforce the new crossover’s solid stance and the low centre of gravity inhe-rent in its new TNGA platform, the large, diamond-patterned lower grille is flanked by strongly sculpted downward projections. These powerful frontal elements are underscored by an aero-inspired, floating front spoiler.

From the side, the highly-facetted lower body, muscular wheel arches and aggressively angular rear shoulder are juxtaposed with an exceptionally sleek cabin profile. Its ‘floating’ status reinforced by a piano black paint finish, the roof is detailed with patterned openings which create a uniquely animated play of light within the C-HR Concept’s cabin space.

Seen from the rear, the glasshouse tapers dramatically down to a powerfully facetted lower body highlighted by a pronounced diffuser, integrated foglamps and highly-distinctive, aero-inspired, floating rear lamp clusters incorporating diamond-pattern lens detailing.

The ‘diamond-cut’, machined-surface spokes of a unique, 21” wheel design hint at the sophistication and efficiency of the C-HR Concept’s full-hybrid powertrain.

Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) Platform

The new C-HR Concept is a striking representation of the benefits of TNGA; an innovative, integrated vehicle development approach for powertrain components and platforms being introduced on new Toyota models from this year forward.

TNGA manifests itself in the new C-HR Concept through an increase in body rigidity, better collision performance, improvements to the vehicle underbody and suspension, and a lowering of the centre of gravity.

Acting in conjunction, higher body rigidity and a lower centre of gravity reduce body movement and vehicle roll when cornering. This allows for a reduction in suspension stiffness and a resultant increase in ride comfort with no detriment to driving dynamics, equipping the C-HR Concept with the responsive handling, agility and straight-line stability on a par with the best C-segment hatchbacks.

Incorporating a set of new production techniques and technologies that will make it easier to turn vehicle designs and features into production reality, TNGA groups vehicle development to promote a strategic sharing of parts and powertrain components. This approach will reduce the resources required for development by 20% or more, freeing up investment for improved product strengths and advanced technology development for sustainable growth.

A New, More Efficient Hybrid System

C-HR Concept doesn’t only stand out through its unique design. It also introduces hybrid technology to the segment. In this case, a new and more compact full-hybrid powertrain with lighter componentry. It reflects significant advances in battery, electric motor and petrol engine technologies, offering further reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Operating in synergy with a petrol engine boasting world-beating thermal efficiency of over 40%, the C-HR Concept’s next-generation full-hybrid powertrain combines state-of-the-art battery technology with new, highly-compact electric motors offering a marked increase in power density.

More compact, lighter in weight and more efficient than Toyota’s current hybrid systems, the new full-hybrid powertrain developed under the TNGA programme will also be notably more refined, and even easier and more intuitive to drive, with a natural, smooth and immediate response to driver inputs.

A Global Project Rooted in the European Market

The new C-HR Concept is another tangible application of Toyota’s new Global Vision thinking, first advocated by President Akio Toyoda in 2011.

Recognizing that Europe is the most demanding market for small and mid-sized vehicles, Toyota uses this region as benchmark for defining future global A-, B- and C-segment cars. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has also become the company’s skill centre for perceived quality and vehicle dynamics.

In the case of the C-HR Concept, there was close cooperation between Toyota’s vehicle planning centres in Japan and in Europe, in order to get a good understanding of the latest European customer demands and vehicle trends. The styling of the concept car is the result of a global cooperation between ED2 (European Design Development Centre) and the other Toyota design centres.

Following the overwhelming reaction to the first TOYOTA C-HR Concept shown at the 2014 Paris Motorshow, TME will continue to work hand in hand with TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan) to enter the C-Crossover segment.

If we want to secure the future of the automobile as flexible, personal transport for the next 100 years, we need to consider which energy can power our cars tomorrow. At Toyota, we believe that various technologies will co-exist, ranging from EVs over hybrids to perhaps the most innovative of all, the fuel cell car or FCV.

Instead of gasoline, FCVs are fueled by hydrogen, an environmentally friendly energy source that can be produced from a variety of raw materials including solar and wind power, biofuel, and natural gas.

Moreover, they run using the energy generated on board by a fuel cell stack. The energy efficiency of FCVs is higher than that of gasoline engines and they conserve energy, as well.

They are zero emission vehicles, emitting only water during driving. They are as easy to use as conventional vehicles and are capable of long trips thanks to their range and refuelling time, both comparable to those of a petrol car.

With the launch of the Toyota Mirai, we take one step closer towards a “sustainable mobility society”.

In 1994, Toyota sold 53,000 units of RAV4. The following year the sales figures doubled, then tripled the year after that, in 1996. Since then, annual sales have steadily grown with each successive generation, turning Toyota’s pioneering compact SUV from a niche model to a global car. In 2013, RAV4 sales figures outstripped those of 1994 by a factor of 10.

Today, available in 170 countries, four generations of RAV4 have sold more than 6 million units around the world, 1.5 million of them to European customers.

Since 1994, the C-SUV segment has changed and matured. Where early customers often bought compact SUVs as an alternative to sporting hatchbacks and coupes, today’s segment growth is fuelled by families looking for a more engaging and fashionable but nevertheless practical alternative to MPVs and estate cars.

The Power of Two

The perfect response to the demands of a more mature, sophisticated and competitive C-SUV market, Toyota’s new RAV4 Hybrid combines the company’s unparalleled experience gained through over 20 years of compact SUV evolution with the latest

generation of its innovative, full hybrid powertrain technology.

The new RAV4 Hybrid marries dynamic styling, premium interior quality, ingenious packaging and versatility with a full hybrid powertrain offering customers improved driving feel for an even more a sophisticated driving experience.

The new RAV4 hybrid offers class-leading fuel consumption figures and remarkably low CO₂ emissions, promoting significant taxation and Benefit-in-Kind savings. On top the RAV4 hybrid AWD offers the same benefits in combination with Toyota’s ingenious E-Four electric motor-powered AWD system with increased traction and towing capacity.

Hybrid Powertrain

The RAV4 Hybrid’s full hybrid system features a 2.5 litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a 204 cell nickel-metal hydride battery located under the rear seats, a power control unit, and a power split device.

On the AWD version, Electric all-wheel drive (E-Four) capability is provided by a second, rear-mounted electric motor, thus avoiding the added weight, cost and complexity of central prop shaft.

Total system output is 145 kW/197 hp, equipping the RAV4 Hybrid with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h. Conversely, the RAV4 Hybrid returns class-leading fuel consumption figures of only 4.9 l/100 km* in the European homologation combined cycle, and remarkably low, highly tax-efficient CO₂ emissions of just 115 g/km*.

The Hybrid system uses power from both the petrol engine and electric motor in tandem, as well as alone, maximising the efficiencies of both units to achieve the optimum balance of driving performance and fuel efficiency.

During deceleration and under braking, the electric motors act as a high-output generator to effect regenerative braking. Normally wasted as heat, kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery.

The system’s seamless, E-CVT electric continuously variable transmission is controlled by Shift-by-Wire technology, using an electronic shift lever system.

The RAV4 Hybrid features four ‘on-demand’ drive modes to increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain, including a full hybrid-unique, EV mode which allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and CO₂, NOx and PM emissions.

The full hybrid powertrain is designed to eliminate the need for the petrol engine as often as possible during city driving. Toyota’s own data show that the cumulative effect of full hybrid operation leads to high proportions of zero-emissions, EV driving.

E-Four electric powered Hybrid AWD system

A first for Toyota vehicles in Europe, the RAV4 Hybrid AWD is equipped with a 50 kW high-voltage, high-speed rear electric motor which gives the vehicle all-wheel drive capability without the need for a central prop shaft.

Operating independently from the hybrid system’s front electric motor and driving the rear wheels alone, E-Four smoothly switches the RAV4 to all-wheel drive status on slippery road surfaces and from stationary starts, maximising traction, stability and controllability under the most demanding driving conditions.

Generating drive torque through the efficient use of power from the vehicle’s hybrid system E-Four system not only optimises all-wheel drive performance in a variety of dri-ving conditions, but also reduces energy loss, contributing to better fuel economy than that normally associated with AWD vehicles.

The significant extra traction provided by the E-Four system also provides considerable recreational benefits, equipping the new RAV4 Hybrid AWD with a 1,650 kg towing capacity -one of the highest capacities yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle.

Improved Driving Feel, Sequential Shiftmatic and Power Mode

The control logic of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system’s seamless, planetary gear transmission has been designed to give a smooth, natural feeling to vehicle acce-leration, with a close relationship between vehicle speed and engine revs, for a more engaging driving experience.

The addition of both a Sequential Shiftmatic gear change function and a Power mode to the RAV4 Hybrid’s ‘on-demand’ drive modes offers customers a more spor-ting drive, improving responsiveness and throttle response on winding and mountainous roads.

By selecting the Sequential Shift gear lever position, engine braking force is enhanced and, because engine rpm is kept higher than in the standard, ‘D’ lever position, throttle response is also improved. Activating Power mode increases traction force.

Driving dynamics - Enhanced Ride Comfort and Steering Feel

The new RAV4 model range benefits for numerous measures designed to enhance ride comfort and driver involvement without sacrificing either stability or controllability.

The number of spot welds on the rear cross-member support has been increased from 105 to 138, and patches were added to the rear suspension member and floor cross-member.

The resultant increase in rear bodyshell rigidity not only improves vehicle stability, but also enhances harshness damping and reduces high frequency waves, improving ride quality.

The new RAV4 shares the MacPherson strut front and lightweight trailing arm double-wishbone rear suspension of its predecessor. However, the shock absorbers and coil springs of both systems have been revised to give a flatter, more comfortable ride and enhance straight line stability.

The linear-type shock absorber had been changed to combine degressive- and choke-type valves, allowing for better adaptation of damping force to differing vehicle speeds and road conditions, and improving ride comfort. The coil spring constant has also been optimised to create a flatter ride feel.

The steering gear box benefits from an increase in rigidity of the installation faste-ning points, promoting a better steering feel.

Improved NVH for a Quieter Cabin

With a particular emphasis on rear seat occupant comfort and ease of conversation within the cabin, the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) performance of the new RAV4 has been comprehensively improved.

The surface area of the floor silencer has been increased by some 55%, the rear finish plate reshaped, and sound absorbing material added in several locations around the rear deck, reducing road, tire and exhaust noise.

The sound insulation efficiency of both front and rear doors has been improved through an increase in sound absorbing material and the addition of door trim outer insulator, further lowering wind and road noise.

And the instrument panel silencer size has been increased to reduce the transmission of engine noise into the cabin.

Innovation - Safety and Advanced Technology

The new RAV4 range is equipped with ‘Toyota Safety Sense’, a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

Combining a camera and millimetre-wave radar for a high level of detection performance, the RAV4’s Toyota Safety Sense system features a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a Pedestrian Detection function, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) technology.

At speed ranges of between 10 km/h and the vehicle’s top speed Pre-Collision System detects objects ahead of the vehicle and reduces the risk of hitting the car in front. When there is a possibility of a collision it prompts the driver to brake with an audible and visual alert. PCS also primes the brake system to deliver extra stopping force when the driver presses the brake pedal. If the driver fails to react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed by approximately 40 km/h or even bringing the car to a complete stop, in order to prevent the collision or mitigate the force of impact.

The system is also able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking operates at relative speeds of between 10 to 80 km/h, and can reduce speed by approximately 30 km/h.

Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver to keep a safe distance from the car in front. It detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. ACC then adjusts vehicle speed (within a set range) to ensure that there is a safe distance between both cars. By using the forward-facing camera and millimetre-wave radar in combination to monitor vehicles merging into or out of the lane ahead, ACC helps maintain smooth acceleration and deceleration while driving.

The Lane Departure Alert system monitors lane markings and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions caused by leaving lanes. If the vehicle starts to deviate from the lane without the indicators having been engaged, LDA warns the driver with an audible and visual alert, and can provide steering input depending on the model.

Automatic High Beam helps ensure excellent forward visibility during night-time driving. It detects both the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of preceding vehicles, automatically switching between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. By using high beams more frequently the system enables earlier detection of pedestrians and obstacles.

Thanks to the reduced risk of being involved in traffic accidents, vehicles equipped with Toyota Safety Sense can benefit from lower insurance costs or a more advantageous insurance reclassification.

New RAV4 will continue to offer Blind Sport Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert within its safety equipment on top of newly introduced Toyota Safety Sense.

Panoramic View Monitor

A new Panoramic View Monitor uses four cameras, mounted on the underside of each door mirror, and the front and rear of the new RAV4 to display a 360 degree, bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings.

Unique to Toyota, the system may be activated to give a clear, 3D visualisation of the surroundings whilst the vehicle is still parked, before a gear is selected and the parking brake released.

The monitor can display a composite view which combines the images from any of the four cameras, as well as the path guidance lines of the Rear View Monitor system, providing an invaluable aid to parking and slow speed manoeuvring.

The system’s wide, 180 degree front and rear view screen projections allow the driver to check blind spots to the front and rear sides of the vehicle. The side cameras remain operable even when the door mirrors are retracted. And a panoramic zoom view function allows for the closer observation of nearby objects that would otherwise be difficult to see.

4.2” Multi-information Screen

The newly designed instrument binnacle of the RAV4 is equipped with a 4.2” colour TFT (Thin Film Transistor) multi-information screen. Controlled by the steering wheel switch gear, with the possibility to coordinate its display with that of the 7” full-colour centre console screen, the multi-information screen offers a wide variety of functions and displays.

These include the customisation of vehicle settings, trip computer information, Smart Stop & Start telemetry, a hybrid powertrain energy monitor, turn-by-turn navigation and real-time AWD vehicle posture and steering lock indication.

Exterior Design - Stronger, More Dynamic Image

The front of the new RAV4 reflects its stronger, more dynamic styling with a po-werful, more prominent execution of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design language.

The Toyota logo is prominently set within a slender upper grille which anchors new, Keen Look LED or halogen headlamp clusters, both of which incorporate LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to give the new compact SUV a readily identifiable frontal signature.

The middle grille has been widened, and the lower, trapezoidal grille significantly enlarged in keeping with Toyota’s Under Priority family model styling. The extremities of both middle and lower grille combine to form deep, foglamp-housing pockets placed at the very extremities of the front bumper to emphasises the RAV4’s wide, stable front track.

The front underguard has been restyled to give it a stronger visual emphasis, reinforcing the new SUV’s rugged, off-road credentials.

To the side, a new wheel arch and rocker garnish places a cleaner, bolder emphasis on a vehicle profile further enhanced by a choice of new 17” and 18” alloy wheel designs.

The rear of the vehicle features new rear lamp clusters incorporating LED techno-logy, giving the new RAV4 a high-tech light signature. The bumper has been restyled to give it greater prominence and place a greater emphasis on the vehicle’s width and broad stance. And the rear underguard has also been redesigned to give it greater visual prominence.

The model range flagship, the RAV4 Hybrid may be identified through the use of exclusive, hybrid blue logos and ‘Hybrid’ badging, as well as model-specific 17” alloy wheels.

The new RAV4 will be available in choice of nine exterior body colours, of which two -Dark Red metallic and Blue metallic- are new.

Interior Design -Improved Sensory Quality and Functionality

The sophisticated and stylish architecture of the RAV4 interior has been enhanced to combine better functionality with greater visual harmony and consistency and improved sensory quality.

The driver’s instrument binnacle, centre console and gear lever surround console have been redesigned, the dashboard, door panel and centre armrest trims restyled, and new, more consistent, premium quality finishes adopted throughout.

The driver’s instrument binnacle now features a prestigious, twin analogue dial design incorporating a 4.2” multi-information screen. The centre console panel has been redesigned to incorporate a large, 7” multimedia system touch-screen.

The dashboard, door panel and centre armrest trims have been restyled for greater comfort and tactility, and matt black and neutral silver finishes applied throughout for improved sensory quality. Further interior visual harmonisation has been achieved through the use of consistent, blue back-lit instrument, and ambient, lighting.

An expanded range of interior colour schemes will be available, including four high grade leather upholstery choices, Beige and Grey being refreshed in colour and style while Tan being the new offer.

*Subject to final homologation

The new model builds on the strengths and achievements of its predecessors and is set to establish new benchmarks in fuel economy, emissions and efficiency. Each successive Prius has delivered improvements in these areas, but the new model is aiming to make the biggest leap yet in performance.

This achievement is only one aspect of a product that has evolved to acquire new capabilities and greater driver appeal. Powered by a new generation of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain, the new Prius marks significant advances in highway fuel economy and provides a much more rewarding driving experience. Acceleration is smoother and more responsive, and, at higher speeds, is quieter and has a more linear feel that is better aligned to engine speed.

The new car’s dynamic capabilities are rooted in the use of the first Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. At a stroke, this endows the car with a lower centre of gravity for improved handling response and stability. It also gives the designers a freer hand to craft a car that has richer visual appeal, with lower lines overall and a more athletic profile. TNGA also helps define the “peace-of-mind” interior, with its excellent packaging, driving position and comfort. Load space is also improved thanks to the use of a smaller, more energy-dense hybrid battery and a new double wishbone rear suspension system – features which do not intrude in trunk capacity.

The Prius remains Toyota’s technological ambassador, a showcase for new, relevant technologies that raise levels of safety, convenience, performance and comfort.

Safety remains a priority, with the TNGA chassis optimised for excellent impact performance. The scope of the Toyota Safety Sense package is extended in the new Prius with addition of radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control and a pedestrian detection function for the Pre-Collision System.

The full hybrid powertrain has undergone extensive revisions to improve efficiency, reduce weight and sharpen performance. Detailed design changes to the engine have achieved more than 40 per cent thermal efficiency – world-best performance for a gasoline unit. Other hybrid system components have been made more compact and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s lower centre of gravity. The new nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery is more compact while its durability and charging performance have been significantly improved.

In combination, these changes and innovations confound the popular notion of what an eco-car should be like to drive and to look at. The new Prius demonstrates the genuine rewards that remain to be enjoyed from Toyota full hybrid technology, advantages that will steadily feed through to new generations of other Toyota hybrid models.

Making its World Premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept car combines the advanced technology of the compact volume seller Toyota Yaris Hybrid with high-performance engineering inspired by Toyota's racing prototype, the TS030 HYBRID, which participated at Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship. The result is a highly focused concept car dedicated to maximising driving pleasure on road and on track.

Toyota believes that the solutions to energy and emissions issues offered by the Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) make it the closest technology yet to the ultimate zero-emission car, with hydrogen as an ideal, ultra-clean energy carrier.

The company is already overcoming some of the historical barriers to the creation of marketable fuel cell vehicles. This includes closing in on its goal of offering both a driving range and performance comparable to petrol and diesel powertrains, without any harmful emission.

Toyota applies its HSD technology to FCHV development by replacing petrol engines with fuel cells, and petrol fuel compartments with high pressure hydrogen tanks. It employs the same electrical componentry as that featured in a full hybrid powertrain. Moreover, as in a hybrid, the 21 kW battery is used to store energy recovered by the regenerative braking system.

Continuing its research into Fuel Cell durability and reliability, significant cost reduction and improved well-to-wheel CO₂ emissions, Toyota will introduce an affordable sedan-type FCHV which matches the performance of conventional combustion engined vehicles, in Japan, the U.S. and Europe by 2015.

The FCV-R Concept -itself revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show- demonstrates significant advances in performance, fuel consumption and packaging over Toyota's earlier, Highlander SUV-based FCHV-adv fuel cell concept vehicle presented in 2008.

The FCV-R Concept sedan is 4,745 mm long, 1,510 mm high and 1,790 mm wide and dispose of a range of approximately 700 km*, whilst generating zero CO2, NOx or PM and with water vapour the only emission.

At the same time, progresses have also been realised on Fuel Cell itself and on the hydrogen tank.

Achieving the world's highest power density of 3.0 kW per litre, the fuel cell stack is considerably smaller than in previous FCHVs.

A marked increase in fuel cell stack energy efficiency has also led to a sizeable reduction in the size of the vehicle's hydrogen fuel tanks. Replacing previous four tanks, the latest design features only two tanks that allowed to use different material, modify manufacturing process and then achieved cost-reduction.

The twin hydrogen tanks and the FC stack are located beneath the vehicle floor, maximising both cabin and luggage space to create an entirely practical family sedan.

In the 2020s, Toyota expects FCHVs to achieve full, mass-market commercialisation, and aim to introduce tens thousands of vehicles annually. This market growth will be boosted by the further roll out of FCV technology, the increased availability of hydrogen refuelling stations and the reduction in costs which accompanies a maturing technology.

Evolution — The Latest Technical Status

The Toyota FC stack has consistently been a performance leader in fuel cell technology. Since the company began work on fuel cell vehicles in 1992, advances in its fuel cell technology have seen significant improvements in every aspect of FCHV performance.

The fuel cell to be used in the FCHV scheduled for launch in 2015 currently achieves the world's highest power output density of 3 kW per litre. This is more than twice the density achieved by the FC stack in the company's 2008 FCHV-adv fuel cell hybrid vehicle.

The development of a high-efficiency boost converter has increased system voltage sufficiently to reduce both the size of the electric motor and the number of fuel cells in the stack. As a result, the new, lower cost fuel cell system offers improved performance, but fuel cell stack is approximately half the weight and size of its predecessor fitted in the FCHV-adv of 2008.

A measure of the progress achieved in Fuel Cell energy efficiency since 1992, vehicle range has improved from 330 km to 830 km**. Simultaneously, fuel cell operating range has been greatly expanded, with cold starts now possible at -30 degrees Celsius thanks to the use of new materials in the fuel cell stack construction.

At the same time, efforts have been concentrated on the necessary cost reduction.

The cost of fuel cell system including FC stack and high-pressure hydrogen tank achieved 1/10 reduction of FCHV-adv introduced in 2008. For early popularization, Toyota aims to reduce another half to achieve finally 1/20 of the cost in the FCHV-adv of 2008.

Although currently a vehicle price under 10 million yen (80.000 &euro) seems attainable, TMC aims to further reduce costs to bring the vehicle to market at a more-affordable price.

President Toyota Motorsport GmbH

Yoshiaki Kinoshita started his career with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in 1978 as an Engine Research and Development Engineer, during which time he helped develop the 3.5-litre V10 engine in the Toyota TS010. In 1989 Kinoshita-san progressed to oversee Toyota's World Rally Championship and Le Mans programmes, before moving across to Toyota Racing Development in 1996 to take the position of Vice President in charge of the Champ Car campaign. From 2004 to 2007 Kinoshita-san was General Manager of TMC's Motor Sports Division, which from 2010 onwards has also meant being President of Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) in Cologne, Germany.

Now that you have returned to working on GT prototype race cars, how has Toyota's approach changed? 

Kinoshita: Toyota is an engineering company and we are very serious about that fact. We think that our efforts in racing are a showcase of our engineering. Six or seven years before we launched the TS030 HYBRID we realised that our development of race engines had to help our road-going cars, otherwise our effort would mean nothing or at least have less meaning. We therefore decided to bring our green technology, our hybrid system, into the racing field. Development in this area would then help to make our road-going cars more efficient.

So is there a relationship between Toyota's racing efforts and its road cars? 

Kinoshita: Yes. Compared to the KERS system in Formula 1, a racer like the TS030 HYBRID is much more closely related to road-going cars. Half of the technology comes from the hybrid production department in Japan it develops the racing systems and brings the know-how and technologies back into the road cars.

Can you be more specific about the differences or similarities? 

Kinoshita: One difference between the racing hybrid and production hybrid is in its range. Production hybrid systems are mainly focused on low fuel consumption during city runs, but with race cars there are no city runs, only high speed. Our racing hybrid system recovers all its energy very rapidly during deceleration, like in the three seconds it takes to go from 300km/h to 100km/h. This very large braking energy must be recovered very quickly.

A complete recharge in just three seconds? 

Kinoshita: Our racing hybrid system has sixty times more energy recovery capacity than the road-going hybrid unit. This means that you need an energy storage facility that allows for a very fast charging and release performance — three seconds to charge and just two-and-a-half seconds to release everything. Current hybrid road cars have batteries that cannot cope with this kind of high energy flow. Only a super capacitor has this performance capability, so our production division is now thinking that super capacitors could be used in road-going cars for improved energy recovery.

We can't wait to see what Toyota comes up with in that respect. But what does Le Mans mean for you personally? 

Kinoshita: Le Mans is a legendary race, and every person in the racing world wants to win at Le Mans. Toyota has challenged Le Mans for over 30 years and we've come second four times, so I really want to get first place. We don't go to the race without first dreaming about winning, so every morning I'm dreaming about winning.

Making its World Premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept car combines the advanced technology of the compact volume seller Toyota Yaris Hybrid with high-performance engineering inspired by Toyota's racing prototype, the TS030 HYBRID, which participated at Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship. The result is a highly focused concept car dedicated to maximising driving pleasure on road and on track.

Hybrid technology is still young - with the first generation Toyota Prius appearing in 1997, just 16 years ago. As such, it still has its future ahead and a great potential to evolve in many different directions. Only recently, hybrid technology has started to appear in racing programs, but is not yet fully established in people minds as a performance oriented solution. The Yaris Hybrid-R concept car is a clear showcase of possible ideas for the development of hybrid technology for maximum performance and increased driving pleasure.

The Hybrid powertrain 

Based on the Yaris 3-door, the Yaris Hybrid R concept hybrid powertrain configuration, employs a powerful and highly tuned 1.6l petrol engine combined with two powerful electric motors to provide an 'intelligent' electric four-wheel drive capability.

The front wheels are driven by a 300hp 4-cylinder 1.6 turbo engine with direct injection specifically developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) according to the rules of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for a Global Race Engine to be utilised in different motorsport disciplines.

At the rear, each wheel is individually powered by a 60hp electric motor — the same as those used in the standard Yaris Hybrid. The hybrid powertrain system develops a total system output of 420 hp.

The two electric motors work as electric generators during the braking phase, and supplement the petrol engine during the accelerating phases.

Just like in the TS030 HYBRID, the energy recovered during the braking phase is stored in a super capacitor. In the Yaris Hybrid-R it is located under the rear seat, where the Yaris Hybrid battery is usually positioned. Compared to the standard NiMh hybrid battery, the super capacitor has a higher power density and a fast power charge / discharge speed. It is perfectly suited to the requirements of sporty driving on track, which requires brief and immediate bursts of power.

A 3rd 60hp electric motor, located between the engine and the 6 gear sequential transmission, operates as a generator in two different cases: during deceleration to feed the super capacitor and during acceleration to directly power the rear electric motors.

The latter will only happen when the engine power and torque exceed the grip potential of the front wheels. The generator behaves like an advanced traction control system, redirecting the torque as electric energy to the rear wheels, to boost the acceleration and improve the handling rather than to simply limit the engine power.

A resolutely sporty design 

The Yaris Hybrid-R features a more aggressive and emotional interpretation of the design language that characterises recent Toyota models. The Keen Look and Under Priority design philosophy is reinforced by the adoption of newly designed headlights, a wider front grille and black and blue details that contrast with the white body colour.

The specific bumper design incorporates two large air intakes and blue LED daytime running lights. The intakes greatly contribute to the front brake cooling, while the shape of the lower lip is designed to centrally channel underbody air flow.

The flared fenders house bespoke 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres featuring an asymmetrical tread design to complement the Yaris Hybrid-R sporty philosophy. Ideally suited for a mixed use on the road and on the track, this choice of high-performance tyre is a symbol of the fruitful cooperation between Michelin and our racing team involved in the World Endurance Championship series.

Grooved and perforated brake discs are gripped by six-piston callipers in the front and four-piston callipers in the rear. Located on the rear pillar, a quick opening fuel cap makes easier a quick refuel in the pits.

At the rear, Yaris Hybrid specific LED lights maintain the link with the production car. An exclusive spoiler is mounted on the roof and the redesigned bumper incorporates a large diffuser, with an exhaust pipe framed by two air extractors.

A racing cockpit

Matching the colours outside, the dual tone Recaro bucket seats feature black leather side bolsters and blue Alcantara®. The same blue Alcantara® covers part of the door panels and the dashboard to give the interior a more cohesive, racing-inspired feel.

Ideally located high and close to the driver's right hand, the shift lever of the sequential gearbox is set up to quickly change down gears by pushing the lever forwards, and to change up by pulling it back.

The sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara® welcomes a racing inspired push button to select, at rest, either the "Track" or "Road" mode, or while driving , the "Boost" function.

The driving position is ideally completed by a set of GT 86 sport pedals.

A 'Road' mode for day-to-day driving

The 'Road' mode is characterized by a reduction of the engine output and an appropriate management of the amount of energy the super capacitor can distribute to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Accordingly, the turbo compression ratio of the 1.6l engine is reduced and the injection / ignition mapping adjusted.

The hybrid system works seamlessly with the 1.6 turbo petrol engine, especially during start-up phase at low rpms when the efficiency of the conventional engine not yet optimum. The super capacitor can release the energy recovered under braking for a maximum duration of 10 seconds, while the total power of the two electric motors is limited to 40 hp. To maintain a sufficient state of charge in the super capacitor, the third electric motor can be used at any time as a generator.

Depending on the state of charge of the battery, the Yaris Hybrid-R may also operate in full electric mode for short distances, especially during parking operations.

A 'Track' mode for track days 

The 'Track' mode makes full use of the maximum system output of the engine and a performance oriented energy management. The 1.6 turbo engine develops 300 hp and provides maximum torque of 420 Nm, while the rear electric motors can reach a combined maximum power peak of 120 hp for up to 5 seconds.

At low speeds, or in a curve, when the engine power and torque exceed the grip potential of the front wheels, the third electric motor can directly power the rear electric motors. The generator behaves like an advanced traction control system, redirecting the petrol engine extra amount of torque as electric energy to the rear wheels.

Rear electric motors - one per wheel — can greatly influence the Yaris Hybrid-R handling characteristics during cornering by altering the distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels.

Each engine can be used independently as a generator or a motor to achieve the same effect as an intelligent torque vectoring differential.

Depending on the radius of the curve, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel allowing higher cornering speeds into the corner (middle-speed curves), apply more braking force to the inside wheel (fast curves), or even brake and accelerate each wheel independently (slow curves) to adjust the yaw effect for a better line, to limit steering angle, and understeer.

With the particularly high system output of its hybrid powertrain, an energy management system strongly oriented towards the reach of maximum performance and the utilisation of the engines for better handling, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept indicates a potential direction for the development of hybrid technology towards more driving pleasure. t

President Toyota Motorsport GmbH

Yoshiaki Kinoshita started his career with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in 1978 as an Engine Research and Development Engineer, during which time he helped develop the 3.5-litre V10 engine in the Toyota TS010. In 1989 Kinoshita-san progressed to oversee Toyota's World Rally Championship and Le Mans programmes, before moving across to Toyota Racing Development in 1996 to take the position of Vice President in charge of the Champ Car campaign. From 2004 to 2007 Kinoshita-san was General Manager of TMC's Motor Sports Division, which from 2010 onwards has also meant being President of Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) in Cologne, Germany.

Now that you have returned to working on GT prototype race cars, how has Toyota's approach changed? 

Kinoshita: Toyota is an engineering company and we are very serious about that fact. We think that our efforts in racing are a showcase of our engineering. Six or seven years before we launched the TS030 HYBRID we realised that our development of race engines had to help our road-going cars, otherwise our effort would mean nothing or at least have less meaning. We therefore decided to bring our green technology, our hybrid system, into the racing field. Development in this area would then help to make our road-going cars more efficient.

So is there a relationship between Toyota's racing efforts and its road cars? 

Kinoshita: Yes. Compared to the KERS system in Formula 1, a racer like the TS030 HYBRID is much more closely related to road-going cars. Half of the technology comes from the hybrid production department in Japan it develops the racing systems and brings the know-how and technologies back into the road cars.

Can you be more specific about the differences or similarities? 

Kinoshita: One difference between the racing hybrid and production hybrid is in its range. Production hybrid systems are mainly focused on low fuel consumption during city runs, but with race cars there are no city runs, only high speed. Our racing hybrid system recovers all its energy very rapidly during deceleration, like in the three seconds it takes to go from 300km/h to 100km/h. This very large braking energy must be recovered very quickly.

A complete recharge in just three seconds? 

Kinoshita: Our racing hybrid system has sixty times more energy recovery capacity than the road-going hybrid unit. This means that you need an energy storage facility that allows for a very fast charging and release performance — three seconds to charge and just two-and-a-half seconds to release everything. Current hybrid road cars have batteries that cannot cope with this kind of high energy flow. Only a super capacitor has this performance capability, so our production division is now thinking that super capacitors could be used in road-going cars for improved energy recovery.

We can't wait to see what Toyota comes up with in that respect. But what does Le Mans mean for you personally? 

Kinoshita: Le Mans is a legendary race, and every person in the racing world wants to win at Le Mans. Toyota has challenged Le Mans for over 30 years and we've come second four times, so I really want to get first place. We don't go to the race without first dreaming about winning, so every morning I'm dreaming about winning.

Making its World Premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept car combines the advanced technology of the compact volume seller Toyota Yaris Hybrid with high-performance engineering inspired by Toyota's racing prototype, the TS030 HYBRID, which participated at Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship. The result is a highly focused concept car dedicated to maximising driving pleasure on road and on track.

Hybrid technology is still young - with the first generation Toyota Prius appearing in 1997, just 16 years ago. As such, it still has its future ahead and a great potential to evolve in many different directions. Only recently, hybrid technology has started to appear in racing programs, but is not yet fully established in people minds as a performance oriented solution. The Yaris Hybrid-R concept car is a clear showcase of possible ideas for the development of hybrid technology for maximum performance and increased driving pleasure.

The Hybrid powertrain 

Based on the Yaris 3-door, the Yaris Hybrid R concept hybrid powertrain configuration, employs a powerful and highly tuned 1.6l petrol engine combined with two powerful electric motors to provide an 'intelligent' electric four-wheel drive capability.

The front wheels are driven by a 300hp 4-cylinder 1.6 turbo engine with direct injection specifically developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) according to the rules of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for a Global Race Engine to be utilised in different motorsport disciplines.

At the rear, each wheel is individually powered by a 60hp electric motor — the same as those used in the standard Yaris Hybrid. The hybrid powertrain system develops a total system output of 420 hp.

The two electric motors work as electric generators during the braking phase, and supplement the petrol engine during the accelerating phases.

Just like in the TS030 HYBRID, the energy recovered during the braking phase is stored in a super capacitor. In the Yaris Hybrid-R it is located under the rear seat, where the Yaris Hybrid battery is usually positioned. Compared to the standard NiMh hybrid battery, the super capacitor has a higher power density and a fast power charge / discharge speed. It is perfectly suited to the requirements of sporty driving on track, which requires brief and immediate bursts of power.

A 3rd 60hp electric motor, located between the engine and the 6 gear sequential transmission, operates as a generator in two different cases: during deceleration to feed the super capacitor and during acceleration to directly power the rear electric motors.

The latter will only happen when the engine power and torque exceed the grip potential of the front wheels. The generator behaves like an advanced traction control system, redirecting the torque as electric energy to the rear wheels, to boost the acceleration and improve the handling rather than to simply limit the engine power.

A resolutely sporty design 

The Yaris Hybrid-R features a more aggressive and emotional interpretation of the design language that characterises recent Toyota models. The Keen Look and Under Priority design philosophy is reinforced by the adoption of newly designed headlights, a wider front grille and black and blue details that contrast with the white body colour.

The specific bumper design incorporates two large air intakes and blue LED daytime running lights. The intakes greatly contribute to the front brake cooling, while the shape of the lower lip is designed to centrally channel underbody air flow.

The flared fenders house bespoke 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres featuring an asymmetrical tread design to complement the Yaris Hybrid-R sporty philosophy. Ideally suited for a mixed use on the road and on the track, this choice of high-performance tyre is a symbol of the fruitful cooperation between Michelin and our racing team involved in the World Endurance Championship series.

Grooved and perforated brake discs are gripped by six-piston callipers in the front and four-piston callipers in the rear. Located on the rear pillar, a quick opening fuel cap makes easier a quick refuel in the pits.

At the rear, Yaris Hybrid specific LED lights maintain the link with the production car. An exclusive spoiler is mounted on the roof and the redesigned bumper incorporates a large diffuser, with an exhaust pipe framed by two air extractors.

A racing cockpit

Matching the colours outside, the dual tone Recaro bucket seats feature black leather side bolsters and blue Alcantara®. The same blue Alcantara® covers part of the door panels and the dashboard to give the interior a more cohesive, racing-inspired feel.

Ideally located high and close to the driver's right hand, the shift lever of the sequential gearbox is set up to quickly change down gears by pushing the lever forwards, and to change up by pulling it back.

The sport steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara® welcomes a racing inspired push button to select, at rest, either the "Track" or "Road" mode, or while driving , the "Boost" function.

The driving position is ideally completed by a set of GT 86 sport pedals.

A 'Road' mode for day-to-day driving

The 'Road' mode is characterized by a reduction of the engine output and an appropriate management of the amount of energy the super capacitor can distribute to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Accordingly, the turbo compression ratio of the 1.6l engine is reduced and the injection / ignition mapping adjusted.

The hybrid system works seamlessly with the 1.6 turbo petrol engine, especially during start-up phase at low rpms when the efficiency of the conventional engine not yet optimum. The super capacitor can release the energy recovered under braking for a maximum duration of 10 seconds, while the total power of the two electric motors is limited to 40 hp. To maintain a sufficient state of charge in the super capacitor, the third electric motor can be used at any time as a generator.

Depending on the state of charge of the battery, the Yaris Hybrid-R may also operate in full electric mode for short distances, especially during parking operations.

A 'Track' mode for track days 

The 'Track' mode makes full use of the maximum system output of the engine and a performance oriented energy management. The 1.6 turbo engine develops 300 hp and provides maximum torque of 420 Nm, while the rear electric motors can reach a combined maximum power peak of 120 hp for up to 5 seconds.

At low speeds, or in a curve, when the engine power and torque exceed the grip potential of the front wheels, the third electric motor can directly power the rear electric motors. The generator behaves like an advanced traction control system, redirecting the petrol engine extra amount of torque as electric energy to the rear wheels.

Rear electric motors - one per wheel — can greatly influence the Yaris Hybrid-R handling characteristics during cornering by altering the distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels.

Each engine can be used independently as a generator or a motor to achieve the same effect as an intelligent torque vectoring differential.

Depending on the radius of the curve, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel allowing higher cornering speeds into the corner (middle-speed curves), apply more braking force to the inside wheel (fast curves), or even brake and accelerate each wheel independently (slow curves) to adjust the yaw effect for a better line, to limit steering angle, and understeer.

With the particularly high system output of its hybrid powertrain, an energy management system strongly oriented towards the reach of maximum performance and the utilisation of the engines for better handling, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept indicates a potential direction for the development of hybrid technology towards more driving pleasure. t

Toyota is committed to providing the highest levels of active, passive and pedestrian impact safety standards, and took the lead in the development of several advanced new safety technologies such as pre-crash safety, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance systems.

Advanced Pre-Crash Safety System

An Advanced Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system is available as an option on Executive and Premium grade 2.2 litre D-4D 150 6-speed automatic transmission models. It employs a millimetre wave radar sensor to scan the road ahead, recognising potentially dangerous objects and assisting the driver in reducing the chances of a collision.

If there is a high possibility of a collision, PCS will alert the driver and, when he begins to brake, provide braking assistance to supplement his own braking effort, simultaneously activating the seatbelt pre-tensioners. If the driver does not brake and a collision is inevitable, the system will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with the PCS system. It will automatically maintain a selected distance from the vehicle in front. Once the road ahead is clear, the Avensis automatically returns to its original cruising speed.

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist

Completing the advanced safety specification of the 2.2 litre D-4D 150 6-speed automatic transmission Executive and Premium grade model, PCS is further complimented by Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) systems.

Using digital camera technology mounted behind the driver's rear view mirror, these systems can help to prevent unintended lane changes by first giving an audible and visual warning and then applying corrective steering torque to help the driver remain within a chosen lane.

Additional Active Safety Systems

All new Avensis versions are fitted, as standard, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+).

EBD works with ABS to ensure that the most effective brake force is applied to each wheel, according to road conditions. By preventing the wheels from locking, EBD helps to maintain sure-footed stability during cornering and braking.

BA identifies the need for, and applies, additional braking force if the driver fails to apply sufficient force during emergency braking, or releases brake pressure too soon.

TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car's wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels is about to lose traction it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until it regains traction.

VSC+ is designed to prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to a skid. Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide.

The system restores stability by automatically adjusting engine output and applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, and by providing assist torque through the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to help the driver make the correct inputs to restore vehicle stability.

Adaptive Front Lighting

New Avensis model equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are fitted with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). Calculating where the vehicle will be in three seconds time according to steering operation and vehicle speed, the system swivels the low beam projector headlamps in response to steering input, helping to illuminate a bend as the driver steers into it.

AFS is also equipped with a dynamic levelling function, which automatically maintains a constant beam height. The combination of these two functions achieves optimum light distribution in all driving conditions.

Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.

These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of powertrain development: Firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions secondly, the minimisation of mechanical losses through the reduction of friction throughout the drivetrain and, thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency.

The 124 hp 2.0 litre D-4D turbodiesel has been extensively revised. The unit features a new turbocharger, extensive combustion chamber modifications and improved glow control. As a result, torque delivery has become more linear, fuel efficiency has improved and CO₂ emissions have been lowered by some 15% -from 139 to only 119 g/km- in both sedan and wagon versions of the new Avensis.

This marked reduction in CO₂ emissions has significant Total Cost of Ownership implications. A taxation threshold of 120 g/km exists in almost a third of all European countries, and the revised 2.0 D-4D unit's 119 g/km CO₂ figure offers tax benefits for both private and fleet drivers.

In addition to the revised 124 hp 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, the new Avensis' six powertrain range further comprises a 150 hp, 2.2 D-4D unit available with either a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or a Diesel Particulate and NOX Reduction filter (DPNR), a 177 hp 2.2 D-4D DPNR variant, and a choice of 132 hp 1.6 litre, 147 hp 1.8 litre and 152 hp 2.0 litre petrol engines.

All engines are mated to 6-speed manual transmissions. The 150 hp 2.2 D-4D DPNR unit may be optionally equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and both 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines may be fitted with Toyota's Multidrive S continuously variable transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shift.

The new Avensis retains the same proven front McPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension layout of its predecessor. However, platform, chassis and powertrain improvements offergreater ride comfort and enhanced handling agility, promising a more engaging driving experience.

The new Avensis also benefits from enhanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) suppression. Extensive insulation modification, and improved dashboard inner silencer and a new, sound-absorbing carpet helping to deliver a quieter, more refined cabin environment.

The new Avensis makes its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new Toyota builds on the spaciousness, practicality and fuel efficiency of the current, third generation model. It features a bolder and more refined exterior design, and interior improvements to finish quality, comfort and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Driving dynamics have been enhanced, and a revised grade structure offers even greater value for money.

The best-selling variant of the Avensis' six engine line-up, the 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, has been revised to deliver significant improvements in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. With a tax threshold set at 120 g/km in almost a third of European countries, the 2.0 D-4D's 119 g/km brings generous tax benefits to both private and fleet buyers.

With a choice of two body styles, three diesel and three petrol engines, three transmissions and four model grades, the new Avensis has been specifically tailored to the European market. The D-segment demonstrates a 70% focus on diesel powertrains, a 64% bias in favour of fleet sales and a preference for the wagon body style with over 50% of customers.

Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the Avensis was first launched at the end of 1997 and has since firmly established itself in the European D-segment. It sold 70,585 units throughout the region in 2010, representing a 5.8% segment share.

Exterior Design — Elegance and Refinement

— Bolder, more dynamic look

— New Toyota design direction: distinctive new face

— Restyled rear for the Avensis sedan

Though the overall dimensions of both sedan and wagon versions of the vehicle remain unchanged, the new Avensis has been extensively restyled to give it a more elegant and athletic appearance.

A bolder, more refined frontal treatment features the distinctive new face of the next generation Toyota family. Key to the new design direction is a change in the proportions of the upper and lower grilles, with the emphasis now placed on enlarging the latter for a more assertive, dynamic look.

Beneath the trademark Avensis 'clamshell' bonnet, a new, wider and more powerful grille design is flanked by narrower, more expressive headlamps which emphasise the sleek, elegant proportions of the new styling. The new headlamps now incorporate daytime running lights.

The lower bumper has been expressively sculpted with a strong, protruding centre section housing a large air intake to focus attention on the bottom half of the vehicle. In conjunction with the crisp detailing of integral foglamp pockets placed at the bumper extremities, the design gives the new Avensis a wider, more purposeful stance and a more ground-hugging appearance.

To the rear, the new Avensis features a newly designed rear bumper incorporating a centre guard on sedan models. Both combination lamp clusters and foglamps have been restyled for greater prominence and visibility. And a new, sleeker, chromed license garnish design adds a further touch of elegance.

16" steel wheels feature a new cap design, whilst the existing 16" and 17" Fuji alloy wheels have been enhanced through new colour and machine facings. The other 17" and 18" alloys also benefit from a new, darker colour treatment.

One new exterior colour has been added to the range the standard Red being replaced by a deep, premium Dark Red which brings added maturity to the new model range.

Interior Design — Sophistication and Comfort

— Improved sensory quality

— Touch and feel of frequently touched parts improved

— Toyota Touch and Go Plus introduced

Within a cabin already praised for its comfort, roominess and practicality, the new Avensis benefits from improved perceived quality across the model range, upgraded upholstery in a choice of new colours, and Toyota Touch & Go Plus —the most advanced yet affordable touch-screen satellite navigation system in the D-segment.

The appearance, touch and feel of the entire dashboard have been improved. The centre console layout has been redesigned to improve the switchgear layout and operability. The central air vents have been redesigned and now share the new metal paint finish of the centre console itself and the side air vents have become chrome trimmed.

The tactile quality and feel of frequently handled parts such as the door trim gripping area, switchgear and the front console all benefit from new, higher quality ornamentation. The driver's instrument dial backlighting has been changed from amber to white for a more premium look, and the rear console box lid upholstery has been changed from polyurethane to leather.

The front seatback side support shape has been redesigned for better lateral holding performance and greater comfort, and the seat upholstery upgraded throughout the model range.

Entry level fabric seat upholstery has been enhanced to offer Sol grade trim quality, Sol grade fabric now features Executive grade trim, Executive grade fabric has been upgraded to an Alcantara finish, and Premium grade seats are now finished with high quality perforated leather inserts for improved comfort. The leather upholstery is available in a choice of three new colours Light Grey, Warm Grey and Black.

Multimedia System

The new Avensis benefits from Toyota's unique range of affordable, touch-screen multimedia equipment Toyota Touch, and the Toyota Touch & Go and Toyota Touch & Go Plus navigation systems.

Toyota Touch & Go Plus

Fitted as standard to Premium grade models and making its world debut in the new Avensis, Touch & Go Plus adds numerous new, advanced technology features to Toyota's remarkable touch-screen multimedia system.

It features advanced voice recognition for navigation address input, one-shot destination entry, music search and play, and phone contact search and call. It also incorporates email send and receive, a text-to-speech message readout facility, a calendar and, through a Gracenote database, a 'Play More Like This' music function.

Enhanced satellite navigation mapping incorporates 3D city modelling and landmarks, and an additional Traffic Patterns database showing the average speed on road segments en route depending on time, day and month. The system includes three years free map and software updating.

* Vehicle settings availability varies per model and grade

** Requires Bluetooth® DUN or PAN profile, a data plan and a network operator allowing tethering

***Bluetooth Message Across Profile required on the mobile phone

Grade Structure — Greater Quality and Value for Money

— New specifications to enhance the appeal

— Grade line-up with a higher differentiation as from the Avensis entry grade

— Increased level of standard equipment

The new Avensis model range will be available in four grade levels —Avensis, Sol, Executive and Premium. Every grade has been revised to deliver greater value for money through improved levels of standard equipment and enhanced sensory quality.

Avensis Grade

The current generation Avensis' generous standard equipment specification is enhanced by the adoption of integral daytime running lights. Seat upholstery quality has been upgraded by the addition of Sol grade trim, and the sensory quality of the centre console has been improved with a new, silver upper panel and matt black lower panel paint finish.

An expanded options list now features front foglamps, and a Comfort Pack which includes cruise control, a leather steering wheel and a 6-speaker Display Audio CD stereo system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Sol Grade

To the enhanced Avensis grade specification, Sol grade adds Executive grade quality seat trim, an all-silver centre console paint finish and machine-faced 16" and 17" alloy wheels. The Toyota Touch multimedia system is equipped with a rear parking camera.

Options include the Touch & Go navigation system, rear parking sensors, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and a panoramic roof.

Executive Grade

To the improved Sol grade standard specification, Executive grade adds a nickel and wood centre console finish, Alcantara seat trim with leather bolsters, and a new, darker coloured 17" alloy wheel finish.

Amongst the options available are an 11-speaker Display Audio system with rear parking camera, a choice of Touch & Go or Touch & Go Plus navigation systems, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), and a Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Premium Grade

Further augmenting the Executive grade specification, Premium grade adds perforated leather upholstery in a choice of Ice Grey, Warm Grey or Black colours. Ice Grey is combined with a bright silver centre console finish, Warm Grey and Black with a warm nickel finish.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), a Touch & Go Plus navigation system, an 11-speaker Display Audio system with rear parking camera and new dark finish 18" alloy wheels are all fitted as standard.

Improved 2.0 D-4D and Enhanced Driving Dynamics

— 2.0 D-4D CO₂ emission reduced by 20g to 119g/km without compromising on performance

— 2.0 D-4D to enjoy tax benefit in several European countries

Meeting a wide range of D-segment customer needs, the new Avensis shares the six powertrain range of its predecessor three petrol and three diesel engines offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive.

Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.

These diverse core technologies focus on three key aspects of powertrain development: Firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions secondly, the minimisation of mechanical losses through the reduction of friction throughout the drivetrain and, thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency.

The 124 hp 2.0 litre D-4D turbodiesel has been extensively revised. The unit features a new turbocharger, extensive combustion chamber modifications and improved glow control. As a result, torque delivery has become more linear, fuel efficiency has improved and CO₂ emissions have been lowered by some 15% -from 139 to only 119 g/km- in both sedan and wagon versions of the new Avensis.

This marked reduction in CO₂ emissions has significant Total Cost of Ownership implications. A taxation threshold of 120 g/km exists in almost a third of all European countries, and the revised 2.0 D-4D unit's 119 g/km CO₂ figure offers tax benefits for both private and fleet drivers.

In addition to the revised 124 hp 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, the new Avensis' six powertrain range further comprises a 150 hp, 2.2 D-4D unit available with either a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or a Diesel Particulate and NO_X Reduction filter (DPNR), a 177 hp 2.2 D-4D DPNR variant, and a choice of 132 hp 1.6 litre, 147 hp 1.8 litre and 152 hp 2.0 litre petrol engines.

All engines are mated to 6-speed manual transmissions. The 150 hp 2.2 D-4D DPNR unit may be optionally equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and both 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines may be fitted with Toyota's Multidrive S continuously variable transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shift.

The new Avensis retains the same proven front McPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension layout of its predecessor. However, platform, chassis and powertrain improvements offer greater ride comfort and enhanced handling agility, promising a more engaging driving experience.

The new Avensis also benefits from enhanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) suppression. Extensive insulation modification, and improved dashboard inner silencer and a new, sound-absorbing carpet helping to deliver a quieter, more refined cabin environment.

Safety — Advanced Driver Assistance Technologies

— Meeting the highest safety standards

— Advanced safety technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control available

The new Avensis shares the world-class safety performance of the previous generation vehicle, which was awarded a maximum, 5-star rating in the 2009 Euro NCAP crash test programme.

Toyota is committed to providing the highest levels of active, passive and pedestrian impact safety standards, and took the lead in the development of several advanced new safety technologies such as pre-crash safety, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance systems.

Advanced Pre-Crash Safety System

An Advanced Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system is available as an option on Executive and Premium grade 2.2 litre D-4D 150 6-speed automatic transmission models. It employs a millimetre wave radar sensor to scan the road ahead, recognising potentially dangerous objects and assisting the driver in reducing the chances of a collision.

If there is a high possibility of a collision, PCS will alert the driver and, when he begins to brake, provide braking assistance to supplement his own braking effort, simultaneously activating the seatbelt pre-tensioners. If the driver does not brake and a collision is inevitable, the system will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with the PCS system. It will automatically maintain a selected distance from the vehicle in front. Once the road ahead is clear, the Avensis automatically returns to its original cruising speed.

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist

Completing the advanced safety specification of the 2.2 litre D-4D 150 6-speed automatic transmission Executive and Premium grade model, PCS is further complimented by Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) systems.

Using digital camera technology mounted behind the driver's rear view mirror, these systems can help to prevent unintended lane changes by first giving an audible and visual warning and then applying corrective steering torque to help the driver remain within a chosen lane.

Additional Active Safety Systems

All new Avensis versions are fitted, as standard, with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+).

EBD works with ABS to ensure that the most effective brake force is applied to each wheel, according to road conditions. By preventing the wheels from locking, EBD helps to maintain sure-footed stability during cornering and braking.

BA identifies the need for, and applies, additional braking force if the driver fails to apply sufficient force during emergency braking, or releases brake pressure too soon.

TRC monitors and controls the amount of power that is applied to the road through the car's wheels. If the system detects that one or more wheels is about to lose traction it instantly determines the best way to restore traction to that wheel, either by decreasing the power being sent to the wheel that is about to spin or, in more extreme cases, momentarily braking the wheel until it regains traction.

VSC+ is designed to prevent loss of car control when entering a corner too fast or in slippery conditions which might lead to a skid. Via sensors monitoring car body rotation, wheel speed and brake pressure, the system assesses vehicle stability and the proximity of either an understeer or oversteer slide.

The system restores stability by automatically adjusting engine output and applying smoothly modulated braking to the appropriate wheel individually, and by providing assist torque through the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to help the driver make the correct inputs to restore vehicle stability.

Adaptive Front Lighting

New Avensis model equipped with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are fitted with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). Calculating where the vehicle will be in three seconds time according to steering operation and vehicle speed, the system swivels the low beam projector headlamps in response to steering input, helping to illuminate a bend as the driver steers into it.

AFS is also equipped with a dynamic levelling function, which automatically maintains a constant beam height. The combination of these two functions achieves optimum light distribution in all driving conditions.

Unparallelled Prius Success Leads to Introduction of Prius Family

— Prius is the world's best selling hybrid — 3^rd generation has already sold more than 1 million units since its launch only 2 years ago

— Toyota to launch some 10 new hybrids by 2015

— Introducing the Prius family: Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Prius+ and new Prius

Over four decades of research and development, Toyota has continuously been in search of the ultimate eco car. The company's early decision to develop mass-production hybrid vehicles, available to the broader consumer base, has proven to be an unparalleled success story.

The Prius' unique Hybrid Synergy Drive^® (HSD) powertrain established a major industry milestone in sustainable mobility, and its name, meaning 'to go before' in Latin, quickly became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness became a mainstream social concern.

Maintaining its environmental and technological leadership for over a decade, the multiple award-winning Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid with over 2.3 million units sold. Prius is now more popular than ever, and the third generation model, launched in 2009, has already sold over 1 million units.

Since 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold more than 3.3 million full hybrid vehicles worldwide. This represents more than 80% of all global hybrid sales, and gives the company an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility. As concrete, tangible proof of HSD's environmental record, these sales have already contributed to a reduction in automotive emissions of some 21 million tonnes of CO₂.

Hybrid Synergy Drive^® has been specifically designed to be modular and adaptable to diverse energy sources. Its application in the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and Toyota's ongoing research into Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV), offers the potential for even greater reductions in vehicle emissions in the immediate future.

Toyota's clear lead in hybrid technology has recently been reinforced by an independent study which establishes the company as being the most widely recognised amongst consumers as a manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicles.

In a joint survey by Automotive Business Intelligence company EurotaxGlass's and UK-based marketing and research institute Harris Interactive, some 30% of those questioned demonstrated an interest in electric or hybrid vehicles, with Toyota standing out in all markets as the company with the highest brand awareness.

When asked to name an electric or hybrid brand, some 15% of survey participants cited Toyota, with only 6% naming the closest rival hybrid manufacturer. Moreover, Toyota's environmental flagship proves to be the single best known electric or hybrid model, with 16% of those questioned being aware of the award-winning Prius, and only 6% naming the closest rival vehicle.

Reinforcing Toyota's belief in the strong potential of the full hybrid technology, the study finds that European consumers are far more open to alternative powertrains than the latter's current market share might suggest.

Pre-empting this conclusion, the recent launch of the Auris HSD marked the start of a significant expansion in the company's full hybrid model range, which will see the launching of some 10 Toyota hybrids by 2015. Toyota aims to offer most of its European models with a Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain derivative as early as possible in the 2020s.

One important facet of this expansion in HSD vehicles, the 2012 Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range — Prius, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Respective CO₂ emissions of 89 g/km, 99 g/km and just 49 g/km[1] represent unprecedented environmental credentials from an entire model range.

The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of environmentally conscientious early adopters, the Prius+ targeting growing European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid - The Greenest, most Technically Advanced Prius Yet

— CO₂ emissions of only 49 g/km and fuel consumption of just 2.1 l/100 km[2]

— EV driving range of approximately 23 km¹

— Fully rechargeable in just 1.5 hours

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Toyota's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to go on sale to the mass market, makes its production vehicle world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Toyota's focus on PHEV technology meets current consumer requirements. Recent Accenture research, entitled 'Plug-in electric vehicles: changing perceptions, hedging bets' on the electrification of private transport, suggests that consumers may favour PHEVs over full EVs because they require fewer changes to current driving habits and levels of convenience².

The next major milestone in Toyota's ongoing, 40 year quest for sustainable mobility and the ultimate eco car, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents the latest development of the company's modular Hybrid Synergy Drive^® platform — credible, trusted and reliable full hybrid technology with a proven track record garnered over some 200 billion kilometres of driving worldwide.

Offering a considerable expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive^® system's capabilities, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid incorporates a lithium-ion battery to offer an EV driving range of approximately 23 km¹. Beyond the electric driving range, it can be used as a conventional full hybrid with all the efficiency of a standard Prius, and fully recharged from a domestic source when convenient, in just 1.5 hours.

With a total HSD system power output of 100 kW, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Its EV cruising range of approximately 23 km¹ enables it to achieve remarkable fuel efficiency of just 2.1 l/100 km¹, and to lower CO₂ emissions to an unprecedented 49 g/km¹.

At approximately 1,420 kg, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is only 50 kg heavier than the regular Prius, and no heavier than any comparable diesel or petrol engined car in the segment.

Addressing the specific needs of drivers commuting to urban areas, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will appeal to very similar customers to those who were early adopters of the first generation Prius forward-thinking, ecologically-aware individuals attracted to the new vehicle's unique concept, environmentally-friendly credentials and advanced, highly sophisticated technology.

Sales will start in early 2012, mainly in Japan, US and Europe, with anticipated sales of approximately 50,000 units annually.

Urban Powertrain Electrification - The Case for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles

It is estimated that the majority of Europeans will live in urban areas by the end of the decade. As a result, the demand for environmentally-friendly commuter vehicles is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Based on current conditions, industry attention is now focused on electricity as the most practical energy source.

Many EU member states are struggling to achieve the required EU air quality standards, specifically in urban environments. This has resulted in city authorities introducing criteria to restrict the entry of specific types of vehicles to city centres. Following a direction recently proposed in the EU Transport White Paper[3], some cities are going further and considering a ban on conventional vehicles from city centres and the promotion of electric vehicles.

The environmental merits of electric vehicles (EVs) as urban commuters are well proven, but their further development is currently handicapped by a number of factors. On the technical side, inappropriately large, heavy and costly batteries are required to offer a driving range which only satisfies the needs of those with a very specific usage pattern. Perhaps more significantly, from the customer perspective, no adequate recharging infrastructure yet exists, and range anxiety remains a major concern.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid addresses each of these issues, making it the most feasible short- to mid-term solution for the electrification of powertrains.

Building on the core technology of Toyota's renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive^®, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid sets a new benchmark in environmentally—friendly mobility by offering customers commuting to urban areas the best of both worlds.

It offers an extended, EV driving range, yet it can be driven without any concerns over exceeding the electric power range. At this point, it can be driven as a regular, full hybrid vehicle offering the same environmental credentials and true long range capability as a standard Prius.

A full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers a truly 21st century driving experience. It rewards customers with the pleasure of uniquely stress-free, relaxed and remarkably quiet operation, while returning unparalleled fuel efficiency and the lowest possible CO₂, NO_X and PM (Particulate Matter) emissions.

The reduction of CO₂ emissions has been a mainstream global issue since the 1990s (the 1997 Kyoto Protocol outlining specific numeric goals), and vehicle taxation based on CO₂ emissions is now commonplace. However, the focus on curbing CO₂ emissions has meant that legislation to limit the pollution of the urban environment through road traffic-generated NO_X and PM emissions remains, thus far, significantly less stringent.

Although Euro 6 exhaust emission regulations will bring the diesel engine NO_X emission limits closer to those of petrol units (80 versus 60 mg/km on the NEDC), the Prius Plug-in still generates significantly lower NO_X emissions than diesel engine cars and undercuts the Euro 6 standards by 98%. Moreover, when operating in its extended EV mode, it generates zero CO₂, NO_X and particulate emissions.

PHEV European Limited Lease Project

Toyota initiated its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) project in 2007, with road trials of a prototype vehicle in France and in UK in 2008. In 2010, the project entered its second phase when a limited production vehicle, based on the third-generation Prius equipped with a Lithium-ion battery, was used for pan-European road trials.

As part of a global Toyota project, 200 vehicles have been leased to selected partners and customers in 18 European countries. France, the UK and Germany are operating a total 150 PHEVs between them. The largest single group of vehicles is located in Strasbourg, France, where a 70 PHEV-strong project is underway in collaboration with Toyota's partner, French energy provider EDF, and the City and Urban Community of Strasbourg (CUS).

After nearly a year, the PHEVs involved in the project have been intensively driven both in the urban environment and on longer journeys out of the city. With an average yearly mileage of 13,180 km, project participants have acquired nearly 800,000 km of PHEV driving experience.

With two thirds of commutes covering under 20 km, the zero emission, fully electric range of the PHEV satisfies a significant share of the users' daily requirements. 35% of users also completed long distance trips of more than 100 km at least once a week, and the PHEV's ability to operate as a full hybrid eliminates the range anxiety associated with journeys of this length in a fully electric vehicle.

Fuel efficiency figures obtained under real-world conditions show that the PHEV consumes 36% less fuel than the comparable, best-in-class diesel vehicle and almost 50% less than the best-in-class petrol vehicle. Users that maximised the potential of the PHEV and made optimal use of the existing recharging infrastructure were able to return average fuel consumption figures of less than 2.0 l/100km.

The New Prius Plug-in Hybrid, The Hybrid Synergy Drive^® Technology Flagship

The wealth of real-world user feedback generated by the global limited lease projects has enabled Toyota to re-evaluate every aspect of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid's performance to date. As a result, the production vehicle benefits not only from several key technological improvements over its lease project counterpart, but also considerable enhancements to its everyday practicality and usability.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid features a new lithium-ion battery with a high capacity of 4.4 kWh and a weight of only 80 kg. This compares favourably to the nickel-metalhydride battery of the latest generation Prius, which has a capacity of 1.3 kWh and weighs 42 kg.

Via a battery charger inlet now relocated beneath a discreet, flush-mounted panel in the production vehicle's right-hand rear wing, the battery pack can be fully recharged in 1.5 hours from a standard, 230V household outlet, with no need for an expensive fast-charger.

Driving Modes

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers the driver three switchable, 'on-demand' drive modes — HV, EV and EV-City[4].

With HV mode selected, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid functions similarly to the standard Prius. It delivers the classic, highly efficient Toyota HSD driving experience, seamlessly engaging the petrol engine as appropriate. The vehicle's switchable EV mode range is preserved for later use in urban environments.

With EV mode selected, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is able to draw upon the full capacity of the battery and will remain in electric drive mode, allowing for urban driving with minimal noise and zero CO₂ and NO_X emissions, for up to approximately 23 kilometres at speeds of up to 85 km/h.

The petrol engine will still start if the system judges that additional power is necessary, however the use of light to medium throttle inputs keeps it switched off throughout EV mode operation.

With EV-City mode selected, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid matches the EV mode's characteristics. Increased electric operation is ensured by allowing more forceful use of the throttle before the petrol engine kicks in.

Switched separately, ECO mode may be independently activated when the Prius Plug-in Hybrid is operating in HV, EV or EV-City modes. In any drive mode, throttle response to accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions, the ECO mode can help drivers achieve a perceptible reduction in fuel consumption.

Exclusive Design, Practical and Technologically Advanced Interior

In recognition of its status as the next generation eco car from the Toyota hybrid stable, several subtle exterior detail changes differentiate the Prius Plug-in Hybrid from the standard Prius.

The front of the new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid features an exclusive grille and front bumper design. To the rear, a clear lens combination lamp design further differentiates the new vehicle from the standard Prius. A high-brightness silver finish has been adopted for the door handles, license garnish and battery charger lid, and the vehicle features exclusive 'Plug-in Hybrid' badging to the front wings and tailgate.

Following lease customer feedback, the battery charger inlet has been relocated from the left front wing to a discreet, flush-mounted panel in the production vehicle's right-hand rear wing. Every aspect of the charging operation itself has also been reconsidered.

The Charge Circuit Interface Device (CCID) has been made more compact, and a 25% lighter, more flexible charging cable that does not stiffen in cold weather has been developed. The battery charger lid has been incorporated into the cover for easier, single-operation closing, and now features a battery charger indicator and LED illumination for enhanced night-time visibility. As an additional safety measure, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid cannot be started whilst the charging cable is connected.

On board, the sensorial quality of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid interior has been raised through a new colour scheme with silver inserts, a revised centre console design, and an improved multi-information display with enhanced EV driving support meter functions.

The air conditioning is coordinated with the standard front seat heaters. This enables the system to reach a comfortable temperature for the driver and passenger more quickly and efficiently, further improving the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

The installation of the newly developed, more compact lithium-ion battery has allowed for a loadspace deck on a par with the conventional Prius, and a luggage capacity of 443 litres. Under-boot storage of 40.5 litres offers ample space to store the charging cable beneath the loadspace floor.

Advanced And Affordable Multimedia Systems

Reflecting today's highly connected society, on-board multimedia systems are in increasing demand. Placing a particularly high value on touch-screen operation, customers require a system which gives centralized control of the widest possible range of vehicle functions, as well as connectivity to external devices such as mobile phones and portable music players.

In response, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, offer customers a unique range of multimedia equipment choices, from the most affordable touch screen interface to the most sophisticated satellite navigation yet created by Toyota, as well as a new, power-saving JBL premium sound system.

Toyota Touch

Fitted as standard, Toyota Touch is a 6.1 inch, full colour, touch-screen interface which represents a new approach to affordable, on-board multimedia systems. In a choice of seven EU languages, it offers customers a wide range of interactive functions without the added expense of an integral satellite navigation system, making it available to the widest possible range of customers.

It incorporates AM/FM radio with enhanced FM reception through the first use of two tuners and two antennae, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art. In addition, a rear view camera is fitted as standard.

Toyota Touch & Go Plus

Building on the Toyota Touch multimedia base unit, Toyota Touch & Go Plus equips the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid with an optional navigation system representing the best value for money on the market. With a choice of 14 languages, it includes all the most popular navigation functions, such as advanced traffic coverage, customisable speed limits, speed camera warnings, 3D city models and landmarks.

Toyota Touch Pro

The launch of the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also mark the introduction of the most sophisticated satellite navigation system yet offered by the company, the new Toyota Touch Pro.

The premium quality multimedia system features a high-resolution 7.0 inch touch-screen interface with a 'home' screen, at-a-glance function displaying the most relevant air-conditioning, audio and navigation information. With a choice of 20 menu and guidance languages, the system covers the whole of Europe.

It offers a comprehensive range of advanced features including voice recognition, automatic map zoom at intersections, 3D city model and landmark graphics, an on-line Points Of Interest search facility and a supplementary driver's navigational guidance head-up display.

The system also provides access to SMS messages and emails, and includes a 'text-to-speech' message readout facility. A rear camera with dynamic guidance lines to help manoeuvring in confined spaces is fitted as standard.

Toyota Touch Pro also incorporates DAB/DAB+/DMB digital radio as standard, making it compatible with a new advanced Transport Protocol Export Group (TPEG) traffic information service[5]. Based on a digital communication channel, TPEG represents a significant improvement over existing, RDS-TMC analogue systems because it can carry far more information.[6]

Not only will its pin-point accuracy enable better navigation routing, but it will also supplement a basic traffic event and flow service with information on parking availability and fuel prices, adding additional information including speed limits and weather thereafter.

JBL GreenEdge Premium Sound System

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid introduces another Toyota first, a new JBL Premium Sound System which features GreenEdge. This technology helps to maximize energy efficiency by reducing operational power requirements by up to 80% of those of a conventional on-board audio system.

At the heart of the system is a JBL GreenEdge amplifier, which is 66% smaller and lighter than comparable units. Because the amplifier's Tracking Power Technology measures audio input in real time, only the necessary electricity is provided to the amplification circuit. This greatly reduces heat loss, and effects a 50% reduction in current consumption.

High-efficiency JBL GreenEdge speakers consume 50% less power than conventional speakers for the same sound output levels. They feature custom designed acoustic lenses to spread a more powerful sound across an even wider frequency range.

—

* Vehicle settings availability varies per model and grade

**Bluetooth Message Across Profile required on the mobile phone

Smart Grid For The Future Mobility Society

Toyota's next-generation, environmentally-friendly PHEVs and EVs will become a key element of the social system and play an important role in realising a low-carbon society.

However, the amount of electricity these vehicles consume whilst recharging accounts for a substantial part of an ordinary household's total power consumption. And if many vehicles charge their batteries simultaneously during specific hours of the day, it will boost society's peak power demand. It is, therefore, crucial that this charging time is optimally controlled.

In response to these requirements, Toyota is working on the Smart Grid concept -an electricity network wherein power supply and demand is efficiently controlled using IT to ensure a stable power supply and optimum energy saving.

The Smart Grid is designed to help customers live a comfortable, low-carbon eco-life by connecting vehicles, homes and people. At the heart of the Smart Grid is Toyota Home's Smart House, currently on test in Japan.

The Smart House is equipped with a Home Energy Management System (HEMS), which controls the generation of electricity by solar panels, its storage in a home battery and its efficient consumption, including vehicle charging times. The PHEV or EV is integral to the system, and the vehicle battery may be used as a household power source in emergencies.

Smart House occupants' smart phones are also integrated into the system, monitoring home pow

A new, horizontal centre instrument cluster design reinforces the breadth and roominess of the cabin. The centre cluster is clearly divided into two sections. The upper part incorporates Toyota Touch, a 6.1" touch screen multimedia unit. The lower part houses new designs for both manual and automatic air-conditioning controls.

The driver's instrument cluster has been redesigned to enhance meter clarity, and SR and SR+ grades are now equipped with Optitron meters. A new, more modern steering wheel design incorporates grade-differentiated switchgear.

Perceived quality has been significantly improved through the adoption of uniformly darker finishes with a greater colour consistency throughout the interior. This sense of increased sophistication is further enhanced through new, silver ornamentation to the display audio unit, steering wheel and gearshift knob. A choice of four seat upholstery finishes, including leather, offers improved durability and stronger grade differentiation.

The new exterior design gives the Hilux 2012 a distinctive, instantly recognisable presence, whilst maintaining the legendary toughness essential for professional work.

The front of the vehicle is entirely new from the A pillar forwards. It combines an image of rugged durability appropriate to a 'workhorse' with a more curved, three-dimensional image reflecting the vehicle's SUV-like appeal to the growing leisure segment of the European pick-up market.

The flowing lines of a new bonnet design extend into a new, more sophisticated, reverse trapezoid-shaped radiator grille. The grille is flanked by powerful headlamp clusters which project beyond the bodywork extremities to enhance turn signal visibility. A new front bumper design incorporates a large air intake flanked by integrated fog lamp housing.

In profile, the Hilux 2012's clean, robust bodywork is enhanced by a new front and rear wing design which incorporates a strong, rearward-flowing character line adding a powerful sense of movement. The vehicle profile is further enhanced by new, robust 15" and sporting 17" steel and alloy wheel designs, and new door mirrors featuring integrated turn signals on SR and SR+ grade models.

To the rear, new combination lamp clusters and a new high level stop lamp match the projecting design of the headlamps to maximise visibility. And 'workhorse' DLX grade models mark the reintroduction of a tough, durable flat bumper design.

The Hilux 2012 will be available in a range of 8 exterior body colours, of which two, Dark Steel and Silky Gold, are new.

To date, the world's favourite pick-up has recorded cumulative global sales of over 13 million units. Last year, global sales reached 549,000 units, an increase of 25% over the previous year. In Europe, 21,866 Hilux vehicles were sold in 2010, representing close to 25% of the segment and making the Toyota pick-up the leader for the third consecutive year.

The new pick-up will be available in 36 European countries, and more than 135 throughout the world. With anticipated European sales of almost 26,000 units in 2011, the Toyota Hilux success story is set to continue.

Fulfilling a 'workhorse'/'dual usage' role, the brand new DLX+ grade is available with 2WD or 4WD 2.5 D-4D powertrains mated to a manual transmission in all three body styles and with a 4WD 3.0 D-4D powertrain and manual transmission as a Double Cab only.

DLX models are equipped with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), a rear differential lock, electric windows, remote door locking and electric, heated door mirrors.

The optional Styling pack for DLX+ Double Cab adds a body-coloured front bumper and wheel arch protectors, wider tyres and front fog lamps.

With a choice of three body types, two engines, manual and automatic transmission and two- or four-wheel drive, Europe's pick-up of choice now satisfies the requirements of an even wider professional and leisure customer base.

This power increase has been achieved through the adoption of a DC motor-actuated, variable nozzle vane-type turbocharger and the use of new injectors. The new injectors offer more precise fuel injection, improving throttle response and performance.

Durable, reliable and quiet, the 2.5 D-4D engine further benefits from several performance and efficiency enhancing measures. A high-performance turbo-intercooler not only increases power but also enhances emissions performance. A sophisticated Swirl Control System optimises the air-fuel mixture at low engine speeds, increasing torque availability without the need for acceleration. And an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler optimises EGR gas temperature to improve emissions performance.

As a result of the 24 hp power increase, the Hilux 2012 2.5 D-4D 2WD accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 14.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 170 km/h.

Despite these significant performance increases, combined cycle fuel consumption has been reduced by 1.0 l/100 km to 7.3 l/100 km and CO₂ emissions lowered by 26 g/km to only 193 g/km.

Complimenting this power increase, Hilux 2012 2WD versions are now equipped with the more robust chassis design of 4WD models. This not only improves vehicle ground clearance, but also increases the two-wheel drive models' towing capacity to 2.5 tons.

The 3.0 D-4D engine develops 171 hp and when mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12.1 seconds, and has a top speed of 170 km/h. It returns an average fuel consumption of 8.6 l/100 km, and generates CO₂ emissions of 227 g/km.

Equipped with an optional, 5-speed automatic gearbox, acceleration from 0-100 km/h improves to 12 seconds, and top speed rises to 175 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 8.4 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions of 223 g/km.

Both powertrains benefit from high torque output across a wide engine speed range -the 2.5 D-4D generating 343 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm, manual versions of the 3.0 litre engine matching this figure between an even wider, 1,400-3,400 rpm band- offering optimum performance at any speed, across any terrain.

Thanks to the adoption of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) both 2.5 D-4D and 3.0 D-4D engines are now EURO V compliant. The DPF system collects and regenerates PM (Particulate Matter) in exhaust gas and efficiently oxidizes carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon.

A bolder, more refined frontal treatment features the distinctive new face of the next generation Toyota family. Key to the new design direction is a change in the proportions of the upper and lower grilles, with the emphasis now placed on enlarging the latter for a more assertive, dynamic look.

Beneath the trademark Avensis 'clamshell' bonnet, a new, wider and more powerful grille design is flanked by narrower, more expressive headlamps which emphasise the sleek, elegant proportions of the new styling. The new headlamps now incorporate daytime running lights.

The lower bumper has been expressively sculpted with a strong, protruding centre section housing a large air intake to focusattention on the bottom half of the vehicle. In conjunction with the crisp detailing of integral foglamp pockets placed at the bumper extremities, the design gives the new Avensis a wider, more purposeful stance and a more ground-hugging appearance.

To the rear, the new Avensis features a newly designed rear bumper incorporating a centre guard on sedan models. Both combination lamp clusters and foglamps have been restyled for greater prominence and visibility. And a new, sleeker, chromed license garnish design adds a further touch of elegance.

16" steel wheels feature a new cap design, whilst the existing 16" and 17" Fuji alloy wheels have been enhanced through new colour and machine facings. The other 17" and 18" alloys also benefit from a new, darker colour treatment.

One new exterior colour has been added to the range the standard Red being replaced by a deep, premium Dark Red which brings added maturity to the new model range.

The new Toyota builds on the spaciousness, practicality and fuel efficiency of the current, third generation model. It features a bolder and more refined exterior design, and interior improvements to finish quality, comfort and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Driving dynamics have been enhanced, and a revised grade structure offers even greater value for money.

The best-selling variant of the Avensis' six engine line-up, the 2.0 D-4D turbodiesel, has been revised to deliver significant improvements in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. With a tax threshold set at 120 g/km in almost a third of European countries, the 2.0 D-4D's 119 g/km brings generous tax benefits to both private and fleet buyers.

With a choice of two body styles, three diesel and three petrol engines, three transmissions and four model grades, the new Avensis has been specifically tailored to the European market. The D-segment demonstrates a 70% focus on diesel powertrains, a 64% bias in favour of fleet sales and a preference for the wagon body style with over 50% of customers.

Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the Avensis was first launched at the end of 1997 and has since firmly established itself in the European D-segment. It sold 70,585 units throughout the region in 2010, representing a 5.8% segment share.

The world's first mass-produced full hybrid vehicle, the Prius was launched in Japan in 1997, and in Europe in 2000. While rival manufacturers are only now introducing a first hybrid variant to their existing model ranges, the stand-alone Prius has already entered its third generation.

With global sales now passing 2.3 million units, the Prius maintains a peerless reputation for reliability, durability and low cost of ownership.

Voted Car of the Year by European, Japanese and American motoring journalists, the Prius has won numerous highly prestigious awards. Its globally recognised Hybrid Synergy Drive® is one of the most successful powertrains in the history of the International Engine of the Year awards, with a total of 11 titles to date.

Prius has been consistently ahead of its time in addressing not only CO₂ emissions, but also air quality. Even operating in normal drive mode, it generates significantly lower NO_X emissions that any comparable diesel or petrol vehicle. In EV mode, with a range of up to two kilometres, it generates zero CO₂, NO_X and PM emissions.

Internal Toyota studies performed with the third generation Prius show that during a typical city trip, when the average speed is below 30 km/h, more than 25% of the journey takes place with the engine off, resulting in considerable reductions in average fuel consumption and emissions.

The last decade has witnessed a fall in the fuel consumption of its Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain of more than 23% and a reduction in CO₂ emissions of almost 26%. Yet system power has simultaneously increased by 30%. The latest Prius returns 3.9 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and generates CO₂ emissions of only 89 g/km.

Customer perceptions of full hybrid technology have also evolved significantly over the last decade. First generation Prius owners were won over by the car's unique concept and technological innovation. Second generation owners are enthusiastic early adopters of niche technologies, remaining passionate about the Prius product concept regardless of the opinions of others.

Third generation customers, however, recognise the Prius as a true mainstream vehicle with on-road performance and dynamic abilities which bear comparison with conventional D-segment competitors.

The new Prius features a new, more dynamic frontal treatment. The revised front bumper design places the emphasis on an enlarged lower grille, in keeping with the new face of the next generation Toyota family. A new, clear lens headlamp design features a revised LED lamp configuration, and daytime running lights have been incorporated in the bumper.

The door mirrors now have a power-folding function, the rear combination lamps have been redesigned and the new Prius is also equipped with new 15" wheel design.

On board, the sensorial quality of the Prius interior has been raised through a change of colour scheme from dark grey to black, the addition of silver inserts and an upholstery upgrade.

The centre console design has been revised, and the push start button colour changed to hybrid blue. The multi-information display has been improved with a 16 gradation-step Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) which gives a clearer and more three-dimensional display, and driving support functions now include an EV indicator lamp.

The Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. Each generation has introduced new, high technology features to the segment ahead of their time.

The third generation Prius showcased a head-up display, Touch Tracer switchgear and a Pre-Crash Safety system. It was also equipped with the world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning. The solar powered ventilation prevents the interior air temperature from rising whilst the Prius is parked. In conjunction, the air conditioning may be activated remotely, using the large capacity hybrid battery to cool the interior for up to three minutes before vehicle occupancy.

The new Prius benefits from the addition of a unique range of advanced and affordable multimedia equipment choices being introduced to every vehicle in the new Prius family Toyota Touch, Toyota Touch & Go Plus, the new Toyota Touch Pro, and a new JBL Matrix Premium Sound System with GreenEdge energy-saving technology (see Prius Plug-in Hybrid Chapter for full details).

Prius will continue to lead Toyota's European full hybrid deployment strategy. With other Toyota HSD models introducing the benefits of full hybrid drive to an every broadening customer base, the Prius will remain a showcase for new technologies and further advances in HSD powertrain design.

The Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of seven seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain. Meeting the needs of a growing customer group -environmentally conscientious families in the need of more space- it broadens the appeal of Hybrid Synergy Drive®'s environmental credentials and advanced technology to the widest customer base yet.

The Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior design hallmarks it as an evolution, rather than merely an elongated version, of the standard Prius.

The sleek, bold styling features an extended roofline with an integral, panoramic sunroof, retaining the iconic Prius triangle silhouette and giving the Prius+ a class leading Cd 0.28 drag coefficient.

The trapezoidal front incorporates sharp-edged headlamps, turbulence-minimising aero-corners and an enlarged lower grille. Distinctive rear styling is highlighted by a practical, top hinged tailgate, a roof spoiler to further improve air flow and intricate combination lamp clusters located as far outward as possible in order to maximize the luggage compartment opening.

As its name suggests, the Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation. It is 155 mm longer than a standard Prius, 30 mm wider, and 85 mm higher, with a wheelbase extended by 80 mm, making it possible to accommodate adults in all 3 rows.

The dynamic architecture of an all new interior design features a strongly horizontal dashboard which encompasses the centre console, centre cluster and instrumentation in one flowing form. Combined with concave door trim and a well-defined centre space between console and cluster for connecting driver and front passenger, this creates an unprecedented sense of spaciousness. The openness of the interior is further enhanced by a large, resin panoramic sunroof. A first for a Toyota vehicle, this material in combination with an optimized construction is 40% lighter thanits glass equivalent and has a higher level of heat-resistance performance. The sunroof includes a door lock-linked automatic shade closing function to prevent cabin temperature from rising during parking in hot weather.

The innovative air conditioner control concentrates the most frequently used functions into a single dial. This provides intuitive operation and increases usability, while achieving a visually appealing, iconic design.

The new Toyota full hybrid's seven-seat format features three, independent, split/folding second row seats and a 50:50 split/folding third tier. Clear forward visibility for all occupants has been realized by raising the seating height of each row by 45mm over that in front, while maintaining ample head clearance and legroom in every row.

Even with seven passengers on board, the Prius+ provides 200 litres of cargo space. With the third seating row stowed, this figure rises to 505 litres. An 1,105 mm tailgate opening width, 95mm wider than that of the standard Prius, facilitates easy loading and unloading, and storage flexibility is enhanced through large 345 mm storage tray beneath

the luggage deck.

The adoption of third row seating has been made possible by the installation of a highly compact, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack within the vehicle centre console between the front seats, offering no compromise to the seven-seat passenger accommodation or loadspace of the MPV-style interior.

This is the first lithium-ion battery to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid.

The Prius+ showcases the latest generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain, which employs a 1.8 litre 73 kW Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a powerful 60 kW electric motor. Total system power is 136 DIN hp, and the Prius+ will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h.

Its environmental performance enhanced by the Prius+'s class-leading aerodynamic performance and low weight, the full hybrid drive system returns both class-leading fuel economy and CO₂ emissions -4.3 l/100 km and 99 g/km respectively.

As in the standard Prius, the Prius+ features three 'on-demand' drive modes to increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain: a EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone for up to two kilometres, resulting in zero fuel consumption and emissions. An ECO mode prioritizes fuel economy by dampening throttle response and limiting power consumption from the air conditioning system. And a POWER mode boosts system performance.

A Head-Up Display (HUD) and smart entry system are included as standard equipment while LED headlamps, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety systems are available. Just as in the Prius, customers are offered a range of advanced convenience and safety features to choose from.

As with every vehicle in the new Prius family, the Prius+ benefits from a unique range of touch-screen multimedia equipment. Toyota Touch is fitted as standard. Toyota Touch & Go Plus and Toyota Touch Pro navigation systems, and a JBL Matrix Premium Sound System featuring GreenEdge technology are available as options (see Prius Plug-in Hybrid Chapter for full details).

The Prius+ goes on sale throughout Europe in the first half of 2012, with expected sales targets of 18,000 units per annum.

Avensis Grade

The current generation Avensis' generous standard equipment specification is enhanced by the adoption of integral daytime running lights. Seat upholstery quality has been upgraded by the addition of Sol grade trim, and the sensory quality of the centre console has been improved with a new, silver upper panel and matt black lower panel paint finish.

An expanded options list now features front foglamps, and a Comfort Pack which includes cruise control, a leather steering wheel and a 6-speaker Display Audio CD stereo system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Sol Grade

To the enhanced Avensis grade specification, Sol grade adds Executive grade quality seat trim, an all-silver centre console paint finish and machine-faced 16" and 17" alloy wheels. The Toyota Touch multimedia system is equipped with a rear parking camera.

Options include the Touch & Go navigation system, rear parking sensors, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and a panoramic roof.

Executive Grade

To the improved Sol grade standard specification, Executive grade adds a nickel and wood centre console finish, Alcantara seat trim with leather bolsters, and a new, darker coloured 17" alloy wheel finish.

Amongst the options available are an 11-speaker Display Audio system with rear parking camera, a choice of Touch & Go or Touch & Go Plus navigation systems, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), and a Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Premium Grade

Further augmenting the Executive grade specification, Premium grade adds perforated leather upholstery in a choice of Ice Grey, Warm Grey or Black colours. Ice Grey is combined with a bright silver centre console finish, Warm Grey and Black with a warm nickel finish.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), a Touch & Go Plus navigation system, an 11-speaker Display Audio system with rear parking camera and new dark finish 18" alloy wheels are all fitted as standard

The appearance, touch and feel of the entire dashboard have been improved. The centre console layout has been redesigned to improve the switchgear layout and operability. The central air vents have been redesigned and now share the new metal paint finish of the centre console itself and the side air vents have become chrome trimmed.

The tactile quality and feel of frequently handled parts such as the door trim gripping area, switchgear and the front console all benefit from new, higher quality ornamentation. The driver's instrument dial backlighting has been changed from amber to white for a more premium look, and the rear console box lid upholstery has been changed from polyurethane to leather.

The front seatback side support shape has been redesigned for better lateral holding performance and greater comfort, and the seat upholstery upgraded throughout the model range.

Entry level fabric seat upholstery has been enhanced to offer Sol grade trim quality, Sol grade fabric now features Executive grade trim, Executive grade fabric has been upgraded to an Alcantara finish, and Premium grade seats are now finished with high quality perforated leather inserts for improved comfort. The leather upholstery is available in a choice of three new colours Light Grey, Warm Grey and Black.

Multimedia System

The new Avensis benefits from Toyota's unique range of affordable, touch-screen multimedia equipment Toyota Touch, and the Toyota Touch & Go and Toyota Touch & Go Plus navigation systems.

Toyota Touch & Go Plus

Fitted as standard to Premium grade models and making its world debut in the new Avensis, Touch & Go Plus adds numerous new, advanced technology features to Toyota's remarkable touch-screen multimedia system.

It features advanced voice recognition for navigation address input, one-shot destination entry, music search and play, and phoneIt features advanced voice recognition for navigation address input, one-shot destination entry, music search and play, and phone contact search and call. It also incorporates email send and receive, a text-to-speech message readout facility, a calendar and, through a Gracenote database, a 'Play More Like This' music function.

Enhanced satellite navigation mapping incorporates 3D city modelling and landmarks, and an additional Traffic Patterns database showing the average speed on road segments en route depending on time, day and month. The system includes three years free map and software updating.

The Prius' unique Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD) powertrain established a major industry milestone in sustainable mobility, and its name, meaning 'to go before' in Latin, quickly became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness became a mainstream social concern.

Maintaining its environmental and technological leadership for over a decade, the multiple award-winning Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid with over 2.3 million units sold. Prius is now more popular than ever, and the third generation model, launched in 2009, has already sold over 1 million units.

Since 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold more than 3.3 million full hybrid vehicles worldwide. This represents more than 80% of all global hybrid sales, and gives the company an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility. As concrete, tangible proof of HSD's environmental record, these sales have already contributed to a reduction in automotive emissions of some 21 million tonnes of CO₂.

Hybrid Synergy Drive® has been specifically designed to be modular and adaptable to diverse energy sources. Its application in the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and Toyota's ongoing research into Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV), offers the potential for even greater reductions in vehicle emissions in the immediate future.

Toyota's clear lead in hybrid technology has recently been reinforced by an independent study which establishes the company as being the most widely recognised amongst consumers as a manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicles.

In a joint survey by Automotive Business Intelligence company EurotaxGlass's and UK-based marketing and research institute Harris Interactive, some 30% of those questioned demonstrated an interest in electric or hybrid vehicles, with Toyota standing out in all markets as the company with the highest brand awareness.

When asked to name an electric or hybrid brand, some 15% of survey participants cited Toyota, with only 6% naming the closest rival hybrid manufacturer. Moreover, Toyota's environmental flagship proves to be the single best known electric or hybrid model, with 16% of those questioned being aware of the award-winning Prius, and only 6% naming the closest rival vehicle.

Reinforcing Toyota's belief in the strong potential of the full hybrid technology, the study finds that European consumers are far more open to alternative powertrains than the latter's current market share might suggest.

Pre-empting this conclusion, the recent launch of the Auris HSD marked the start of a significant expansion in the company's full hybrid model range, which will see the launching of some 10 Toyota hybrids by 2015. Toyota aims to offer most of its European models with a Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain derivative as early as possible in the 2020s.

One important facet of this expansion in HSD vehicles, the 2012 Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range — Prius, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Respective CO₂ emissions of 89 g/km, 99 g/km and just 49 g/km1 represent unprecedented environmental credentials from an entire model range.

The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of environmentally conscientious early adopters, the Prius+ targeting growing European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle.

A plug-in hybrid vehicle basically operates as an electric vehicle on short trips and as a conventional hybrid vehicle on longer ones. Its electric vehicle attributes mean it has a longer total cruising distance and better overall fuel efficiency than a conventional hybrid this means lower fossil fuel consumption and, thus, reduced CO₂ emissions and atmospheric pollution. But because it is a hybrid vehicle, it can run regardless of battery charge and is not completely dependent on a battery-charging infrastructure.

TMC is developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle that can be charged using external power sources (such as household electricity), based on its hybrid technology, which it has positioned as a core technology for environmentally considerate vehicles. The concept model TMC will display at the Frankfurt Show has a targeted electric-vehicle cruising range of approximately 20 kilometers on a full charge, and its targeted CO₂

emissions level is below 60 grams per kilometer*.

TMC believes plug-in hybrid vehicles represent an environmentally considerate solution that can be widely applied to respond to the diversification of energy sources. As such, TMC intends to introduce approximately 500 plug-in hybrid vehicles globally—approximately: 200 in Japan, 150 in the United States, 150 in Europe (including France, the United Kingdom and Germany) primarily to fleet customers—to encourage market acceptance and promote understanding.

TMC will continue its efforts to achieve sustainable mobility by using its hybrid technologies to develop plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and fuel-cell hybrid

vehicles, which are expected to help reduce fossil fuel consumption, lower CO₂ emissions and respond to the diversification of energy sources.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept Specifications

*Measured in line with new official international regulations for plug-in hybrid electric powertrains

• Celebrating 10 years of hybrid technology

• Introducing radical new small car concept

• Continuing to update current popular models

Toyota’s role as a global leader in automotive innovation and environmental concern is highlighted at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. It has long recognised its corporate responsibility for the environment and for the communities in which it operates. This commitment translates into a comprehensive vision of sustainable mobility.

Toyota’s extensive research and development programmes examine every aspect of vehicle design, performance, safety and the information infrastructure that will underpin driving tomorrow. As a result, Toyota clearly continues to demonstrate its commitment to finding and implementing solutions that make cars less of an environmental burden.

10 years of hybrid

Toyota’s world-leading hybrid technology is at the core of this strategy. The company is celebrating 10 years of commercial success with hybrid technology and the world’s most popular low emissions hybrid car, the Toyota Prius.

As a result of its success, the Toyota group plans to double its hybrid vehicle line-up by the early part of the next decade and is targeting one million hybrid vehicle sales a year worldwide (Toyota and Lexus combined).

This focus on hybrid technology is one key element in Toyota’s commitment to minimising fleet average CO2 emissions in Europe.

Expanding small car sales

But Toyota innovation and development is not confined to hybrid technology. The company is committed to expanding its small car sales to reduce CO2 emissions and can present radical solutions to the challenges of urban transport.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota presents a vision of an ultra compact, yet highly specified and modern urban car with the unveiling of a new small car concept in a revolutionary design.

Updates to popular models

Toyota also uses the Frankfurt Motor Show to showcase the latest updates in some of its most popular models in Europe.

Two new models will be introduced into the Yaris line-up, enhancing the car’s image and with specification designed to broaden its customer attraction. The new Yaris 1.0-litre will showcase Yaris intelligent technology for smart urban driving, with its economical and easy-to-drive style.

The new Yaris mid-range grade offers more refined sportiness with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and hi-tech equipment levels, including an integrated, full map navigation system.

The iconic Toyota RAV4 continues to set the benchmark for the highly competitive SUV market in Europe with outstanding driving performance, great versatility and even more sophistication and refinement.

Now, with the new RAV4 Cross Sport, customers can enjoy new levels of stylish design and premium quality with a sport, customers range of enhancements for the 2008 model year. These further emphasise the sophisticated and urban design themes of RAV4 across the range.

Few cars on the market have achieved the legendary status of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Built to withstand some of the toughest driving conditions on earth, Land Cruiser also offers remarkable driving pleasure.

Now Land Cruiser gets extra specifications to further enhance passenger comfort. The fresh exterior styling of Land Cruiser adds a more dynamic look to reflect the superior quality of the model range.

Information on the full range of Toyota models in Europe can be found on the Toyota stand in Hall 8 of the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and during the Toyota press conference.

Toyota celebrates 10 years of hybrid success

• Hybrid at the core of future development
• 1 million in cumulative hybrid vehicle sales
• Environmental responsibility in vehicle development and manufacturing

Today, Toyota is celebrating 10 years of commercial success with hybrid technology and the world’s most popular low emissions hybrid car, the Toyota Prius, which is sold in over 44 countries world-wide. During that period Toyota has become a world leader in hybrid powertrain technology and now puts hybrid systems at the core of its drive for the ultimate eco-car.

As a result of its success, the Toyota group plans to double its hybrid vehicle line-up by the early part of the next decade and is targeting one million hybrid vehicle sales a year worldwide (Toyota and Lexus combined). In May 2007, Toyota and Lexus hybrid sales have surpassed the mark of 1 million in cumulative sales.

This focus on hybrid technology is one key element in Toyota’s commitment to minimising fleet average CO2 emissions in Europe. At the same time Toyota accepts responsibility, through innovation and vehicle planning, to create clean manufacturing, reduced emissions and promote the use of recycling and reusing waste material.

Toyota’s eco-vision

• Comprehensive vision of sustainable mobility• Tackling every aspect of the lifecycle• Moving towards zero net emissions

As one of the world’s leading global vehicle manufacturers Toyota has long recognised its corporate responsibility for the environment and for the communities in which it operates. This commitment translates into a comprehensive vision of sustainable mobility.

Toyota’s extensive research and development programmes examine every aspect of vehicle design, performance, safety and the information infrastructure that will underpin driving tomorrow.

Toyota recognises motor vehicles interact with the environment throughout their entire lifecycle – from their initial design and the way they are manufactured, to their use on the road and their eventual disposal when no longer needed. For Toyota, minimizing these kinds of environmental impact has long been a top priority at every level of the company’s organisation and activity.

And building completely recyclable cars with zero net emissions is Toyota’s foremost challenge for the years to come.

Long history of hybrid technology

• Prius launched in 1997
• Hybrid systems dating back to 1965
• Development of Toyota Earth Charter

The first basic policy of Toyota’s Earth Charter, developed as long ago as 1992, states: “in order to contribute towards a prosperous 21st century society, aim for growth that is in harmony with the environment and challenge achievement of zero emissions throughout all areas of business activities”.

Indeed, when Toyota unveiled the first Prius, in 1997, it already had decades of background research when it started investigating the feasibility of using gas turbines to power an electric drive system for cars back in 1965. The system was actually displayed in a Toyota Sports 800 gas turbine hybrid at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1977 that promoted the philosophy: performance with respect for the environment.

It is still the same philosophy being followed today with Toyota’s award winning Hybrid Synergy Drive®.

A commercial success story

• More than 750,000 Prius sold worldwide
• Top of customer satisfaction ratings
• European Car of the Year 2005

From launch, Prius was an immediate commercial and critical success; the most technically advanced production car in the world and placing Toyota as a world leader in low emissions and hybrid technology. In the space of three years Prius gathered no less than 20 prestigious awards including the 1997 Japanese Car of the Year.

Launched in Europe in 2001, Prius moved into the second generation with Hybrid Synergy Drive® in 2003 and was further revised at the start of 2006 to offer a fresh face and improved interior comfort and quality. At the same time, sharper driving dynamics were introduced with a series of chassis, suspension and steering enhancements.

Since launch, more than 750,000 Prius models (May YTD) have been sold worldwide and more than 66,000 are on the roads in Europe. Rising fuel prices and increasing environmental awareness plus, to a certain extent, preferential tax and city driving incentives are facilitating the change.

But customers who switch to Prius are not just doing it for lifestyle reasons; they are also extremely satisfied with their choice and the driving pleasure it offers. Toyota Prius has just topped the 2007 JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey in the UK and France, and the current generation Prius was named European Car of the Year 2005.

Prius has won the ADAC Eco-Test in Germany in 2004 and 2005, and in 2007, the 1.5-litre petrol engine of the Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive® was named “International Engine of the Year” and “Best New Engine” in the International Engine of the Year awards. For the last four consecutive years, it has also won the “Best Fuel Economy” award.

Research shows that around 20% of customers switching to Prius have previously owned a luxury car. They are attracted by the environmental benefits of Prius but do not want to sacrifice performance or driving pleasure. Instead, they embrace the new technology and have high expectations of comfort and safety which Prius must satisfy.

Continuously improving performance

• Matches performance of conventional family cars
• Hybrid Synergy Drive® emissions amongst cleanest in the world
• Class leading aerodynamics
• Silent driving experience

Over the past 10 years, Toyota Prius has been continuously improved and refined. This process has ensured Prius offers not just reduced harmful emissions but also excellent driving dynamics and driving pleasure.

Today, the current Prius matches the performance of many conventional family cars with a top speed of and 0- acceleration in 10.9 seconds. Meanwhile Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology achieves exhaust emissions that are among the cleanest in the world.

The first generation Prius, with the Toyota Hybrid System (THS), showed a level of improvement for carbon dioxide emissions of around 20% compared to conventional powertrains. For the second generation Prius, with Hybrid Synergy Drive®, these emissions have again further fallen by 15%, from 120 g/km down to 104 g/km.

The latest generation Prius produces about 55% less CO2 and nearly half the nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons of other cars of comparable size equipped with modern standard exhaust treatment systems. Compared with an average D-segment cars on the market, driving a Prius can save up to one tonne of CO2 emissions per year (calculation based on the combined EC cycle, with annual driving distance). The official fuel consumption on the EC combined cycle is 4.3 l/100km. And, when it does eventually reach the end of its useful life, owners can be confident that Prius is 90% recyclable.

World-leading aerodynamics play a significant role in helping improve fuel consumption, reduce wind noise and allow increased performance. The reduced frontal area of Prius means it cuts through the air more efficiently and the car’s smooth underbody reduces overall drag and resistance.

The Prius features a class leading aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 resulting in excellent high speed stability and quietness.

The Prius can furthermore run on electric motor only at a low speed and up to two kilometres distance, offering a completely silent driving experience.

Suspension and chassis refinements as recent as 2006 have been designed to improve driving pleasure still further while also enhancing ride comfort and high speed stability. The developments have focused on specific areas of chassis stiffness to improve dynamic stability, suspension tuning for better ride comfort and steering control for increased response and feel.

Advanced comfort and safety

• Spacious and versatile cabin
• Premium quality trim and finish
• High levels of active and passive safety
• Available in a new exterior colour

Not only is Prius the most technically advanced car on the market, it is also one of the safest, most refined and most comfortable. Despite the battery size, cabin space is comparable to a large family saloon, with excellent leg and head room. For maximum versatility, the rear seats fold flat, have a 60-40 split and provide ample space and comfort for adult passengers.

For the ultimate comfort, a high quality leather trim package is available with genuine leather seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist are standard equipment, along with VSC+, a stability control system that co-ordinates with steering torque assist.

Eight airbags are standard equipment, with improved knee protection for the driver. EuroNCAP has recognised Prius’ high levels of passive safety, with a 5-star adult occupant rating, together with the highest score ever in terms of child protection – 43 points (4 stars).