The new Toyota full hybrid's seven-seat format features three, independent, sliding/split/folding second row seats and a 50:50 split/folding third tier. 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.

The Prius+ provides 232 litres of cargo space, even with seven passengers on board. With the third seating row stowed, this figure rises to 784 litres, and with all second and third row seats folded flat, increases to a maximum 1,750 litres.

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 of 4.1 l/100 km and 95 g/km respectively.

Rather than via a conventional steering wheel, the Toyota FV2 is operated by the driver shifting his or her body to intuitively move the vehicle forwards or backwards, and left and right.Moreover, by using intelligent transport system technology to connect with other vehicles in the area and the local traffic infrastructure, the FV2 provides a wide variety of safety information, including advanced warnings about other vehicles in blind spots at intersections, promoting safer driving.

Toyota envisions the FV2 and its owner developing an ever-deepening driver-vehicle relationship similar to the trust and understanding that a rider might develop with a horse.

By incorporating technology under development in the Toyota Heart Project, both the driver and the FV2 can grow together. The vehicle uses both voice and image recognition to determine the driver’s mood, accumulated driving history to suggest destinations, and driving technique information to assist the user in developing driving skills.

In addition to an Augmented Reality (AR) display in the windshield, the vehicle body colour and exterior display can be changed at will, creating a more intimate relationship between driver and vehicle.

The Toyota Heart Project

The Toyota Heart Project is a new communication research project developed under the theme ‘Inspiring the Heart, Inspiring You’.

Basing its research on a unique, ‘open innovation’ method, the project envisages a future in which, in addition to simply talking and listening, humans and artificial intelligence will be able to engage in emotional communication which includes the use of expressions and gestures, and the recollection of past events.

Toyota’s Kirobo and Mirata humanoid communication robots, which incorporate technologies for communication and artificial intelligence, are part of this research project.

Good to know

• The FV2’s Augmented Reality windshield display supplements computer-generated data with sensory information received from the user’s environment.

• The Toyota Heart Project’s ‘open innovation’ method is a research and development technique that transcends organisational frameworks to gather diverse knowledge and technology.

A full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid delivers impressive, seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet operation, while returning unparalleled fuel efficiency (2.1 l/100 km in the European homologation combined cycle) and extremely low emissions (49 g/km).

Moreover, when operating in its extended EV mode, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid generates zero CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions, driving with city-crossing capability for up to 25 kilometres at speeds of up to 85 km/h, dependant on battery charge and driving conditions.

After the EV range has been expended, the full hybrid system still returns fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km, and generates class-leading CO₂ emissions of just 85 g/km. These figures are even lower than that of regular Prius, mainly due to the vehicle's Lithium-ion battery, which can more efficiently recover energy under braking, recharging the battery more quickly and allowing owners to drive more often in EV mode.

Weighing only 80 kg, the battery pack of 4.4 kWh can be fully recharged in 1.5 hours from a standard, 230V household outlet. And thanks to this compact battery pack, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid weighs only 55 kg more than a standard Prius.

From an iconic new frontal 'X' design to its range of customisation options, all styling and engineering decisions for new AYGO were purposefully made with fun in mind.

A design that forces people to take sides 

"My main driver was to create a car that people would fall in love with" says David Terai, Chief Engineer of new AYGO. "Traditionally, the appeal of A-segment cars has come from their practicality and compactness, and from their price-tag. But, all too often, they lack in desirability. The elements that make you truly want a car, that make you grab that brochure again and again while you are deciding on your purchase, are compromised. Design is treated as secondary, and there isn't much equipment to select from."

"There seems to be an implicit agreement amongst vehicle planners, stylists and engineers that drivers of small cars don't spend much time behind the wheel anyway, and that therefore they won't mind having to compromise. I simply cannot believe that this is true. I am convinced that these drivers -just like any other- want a car that they can be proud of, and I took it as my task to create such a car."

This approach explains why new AYGO builds on the legacy of the first generation, which already went some way towards rejecting the conventional and basic A-segment stereotype. Despite its compact dimensions, it has a striking appearance, with dramatic and sophisticated yet playful lines. It's a design that forces people to take sides that will not appeal to everyone. And David Terai maintains that this was exactly his intention.

"If you aim for an emotional link between customer and design, you have to accept that tastes differ" he says. "And in a crowded market place, it is better to have a design that half the people absolutely love, rather than one that nobody objects to. That is why new AYGO wants to stand out."

And it does. Both the interior and the exterior have been conceived in such a way as to allow a wide variety of different executions. So now, new AYGO's not only fun to drive, but also fun to customise to your own bespoke style. And each of the resulting personalities has the ability to appeal to a specific taste.

What's more, about 10 parts around the vehicle can be easily replaced by alternative colours and executions, allowing customers to create their very own AYGO. Clever construction and a carefully considered installation strategy keep this personalisation affordable and straightforward, ensuring that both price and delivery time remain fitting for the A-segment.

Life on board is now even better, thanks to increased cabin space and an array of innovative equipment designed to fit the lifestyle of the younger customer base that is likely to embrace new AYGO. The most eye-catching example is the x-touch multimedia system. Its 7" full-colour touch screen controls numerous on-board systems, and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity allows the car to be seamlessly integrated into the busy online lives that most of us lead these days.

New AYGO is equipped with an improved version of Toyota's award-winning 3-cylinder, 1.0 litre VVT-i petrol engine. Still one of the lightest engines in its class, this remarkable unit incorporates numerous revisions that enhance performance and help deliver class-leading fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

With new AYGO now ready for its first customers, Chief Engineer Terai is a happy man: "I wanted to avoid the traditional compromises of the A-segment, by creating something that I could be truly proud of. When I look at the car now, it makes me smile and fall in love, so I feel I have succeeded." It's Toyota's hope that the smiles don't just end there, and that new AYGO can bring a sense of irreverent fun to drivers and passengers alike.

J-Playful Design

New AYGO was designed to seduce. The design theme was dubbed 'J-Playful'. It takes its inspiration from contemporary Japanese youth-culture, which favours strong and outspoken shapes and forms.

"Pride of ownership comes first and foremost from the design" says Chief Designer Nobuo Nakamura. "Every time you look at your new car parked out in front, you want to feel a reconfirmation of the choice you've made. That is why we didn't accept any compromise on styling."

Compact packaging was fundamental to the demands of new AYGO's largely urban-based customers. The overall length has increased by just 25 mm to 3,455 mm, maintaining new AYGO's class leading compactness. Despite a 7 mm increase in front headroom, vehicle height was reduced by 5 mm for aerodynamic efficiency. And the track was widened by 8 mm at both the front and rear to improve vehicle stance.

Though compact and playful, the exterior exudes robustness. This is no accident, as Nakamura goes on to explain. "Designing a compact car such as this one is not easy. You want it to be loveable, but at the same time it also needs to have proper street credibility. Therefore, it should look solid and strong, fully occupying its space and having real road presence."

This solidity comes from a strong mono-form which provides the overall volume of the design. In order to add a playful character, the concept was based on the expansion of a soft object within this rigid structure. As it bursts through the hard shell, it creates break lines and forms the AYGO's bold frontal 'X' graphic. This spreads outwards across the surface of the bodywork, and contains all the vehicle's key components, including upper and lower grilles, headlamps, foglamps, and even mirrors and side glazing.

"To protect the integrity of this design, we had to make some tough choices" says Nakamura. "For example, for the headlights to be narrow enough to be located within the 'X' graphic, they had to incorporate projector technology. This is exceptional in the A-segment, which tends to favour the cheaper but larger reflector type, and a good example of how often we rejected compromise in order to end up with a better car."

This powerful 'X' graphic also forms the basis for the exterior customisation, which is integral to the design of new AYGO.

In profile, the roof has been lowered and the front header moved forwards. As a result, the cabin's centre of gravity also shifts to the front, creating a more balanced and forward leaning posture. This is further emphasized by a sloping beltline which terminates in the forward leaning rear light clusters. The roof itself features a new, double bubble-style profile and an integral rear spoiler to aid aerodynamics.

The shape of the side-glazing differs between the 3- and 5-door models, the latter extending its window graphic into the rear light clusters, giving a feeling of length appropriate to a 5-door vehicle.

The rear of new AYGO mirrors the frontal design statement. In this case, the tailgate and lower bumper form the break lines splitting the solid surface of the vehicle. The lamp clusters are set within a hexagonal tailgate, and the upper bumper section widens into strongly protruding wheel arches which give the vehicle a broad and stable stance.

Comfort Within

The main theme for the interior design is provided by the trapezoidal centre console, the design of which is mirrored throughout the cabin in such elements as air vents, door trim and the gear lever surround.

The console supports a wide dashboard with a matt anti-glare finish, framed by sleek A-pillars designed to increase driver visibility. The instrumentation features a concentric ring meter design. Permanently lit, it incorporates a central multi-information display with a large font for optimum legibility.

As with the exterior, numerous interior elements can be customized.

"We worked a lot on ergonomics," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Mindful of the younger type of customer we see in the segment, we reduced the steering wheel angle from 28 to 26.6 degrees, we reduced the front seat hip point by 10 mm, and we equipped the driver's seat with height adjustment. So finding your preferred seating position should be easy."

Despite an unchanged wheelbase of 2,340 mm, the length of the passenger compartment has been increased by 9 mm, with 20 mm wider armrests further contributing to front seat comfort.

Finally, the luggage capacity was increased by 29 litres to 168 litres, and access has been improved thanks to a 75 mm wider load space opening between the tailgate sill and the rear seat back.

Keep it safe 

The new Toyota AYGO is equipped with a wide range of active and passive safety features.

It offers, fitted as standard, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), curtain airbags, Isofix child seat attachment, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an adjustable speed limiter and, newly adopted, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and emergency brake signalling.

New AYGO's high rigidity bodyshell is designed to not only minimise cabin deformation during front, side and rear collisions, but also absorb pedestrian collision impact forces.

The lights that lead the way 

Standard on all new AYGO models, the headlamp clusters incorporate Poly-Ellipsoid System (PES)-type halogen headlamps for a longer reach and broader illumination under both low and high beam conditions, and integral LED clearance lamps which give the AYGO a unique light signature, making it recognisable from afar.

"This was particularly important to me," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Firstly, because customers have become used to a wide variety of choice in colour and execution for most of their purchases, and it's time for the automotive industry to catch up. And, secondly, because the ability to have very much your own AYGO is key to achieving the desirability that I wanted. Knowing that your car is somehow unique will make it all the more special to you."

Interchangeable parts on the exterior (the X-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish and alloy wheels) and the interior (the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift know and gear lever surround) can easily be changed within a limited amount of time, even after several years of ownership.

Concept

The challenge was to ensure that customer choice remained as clear and simply structured as possible. To accomplish this, customisation was built on 4 pillars: Diversity, Simplicity, Affordability and Availability.

Thanks to a straightforward range of 3 grades, 3 special edition vehicles (which will be renewed on a regular basis), and 2 exterior and interior packs, customers will have a clear understanding of the many possibilities this simple customisation structure gives them to create the car of their choice.

Via this structured approach, delivery of new AYGO can be ensured within a short lead time, regardless of the customer's personal, exterior and interior customisation preferences.

Grades

Standard equipment on new AYGO is generous. All cars feature an AM/FM audio system with USB and AUX connections, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist, fitted as standard.

'x-play' lies at the heart of the new AYGO grade strategy. This version is the basis for all customisation, and also forms the foundation for the special editions 'x-cite', 'x-clusiv' and 'x-pure'. Standard exterior finishes feature a piano black x-shaped front grille and a set of 15 inch steel wheels. On board, standard equipment includes audio system control switches mounted on the leather steering wheel, a height adjustable driver's seat and a speed limiter.

Equipped with a large canvas top and 15 inch silver alloys, the stylish 'x-wave' sits at the top of the new AYGO grade ladder. The interior features body-coloured inserts and partial leather seats. The standard AYGO audio-system is upgraded to the x-touch multimedia system, with a touch-screen, rear view camera and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

The grade offer is completed with the 'x' entry grade. With a matt black front grille treatment, it features all the standard new AYGO equipment, and rides on 14 inch steel wheels.

Packs

Customers wanting to give their new AYGO that extra touch without resorting to piece-by-piece personalisation can opt for one of the Exterior and Interior Packs.

One pack allows customers to change the colour of the x-shaped front grille and the rear bumper insert. The other consists of stickers to highlight the lower portion of the car, at the front, rear and sides.

With the interior packs it's possible to change the colour of the air vents and gear lever surround or alter the finish of the instrument panel, centre console and gear lever surround.

A COMPELLING PACKAGE

Whether through its design, equipment, potential for personalisation or efficient powertrain, new AYGO has the power once again to make its mark on the A-segment. When sales commence in the summer of 2014, it will add an interesting new perspective for customers looking for clever packaging, style and, above all, fun.

Special Editions 

With its Pop Orange body colour, piano black details and 15 inch bi-spoke glossy black alloys, 'x-cite' is the enfant-terrible of the new AYGO range. The most extrovert variant, it adds a sporty touch to the range.

'x-clusiv' brings an additional level of sophistication to new AYGO through the combination of a Midnight Black body colour and Super Chrome detailing.

'x-pure' comes in Cool White with Super Chrome exterior detailing, for a stylish and minimalist execution.

Endless skies 

New AYGO 'x-wave' is fitted with a large, power-operated canvas top with a generous 785mm x 730mm opening just one example of the additional equipment designed to suit a more demanding A-segment customer.

x-touch — The world at your fingertips 

Taking affordable multimedia systems into the next decade, Toyota x-touch offers new AYGO owners an unprecedented combination of on-board multimedia and smartphone connectivity.

x-touch uses a 7" full-colour touch screen fully integrated within the instrument panel. It is the first system in the segment to have a rear view camera fitted as standard.

The Toyota x-touch main menu has a simple, 5 icon structure, offering at-a-glance identification of all functions for an intuitive user experience.

The 'Audio Source' menu groups together AM/FM radio, optional DAB reception, music streaming via Bluetooth, and audio via AUX and USB, with the facility to display album cover art.

When Audio is turned off, a large digital clock featuring retro, 'flip-over' numerals is displayed, adding a playful touch to the system design.

Via the 'Phone' function, the driver can access contacts, make phone calls and use an on-screen send/receive function for text messages.

A new MirrorLink function can be activated through the 'Connect' menu. Once a compatible smartphone is connected, MirrorLink will replicate the phone's screen and compatible apps on the x-touch display. Smartphone functions can then be easily accessed via the system touch-screen itself.

'Car Information' groups together all on-board vehicle information, with trip computer displays including remaining fuel range, instant and average fuel consumption, elapsed journey time and past journey records.

Finally, a wide selection of compatible apps allows the driver to access navigation and social media channels.

* from accelerator pedal to the rear seat hip point

A CLEVER AND CHARACTERFUL ENGINE 

No other group of motorists is as loyal to the petrol engine as the A-segment, where it is chosen by 85% of customers. With its comprehensively revised version of Toyota's award-winning 3-cylinder engine, new AYGO provides the ideal balance of response and efficiency that they're looking for.

"We wanted to improve performance, as well as economy," explains Chief Engineer Terai. "In the A-segment, running costs are paramount -customers don't want to spend a fortune on fuel bills. But at the same time, we didn't want to resort to costly technology to reduce consumption, as this would have driven the vehicle price up too much. So our challenge was to come up with relatively simple yet clever ways to achieve our targets."

That explains why the list of improvements to the 998 cc unit is a long one.

First, the combustion character of the engine was improved. The compression ratio has been increased from 11.0:1 to 11.5:1. The combustion chamber now benefits from better cooling, and a high tumble intake port ensures an optimal air/fuel mix in the cylinder. The Variable Valve Timing programme has also been optimised.

Next, friction losses were reduced through the adoption of a low friction timing chain with an auto-tensioner. Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) valve lifters and a twin-tank oil pan further contribute to reduced internal resistance.

And finally, what was already one of the lightest engines of its type was made even lighter by fitting a cylinder head with a built-in exhaust manifold.

The engine now develops greater power and torque — 51kW (69 DIN hp) at 6,000 rpm and 95 Nm at 4,300 rpm. 85 Nm of torque is available from as little as 2,000 rpm.

New AYGO comes in both standard and Eco-versions. The latter benefits from a longer 4th and 5th gear, low Rolling Resistance Coefficient.

The standard version achieves a drop in fuel consumption from 4.4 to 4.1 l/100km , which translates into a 7 g/km* drop in CO2 emissions to just 95g/km*. The Eco unit does even better, with fuel economy of below 3.9 l/100 km* and CO2 emissions of 88 g/km*.

Through all of these improvements, close attention was paid to maintaining the engine's sprightly character. It will still rev happily to high speeds and, though sound insulation has been improved, its sporty sound-signature is still there when pushed hard.

Finally, extensive work was done on the aerodynamics of the car, to further enhance efficiency. This includes the optimisation of airflow around the bodywork to reduce air resistance, the use of front and rear spoilers, floor undercovers and rear spats to control the underfloor airflow, and the adoption of a four-way duct to optimise airflow to the engine bay.

As a result, the drag coefficient of new AYGO has been reduced from Cd 0.30 to Cd 0.29, with a further reduction to Cd 0.28 for the Eco variant.

X-SHIFT 

The x-shift transmission is available as an option on new AYGO. This vastly improved automated manual transmission has a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal, using computer control to synchronize engine, clutch and transaxle for quick and precise shifting.

The transmission's gear ratios have been revised for a better balance of driving pleasure and fuel economy.

Selecting E (Easy Mode), M (Manual) or R (Reverse) allows the car to 'creep' like a conventional automatic. In E mode, the system selects a suitable gear according to the accelerator pedal, vehicle speed and driving conditions. New AYGO's x-shift is equipped with the kick-down function standard to automatic transmissions. Moreover, it is possible to override the system temporarily by using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Selecting M mode allows the driver to manually change gear via either the shift lever itself or with the paddle switches.

When equipped with x-shift, new AYGO returns fuel consumption of 4.2 l/100 km* and generates CO2 emissions of only 97 g/km*.

* Subject to final homologation.

The vehicle enhances the driving experience by connecting both physically and emotionally with the driver, the increasing strength of the bond making it more fun to drive the more it is used.

Rather than via a conventional steering wheel, the Toyota FV2 is operated by the driver shifting his or her body to intuitively move the vehicle forwards or backwards, and left and right.

Moreover, by using intelligent transport system technology to connect with other vehicles in the area and the local traffic infrastructure, the FV2 provides a wide variety of safety information, including advanced warnings about other vehicles in blind spots at intersections, promoting safer driving.

Toyota envisions the FV2 and its owner developing an ever-deepening driver-vehicle relationship similar to the trust and understanding that a rider might develop with a horse.

By incorporating technology under development in the Toyota Heart Project, both the driver and the FV2 can grow together. The vehicle uses both voice and image recognition to determine the driver's mood, accumulated driving history to suggest destinations, and driving technique information to assist the user in developing driving skills.

In addition to an Augmented Reality (AR) display in the windshield, the vehicle body colour and exterior display can be changed at will, creating a more intimate relationship between driver and vehicle.

The Toyota Heart Project 

The Toyota Heart Project is a new communication research project developed under the theme 'Inspiring the Heart, Inspiring You'.

Basing its research on a unique, 'open innovation' method, the project envisages a future in which, in addition to simply talking and listening, humans and artificial intelligence will be able to engage in emotional communication which includes the use of expressions and gestures, and the recollection of past events.

Toyota's Kirobo and Mirata humanoid communication robots, which incorporate technologies for communication and artificial intelligence, are part of this research project.

Good to know 

&bull The FV2's Augmented Reality windshield display supplements computer-generated data with sensory information received from the user's environment.

&bull The Toyota Heart Project's 'open innovation' method is a research and development technique that transcends organisational frameworks to gather diverse knowledge and technology.

"This was particularly important to me," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Firstly, because customers have become used to a wide variety of choice in colour and execution for most of their purchases, and it's time for the automotive industry to catch up. And, secondly, because the ability to have very much your own AYGO is key to achieving the desirability that I wanted. Knowing that your car is somehow unique will make it all the more special to you."

Interchangeable parts on the exterior (the X-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish and alloy wheels) and the interior (the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift know and gear lever surround) can easily be changed within a limited amount of time, even after several years of ownership.

Concept

The challenge was to ensure that customer choice remained as clear and simply structured as possible. To accomplish this, customisation was built on 4 pillars: Diversity, Simplicity, Affordability and Availability.

Thanks to a straightforward range of 3 grades, 3 special edition vehicles (which will be renewed on a regular basis), and 2 exterior and interior packs, customers will have a clear understanding of the many possibilities this simple customisation structure gives them to create the car of their choice.

Via this structured approach, delivery of new AYGO can be ensured within a short lead time, regardless of the customer's personal, exterior and interior customisation preferences.

Grades

Standard equipment on new AYGO is generous. All cars feature an AM/FM audio system with USB and AUX connections, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist, fitted as standard.

'x-play' lies at the heart of the new AYGO grade strategy. This version is the basis for all customisation, and also forms the foundation for the special editions 'x-cite', 'x-clusiv' and 'x-pure'. Standard exterior finishes feature a piano black x-shaped front grille and a set of 15 inch steel wheels. On board, standard equipment includes audio system control switches mounted on the leather steering wheel, a height adjustable driver's seat and a speed limiter.

Equipped with a large canvas top and 15 inch silver alloys, the stylish 'x-wave' sits at the top of the new AYGO grade ladder. The interior features body-coloured inserts and partial leather seats. The standard AYGO audio-system is upgraded to the x-touch multimedia system, with a touch-screen, rear view camera and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

The grade offer is completed with the 'x' entry grade. With a matt black front grille treatment, it features all the standard new AYGO equipment, and rides on 14 inch steel wheels.

Packs

Customers wanting to give their new AYGO that extra touch without resorting to piece-by-piece personalisation can opt for one of the Exterior and Interior Packs.

One pack allows customers to change the colour of the x-shaped front grille and the rear bumper insert. The other consists of stickers to highlight the lower portion of the car, at the front, rear and sides.

With the interior packs it's possible to change the colour of the air vents and gear lever surround or alter the finish of the instrument panel, centre console and gear lever surround.

A COMPELLING PACKAGE

Whether through its design, equipment, potential for personalisation or efficient powertrain, new AYGO has the power once again to make its mark on the A-segment. When sales commence in the summer of 2014, it will add an interesting new perspective for customers looking for clever packaging, style and, above all, fun.

Special Editions 

With its Pop Orange body colour, piano black details and 15 inch bi-spoke glossy black alloys, 'x-cite' is the enfant-terrible of the new AYGO range. The most extrovert variant, it adds a sporty touch to the range.

'x-clusiv' brings an additional level of sophistication to new AYGO through the combination of a Midnight Black body colour and Super Chrome detailing.

'x-pure' comes in Cool White with Super Chrome exterior detailing, for a stylish and minimalist execution.

Endless skies 

New AYGO 'x-wave' is fitted with a large, power-operated canvas top with a generous 785mm x 730mm opening just one example of the additional equipment designed to suit a more demanding A-segment customer.

x-touch — The world at your fingertips 

Taking affordable multimedia systems into the next decade, Toyota x-touch offers new AYGO owners an unprecedented combination of on-board multimedia and smartphone connectivity.

x-touch uses a 7" full-colour touch screen fully integrated within the instrument panel. It is the first system in the segment to have a rear view camera fitted as standard.

The Toyota x-touch main menu has a simple, 5 icon structure, offering at-a-glance identification of all functions for an intuitive user experience.

The 'Audio Source' menu groups together AM/FM radio, optional DAB reception, music streaming via Bluetooth, and audio via AUX and USB, with the facility to display album cover art.

When Audio is turned off, a large digital clock featuring retro, 'flip-over' numerals is displayed, adding a playful touch to the system design.

Via the 'Phone' function, the driver can access contacts, make phone calls and use an on-screen send/receive function for text messages.

A new MirrorLink function can be activated through the 'Connect' menu. Once a compatible smartphone is connected, MirrorLink will replicate the phone's screen and compatible apps on the x-touch display. Smartphone functions can then be easily accessed via the system touch-screen itself.

'Car Information' groups together all on-board vehicle information, with trip computer displays including remaining fuel range, instant and average fuel consumption, elapsed journey time and past journey records.

Finally, a wide selection of compatible apps allows the driver to access navigation and social media channels.

The hybrid powertrain has been optimised for installation within the vehicle's compact, extremely efficient packaging, without detriment to either system quality and performance, or passenger accommodation and loadspace. The downsized hybrid system combines a 1.5 litre petrol engine with a light, compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack.

It delivers an average fuel consumption of just 3.5 l/100 km and segment-best CO₂ emissions of only 79 g/km, whilst allowing customers frequent electric driving mode that emits zero NOx, PM or CO₂ emissions.

With a best in segment 3.1 l/100 km in the urban cycle, the Yaris Hybrid represents the ideal choice for urban mobility.

It combines the tangible benefits of advanced technology, low emissions and unbeatable cost of ownership with a uniquely relaxed and quiet driving style. Its full hybrid system proves that driving pleasure need not be compromised by environmental responsibility and low running costs. With traditionally high residual values, Toyota hybrids also represent a great return on investment after a few years.

With Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) already assembling Auris Hybrid and Auris Hybrid Touring Sports, the Yaris Hybrid production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) makes Toyota the only manufacturer to have two full hybrid technology production facilities in Europe.

Taking this direction, the engineering team focused on weight management, chassis design, packaging optimisation and powertrain enhancement. They also worked closely with the design team to match the vehicle style to the vehicle architecture.

The result is the new Auris — lighter, more dynamic, better equipped and cheaper to run than ever before. It offers bolder, more confident and sleek styling, improved driving dynamics, a higher quality interior design and further enhancements to improve fuel efficiency. This also applies to its flagship, full hybrid model.

Generating class-leading emissions of just 84 g/km, virtually no NOx or Particulate Matter, the Auris Hybrid also delivers significant cost of ownership benefits arising from lower taxation in many European countries and reduced service and maintenance charges.

In 2013 the Hybrid model represented 37% of the Auris Hatchback sales — ranked in the TOP5 of its segment in Europe - demonstrating that full hybrid is a mainstream proposition today, accessible to the largest possible audience.

Designed primarily for Europe, its largest volume market, the new Auris is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK alongside the Avensis, reinforcing the company's commitment to its European operations.

With CO₂ emissions of just 85 g/km, the Auris Hybrid Touring Sports has the most efficient powertrain in the segment. And because its battery is located beneath the rear seats, the installation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology delivers no compromise to either loadspace (up to 2047 mm length) or luggage capacity (up to 1658 litres).

In addition, the new Auris Touring Sports offers customers the combined benefits of Toyota's Easy Flat, one-touch foldable rear seats, a double level loadspace floor, a roller-type luggage net and a two-way tonneau cover.

Wagon body-style variants currently represent 25% of the C-segment market, with 75% of those sales attributed to the fleet market. The new Auris Touring Sports further broadens the appeal of the Auris range, helping to increase the model's segment share to over 5.0% in 2014, its first full year of European sales. Since its launch in July until the end of 2013, the Hybrid version represented 60% of the Auris Touring Sports sales.

Designed for Europe, the new Auris Touring Sports is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK alongside the Avensis, reinforcing the company's commitment to its European operations.

"This was particularly important to me," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Firstly, because customers have become used to a wide variety of choice in colour and execution for most of their purchases, and it's time for the automotive industry to catch up. And, secondly, because the ability to have very much your own AYGO is key to achieving the desirability that I wanted. Knowing that your car is somehow unique will make it all the more special to you."

Interchangeable parts on the exterior (the X-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish and alloy wheels) and the interior (the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift know and gear lever surround) can easily be changed within a limited amount of time, even after several years of ownership.

Concept

The challenge was to ensure that customer choice remained as clear and simply structured as possible. To accomplish this, customisation was built on 4 pillars: Diversity, Simplicity, Affordability and Availability.

Thanks to a straightforward range of 3 grades, 3 special edition vehicles (which will be renewed on a regular basis), and 2 exterior and interior packs, customers will have a clear understanding of the many possibilities this simple customisation structure gives them to create the car of their choice.

Via this structured approach, delivery of new AYGO can be ensured within a short lead time, regardless of the customer's personal, exterior and interior customisation preferences.

Grades

Standard equipment on new AYGO is generous. All cars feature an AM/FM audio system with USB and AUX connections, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist, fitted as standard.

'x-play' lies at the heart of the new AYGO grade strategy. This version is the basis for all customisation, and also forms the foundation for the special editions 'x-cite', 'x-clusiv' and 'x-pure'. Standard exterior finishes feature a piano black x-shaped front grille and a set of 15 inch steel wheels. On board, standard equipment includes audio system control switches mounted on the leather steering wheel, a height adjustable driver's seat and a speed limiter.

Equipped with a large canvas top and 15 inch silver alloys, the stylish 'x-wave' sits at the top of the new AYGO grade ladder. The interior features body-coloured inserts and partial leather seats. The standard AYGO audio-system is upgraded to the x-touch multimedia system, with a touch-screen, rear view camera and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

The grade offer is completed with the 'x' entry grade. With a matt black front grille treatment, it features all the standard new AYGO equipment, and rides on 14 inch steel wheels.

Packs

Customers wanting to give their new AYGO that extra touch without resorting to piece-by-piece personalisation can opt for one of the Exterior and Interior Packs.

One pack allows customers to change the colour of the x-shaped front grille and the rear bumper insert. The other consists of stickers to highlight the lower portion of the car, at the front, rear and sides.

With the interior packs it's possible to change the colour of the air vents and gear lever surround or alter the finish of the instrument panel, centre console and gear lever surround.

A COMPELLING PACKAGE

Whether through its design, equipment, potential for personalisation or efficient powertrain, new AYGO has the power once again to make its mark on the A-segment. When sales commence in the summer of 2014, it will add an interesting new perspective for customers looking for clever packaging, style and, above all, fun.

Special Editions 

With its Pop Orange body colour, piano black details and 15 inch bi-spoke glossy black alloys, 'x-cite' is the enfant-terrible of the new AYGO range. The most extrovert variant, it adds a sporty touch to the range.

'x-clusiv' brings an additional level of sophistication to new AYGO through the combination of a Midnight Black body colour and Super Chrome detailing.

'x-pure' comes in Cool White with Super Chrome exterior detailing, for a stylish and minimalist execution.

Endless skies 

New AYGO 'x-wave' is fitted with a large, power-operated canvas top with a generous 785mm x 730mm opening just one example of the additional equipment designed to suit a more demanding A-segment customer.

x-touch — The world at your fingertips 

Taking affordable multimedia systems into the next decade, Toyota x-touch offers new AYGO owners an unprecedented combination of on-board multimedia and smartphone connectivity.

x-touch uses a 7" full-colour touch screen fully integrated within the instrument panel. It is the first system in the segment to have a rear view camera fitted as standard.

The Toyota x-touch main menu has a simple, 5 icon structure, offering at-a-glance identification of all functions for an intuitive user experience.

The 'Audio Source' menu groups together AM/FM radio, optional DAB reception, music streaming via Bluetooth, and audio via AUX and USB, with the facility to display album cover art.

When Audio is turned off, a large digital clock featuring retro, 'flip-over' numerals is displayed, adding a playful touch to the system design.

Via the 'Phone' function, the driver can access contacts, make phone calls and use an on-screen send/receive function for text messages.

A new MirrorLink function can be activated through the 'Connect' menu. Once a compatible smartphone is connected, MirrorLink will replicate the phone's screen and compatible apps on the x-touch display. Smartphone functions can then be easily accessed via the system touch-screen itself.

'Car Information' groups together all on-board vehicle information, with trip computer displays including remaining fuel range, instant and average fuel consumption, elapsed journey time and past journey records.

Finally, a wide selection of compatible apps allows the driver to access navigation and social media channels.

The Toyota AYGO will be revealed at the press conference at 8:30AM on March 4th at the Toyota stand in Hall 4.

The show also marks the European Premiere of Toyota's hydrogen-powered FCV Concept, as well as the FV2, a future mobility concept that explores new interactions between driver, car and environment.