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2012 Toyota Vios Artist Impressions based on new Vitz

January 23, 2011 at 3:59 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Toyota

The Toyota Vios and the Toyota Vitz are basically hatchback and sedan siblings, and in fact in some markets they both share the same name – the Toyota Yaris, differentiated only by its bodytype. Since the new Toyota Vitz has been launched in Japan, it’s only a matter of time before a new Vios sedan appears to complement the new hatchback.

Theophilus Chin whipped up these renderings of how a sedan based on the new Toyota Vitz could look like. The Vios was launched in 2007 and was facelifted in 2010, so a new one could be due by the end of this year or early next year. The Vitz wheelbase has grown longer from 2,450mm to 2,510mm but I don’t think a new Vios will grow any longer than its current 2,550mm wheelbase, which is already longer than the last generation hatchback.

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Tuned, tweaked Toyotas turning tricks at Tokyo Auto Salon – now, anyone fancy a sports version of the Prius and iQ?

January 18, 2011 at 3:48 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota


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It wasn’t just altered Lexus offerings to be found at the recently concluded Tokyo Auto Salon – the event also saw an interesting mix of tuned and tweaked Toyota vehicles. The posse, some more radical than others, was led by a pumped-up, track-ready interpretation of the iQ city car.

Forget cute and cuddly – the GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by MN) iQ Racing Concept is a beefed-up take of the tiniest Toyota; with a deep front air dam, huge lower air intake and racing wheels, as well as a tuned supercharged engine and a roll-cage, this iQ looks like it could definitely kick some, in a Mighty Mouse sort of way.


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Gazoo, which you might know as the company that prepped Toyota’s LFAs for last year’s 24 Hours Nurburgring, offered a previous iQ concept in 2009 – the car was given a limited production run in Japan, and sold out immediately, so if you’re thinking what they’re thinking…

G Sports (G’s) contribution to the Toyota presentation was through its Sports Concept version of the Prius (well, yes, imagine! Wonder what the fuel economy is like), with Toyota’s in-house crew at TRD adding an Auris GT Concept, loaded with lots of aerodynamic kit bits, in the mix.


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As well as the cars, Toyota did the interactive run in a big way at the show, including forums with engineers and racing drivers and virtual driving competitions in Metapolis, an on-line community created by Gazoo Racing.

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Toyota Prius v makes its debut in Detroit – v is for versatility

January 11, 2011 at 6:52 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Toyota

In one fell swoop, Toyota has expanded its Prius hybrid family count to four, with the debut of the Prius c Concept and Prius v at the NAIAS in Detroit. The twinkly twosome join the existing third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which is already undergoing field evaluation in the US selectively.

The big ticket item is of course the Prius v, since the c Concept is still a ways away from market reality. Essentially, the Prius v – with the v standing for versatility – is a larger ZVW30 (or XW30, if you go by the current designation for it), sitting on the same platform and continuing to seat five, but offering over 50% more cargo space than the latter.

Ditto the pot, which is the same 2ZR-FXE 1.8 litre Atkinson cycle unit, offering 98 hp at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm; together with the permanent magnet synchronous motor electric drivetrain’s 80 hp, the combined total output is 134 hp, identical to the ZVW30′s.

Still, Toyota says the v is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape and style that has evolved from the current Prius rather than being an elongated version of it. Nonetheless, one can’t help but feel it’s evolution rather than revolution.


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Shape-wise, the v looks very much more rounded off than the ZVW30, but retains Prius cues well enough. The trapezoidal-shaped front features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics and an enlarged under grille, which all help create a unique design evolving from the current Prius.

At the back, the styling is highlighted by a refined backdoor panel, intricate combination taillights and a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow. Two wheel sizes are available – 16-inch as standard (with 205/60 series tyres), 17-inch as an option,


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Inside, things get a bit more of a different tack. Certainly, interior space is up, with improved occupant to occupant distance, especially fore-aft, and of course the cargo space volume is up from the existing Prius.

Elsewhere, the cabin features a more refined dashboard presentation, though the general layout is retained. The centre stack has become a whole lot imposing, and that bit busier. The driving controls – including the Push Button Start, parking switch, electronic shift lever, and driving mode selection – are distinguished by silver trim.

The Prius v features a Toyota-first, which is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades, providing an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40% percent reduction in weight compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size.

Like the ZVW30, the Prius v has four driving modes (Normal, Power, Eco and EV), and as far as features go, there’s a smart key system with Push Button Start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and a reverse camera as standard fitment. Options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Advanced Parking Guidance System.

Other features and functions include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), ABS and EBD, and the car also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

When it goes on sale in the US in the late summer of this year, American Prius v models will come wearing an Entune multimedia system, which offers a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services.

Gallery of hi-res photos after the jump.
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Toyota Prius c Concept unveiled at Detroit 2011 – smallest Prius due for market introduction in 2012

January 11, 2011 at 3:56 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Toyota

Toyota has introduced more members of its Prius family of vehicles at the NAIAS, bringing the number to four. Besides the Prius v, which will enter the market later this summer, there’s also the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, planned for introduction in the first half of 2012, and making up the quartet is the Prius c Concept, which is what the company tags as an inspiration for a future small entry-level hybrid.

It’s looking at the concept as a means of introducing a product that will come into the market sometime next year. While the current Prius has ushered hybrid technology into the mainstream, and the Prius v will provide the additional room and versatility for active families, the company isn’t forgetting those interested in a smaller hybrid at an entry price point, offering superior fuel economy.

Enter the Prius c Concept, with c representing a “city”-centric vehicle, which Toyota is hoping will offer urban appeal by the spade loads to young singles and couples who want an eco-sensitive, high-mileage, fun-to-drive Prius.

No details accompany the release, but the four-door hatch looks cutesy enough, in a kitschy sort of way – the position of the headlamps is rather reminiscent of the array found on the Fiat Multipla, and the rear door handles are integrated into the upper frame of the door in Alfa-esque style. You might find it all rather familiar – a previous version of the design was shown a year ago at Detroit 2010 and it was called the Toyota FT-CH Concept. The design has been refined since and brought closer to production, one supposes.

Inside, the futuristic cabin of the ‘concept based on a concept’ seats four, and mod cons include a touchscreen Start/Stop button, paddle shifters, a centrally-mounted, single-knob rotary-action control stick where a traditional gearshift lever would normally be located. Much of which – again – looks deja vu.

Oh well. In any case, Toyota says that the vehicle will pursue outstanding fuel efficiency in a compact package, while also providing a surprisingly spacious interior, and the market product will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius.

The company is planning to introduce the c Concept as an additional Prius family member in the first half of 2012, and in the process bring about the most value-oriented hybrid available in the US, with the highest mileage of any “cordless” hybrid to boot.

Gallery after the jump.
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Auto Guangzhou: FAW Senya S80 SUV is a “CrossAvanza”

December 27, 2010 at 9:16 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, China, International News, Toyota

This is the Senya S80 by Chinese auto maker First Automobile Works. FAW is one of the biggest auto companies in China, having joint ventures with the likes of Volkswagen, General Motors and Toyota. Subsidiary FAW-Jilin was a JV with Daihatsu, which recently pulled out of the marriage. FAW not only retained the factory, but the Daihatsu Xenia as well, which we know as the Toyota Avanza.

Marketed as an SUV, not an MPV, the Senya S80 wears 4X4 style black cladding on the lower half of its body, along with sliver “stone guards” at both ends. The grille, headlamps (projector units with LED signals) and taillamps are also different from the Avanza. The resulting look could be pretty much like how a “Cross Avanza” would look like if there’s ever such a thing. Could be an inspiration for Avanza owners who want to try out the “4X4 look”.

Inside, there’s leather on the seats and steering with red stitching plus a 2-DIN touch screen head unit. The S80 can be had with the same 92 PS K3-VE 1.3L and 109 PS 3SZ-VE 1.5L engines as per the Avanza.

More live images after the jump.
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3rd generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris launched in Japan

December 23, 2010 at 3:42 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

Toyota has launched the third generation of its Toyota Vitz in Japan. The new Vitz is larger now, with a 50mm longer wheelbase, now at 2,510mm compared to the last generation Vitz’s 2,450mm wheelbase, though still shorter than its sedan counterpart Vios 2,550mm wheelbase. As a result, interior space is now longer by about 35mm. Length is up by 100mm but the car has a lower stance of 20mm, and width remains the same at 1,695mm.

The Vitz styling looks much more unisex as compared to the last generation’s slightly feminine looks. It actually reminds me somewhat of the Opel/Vauxhall Astra at the front end. In Japan, the Vitz will probably be Toyota’s more aggressive ‘masculine’ hatchback while other models like the Passo tackles the female market that prefers a different body styling as well as shape (high roofline etc).

Engine choices consist of a smaller 69 PS 1KR-FE 1.0 litre DOHC engine with 92Nm of torque at 3,600rpm and a larger 1.33 litre 1NR-FE making 95 PS and 121Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The 1NR-FE can be had in either 2WD or 4WD drivetrains. All models come with a Super CVT-i transmission. There’s also a SMART STOP auto start-stop system available on the 1.3 litre models. There will also be a “Vitz RS” model with a 109 PS 1.5 litre engine.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new Vitz/Yaris.
[Read more...]

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Toyota Vitz gets front windows with 99% UV reduction

December 16, 2010 at 4:32 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

I’m not really sure what to make of this… but here it goes. According to a press release by Toyota UK, Toyota says it will begin offering a new type of front-door glass that is able to cut UV light into the front of the car up to 99% beginning 2011.

The first car that will offer this is the Toyota Vitz/Yaris. Combined with existing UV-cutting windscreens, Toyota says the new combination is able to provide sunburn protection the equivalent to that of wearing gloves while driving.

But when I look at the image above as well as the explanation that goes with it, what I see is a single-piece tempered glass used for door windows with a UV-absorbing film placed on the interior surface. Isn’t that what we’ve been doing all this while by tinting our cars?

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Toyota Rush updated for 2011 with darker interior

December 10, 2010 at 12:08 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

Looks like the Avanza isn’t the only model that has been updated for the 2011 model year – the Toyota Rush has received a similar update. Like the Avanza, the Rush’s interior has been updated to a dark colour scheme similar to that of the Perodua Nautica’s.

There’s also a new front bumper with restyled foglamp housings for the 1.5S variant. On the rear, the Toyota Rush gets restyled tail lamps and a restyled protector plate. Wing mirrors now have turn indicators. The Rush also comes standard with solar film from the factory now – 99% UV cut and 40% IR cut.

Other than the new colour scheme for the interior, there’s a new gearknob design as well as a new better-looking three-spoke steering wheel, replacing the previous version’s four spoke steering wheel. The audio system is now a 2-DIN unit that plays MP3s and WMA from either CDs or USB storage. The third row is now able to be split-folded 50:50.

Everything else is pretty much same old – the engine remains the 3SZ-VE making 109 PS and 141Nm, and the chassis still rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a live axle with coil springs at the rear. In terms of safety features the Rush has ABS and EBD as standard but only the 1.5S gets dual SRS airbags, while a single driver airbag is standard on all of the other models.

  • Toyota Rush 1.5S Automatic – RM96,990
  • Toyota Rush 1.5G Automatic – RM91,190
  • Toyota Rush 1.5G Manual – RM88,190

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Toyota Avanza updated with dark interior colour scheme

December 7, 2010 at 9:13 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

Even though it’s been 6 years since the Toyota Avanza was first introduced in 2004, I don’t think budget “ASEAN” models such as the Avanza follow Toyota’s regular 5 year lifecycle so the Avanza is soldiering on here in Malaysia, though I think the Perodua Alza has stolen much of its thunder.

Nevertheless UMW Toyota has given it another update, some based on feedback from consumers. The biggest change would be on the interior, where the Avanza now gets a dark interior colour scheme as opposed to the cream interior it previously had.

Fitments around the interior such as the carpet mats, bag hook and center console box are now black to match the darker interior theme.

Not much changes on the outside – the only one being a different “body stripe” design. Available in Grey Metallic, Dazzling Silver, Black MIca, White and Light Green Metallic, the Avanza is available in four different equipment levels:

  • Toyota Avanza 1.5 S Automatic – RM77,490
  • Toyota Avanza 1.5 G Automatic – RM74,990
  • Toyota Avanza 1.5 E Automatic – RM69,990
  • Toyota Avanza 1.3 E Manual – RM62,000
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Toyota Etios sedan unveiled for the Indian market!

December 3, 2010 at 1:02 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

The “for India” Toyota Etios sedan has been unveiled in its production form, and dealerships across India have started taking orders for the sedan, which is said to go for a starting price of 496,000 Rupees (RM34,680) up to 686,000 Rupees for the top of the line.

Here’s a dimension comparison of the Etios and the Vios. It’s basically shorter, slightly narrower but taller than the current generation Toyota Vios on sale here in Malaysia. It’s got the same wheelbase though, so it most probably sits on the same platform.

  Toyota Etios Toyota Vios
Wheelbase 2,550mm 2,550mm
Length 4,265mm 4,300mm
Width 1,695mm 1,700mm
Height 1,510mm 1,460mm

A brief overview of the features which are ‘customised’ for what people look for in the Indian market – a cooled glovebox, best in class 595 litres boot space, a total of 7 bottle holders for 1 litre bottles, Electric Power Steering, a 170mm ground clearance as opposed to about 150mm in our local Vios, etc. I don’t see the option for a diesel engine though!

This Etios Sedan is powered by a 2NR-FE 1.5 litre engine (newer than our Malaysian 1.5L 1NZ-FE) that integrates the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head. It’s tuned for fuel efficiency – power is lower than usual at only 90 PS at 5,600rpm and peak torque is 132Nm at a lowish 3,000rpm, compared to our Malaysian spec 1NZ-FE 1.5 litre’s 109 PS at 6,000rpm and 141Nm at 4,200rpm. A hatchback version called the Etios Liva with a smaller 1.2 litre engine should be coming in April 2011.

Look after the jump for a few hi-res images of the Toyota Etios.
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