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Toyota Prius c arriving soon – teased on UMW Toyota site

January 9, 2012 at 2:46 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Toyota

Toyota’s Prius c hybrid is arriving in Malaysia soon. The hybrid was unveiled in production model form at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced into the Japanese market – in its Aqua domestic version form – in Dec, so its impending arrival here is pretty rapid, by any measure.

We earlier had the brochure to work on (the resolution isn’t great because it’s from Facebook, so the image has been descaled), but have now updated the story accordingly; the UMW Toyota website already has details on the car, as well as an estimated pricing – RM103,990, which will be welcome news for those looking at a cheaper alternative to the more upmarket Prius. At this price point, it’s looking very much competitively priced against the Honda Insight.

The Prius c wears a 1NZ-FXE 1.5 litre Atkinson cycle mill, which has 73 PS at 4,800 rpm and 111 Nm at 3,600-4,400 rpm for numbers, and it works alongside an electric motor/Ni-Mh battery combination offering 61 PS and 169 Nm, together offering a combined 101 PS output. The system is mated to an E-CVT drivetrain.

Features include halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps, fabric seats, cruise control, a 3.5-inch full colour multi-information display and a 2-DIN head unit with USB and iPod compatibility. Other features on the Prius c include a four-spoke urethane steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment, power retractable sideview mirrors and electric power steering.

Brakes are front discs and rear drums, and the car sits on 15-inch wheels with 185/60 series rubbers. On the safety front, there are seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and driver knee) as standard, as well as VSC, traction control, EBD and brake assist

Five colours are available for the car, these being Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Citrus Orange Mica Metallic, Super Red V and Lime White Pearl CS, the last shade adding RM800 to the total price.

On the options list is a DVD-AVN package, which consists of a 2-DIN audio unit with colour touchscreen, navigation system and reverse camera, and this one goes for RM2,990.

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Toyota Aqua hybrid makes market debut in Japan

January 3, 2012 at 12:42 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Toyota

Toyota last week announced the introduction of the Aqua in Japan, a month after it made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. The compact hybrid is the domestic version of the Prius c, and wears a Hybrid Synergy Drive system based around a 1.5 litre engine.

The 1NZ-FXE Atkinson cycle mill offers 74 PS at 4,800 rpm and 111 Nm at 3,600-4,400 rpm, and works alongside an electric motor/Ni-Mh battery combination offering 61 PS and 169 Nm, with combined maximum output being 100 PS. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 10.7 seconds and a 35.4 km per litre consumption, under the JC08 test cycle.

Standard safety kit includes ABS, EBD, brake assist, VSC and hill-start assist, and ten exterior colours abound, with four interior accent shades patterns (Earth Brown, Fresh Green, Cool Blue, and Natural Gray) to boot.

The Aqua will be available in three grades, these being L, S and G, with different packages to boot. Pricing starts from 1.69 million yen for the baseline model, which is just under RM70,000. It’ll be interesting to see when UMW Toyota brings this one in – it should be right up there mixing it with the Honda Insight from a price perspective, when it does.

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Toyota Avanza – brochure’s out on the upcoming facelift

December 9, 2011 at 2:15 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota


Click to enlarge.

The facelifted Toyota Avanza should be in the showrooms soon enough – the UMW Toyota website already teases that it’s “coming soon,” with pricing and all, which we ran a story on earlier in the week.

Now, the brochure on the seven-seater is out; reader Ray picked up a copy in a Penang showroom and has duly scanned the front overview and specs list, offering a view of the MPV with the . Nothing much that our previous story hasn’t covered, but here’s the recap.


Click to enlarge.

Four versions will be available, three 103 PS 1.5 litre auto variants (the S, G and E) and a single 91 PS 1.3 litre manual E grade version. The top-of-the-line S gets a “sports” front/rear bumpers and side skirts as well as a unique radiator grille, and all the 1.5 litre models feature a 2-DIN, six-speaker audio system, while the 1.3 has a four-speaker, single-DIN one.

There’s ABS and EBD on the S and G versions, which also get dual front airbags – the 1.5 E makes do with one (driver’s), while the 1.3 E has none. Pricing, as mentioned in our earlier piece, start from RM63,864 for the 1.3E right up to the RM78,864 for the range-topping 1.5 S.

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New Toyota Avanza coming soon – specs, prices are out!

December 5, 2011 at 1:15 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Toyota

You’ve already seen the refreshed Toyota Avanza, Indonesian spec, on this website last month, and it looks like UMW Toyota is all set to launch it in Malaysia. UMWT has put up a “coming soon” banner on its website featuring the new Avanza, with the tagline “Make room for more family fun”.

There will be four variants of the Avanza offered here – one base model 1.3 M/T and three 1.5 A/T variants. The 1.5-litre engine in question is the 3SZ-VE with 103 PS and 136 Nm, the same VVT engine powering the Perodua Alza. It’s mated to a four-speed automatic and is available in E, G and range topping S trim levels.


Click to enlarge spec sheet

Kit wise, ABS with EBD is available from G spec onwards. The G and S also get fog lamps and dual airbags, while the 1.5 E makes do with a driver’s airbag. All 1.5 variants get a 2-DIN head unit with MP3, WMA, USB, and AUX/iPod compatibility, but only the G and S get steering audio buttons (a first for the Avanza), tilt steering and six speakers. The S spec comes with a “sports” bumper and radiator grille plus side skirts.

Prices start from RM63,864 for the 1.3E, rising to RM71,864 for the 1.5E. The plusher 1.5G is priced at RM76,590 while the range topping 1.5S will set one back RM78,864.


Click to enlarge spec sheet

Click here to see the Indonesian spec new Avanza. Our previous post comes with detailed brochure shots of the new features and redesigned details.

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2012 Toyota Land Cruiser’s brochure leaked online

December 2, 2011 at 4:25 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Toyota

What we have here is apparently a leaked brochure of the 2012 Land Cruiser from Toyota, which is supposed to enjoy a public release sometime next year. This brochure, which is in Japanese, indicate a new front bumper, modified grille as well as headlights with intergrated LED.

Also in the list are retsyled mirrors and an optional body kit which includes a front spoiler, side steps and a modified rear bumper. Work has been carried out in the interior as well and the update list includes a revised instrument cluster, a new steering wheel with wood accents and additional metallic trim.

Source

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BMW and Toyota diesel engine supply deal officially inked

December 1, 2011 at 9:27 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News, Toyota

You have probably heard of some chatter about a possible partnership between BMW and Toyota in regards to environmentally-friendly technologies.

Well looks like there was substance behind the rumors after all and both companies have announced a collaborative effort today. A memorandum has been signed between the two auto brands which will see BMW supply Toyota’s European division with the company’s 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel powerplants in 2014.

“It is a great joy and a thrill to enter into this mid-to-long-term collaborative relationship with BMW, a company with its own culture and history from its many years of car manufacturing in Europe, and a company that makes cars that are fun to drive. In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge-starting with that concerning environmental technologies-to the table and make ever-better cars,” said Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s president.

BMW’s Chairman of the Board of Management Norbert Reithofer said, “Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles. We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments.”

“Supplying Toyota with our fuel efficient and dynamic diesel engines represents another important step in the planned expansion of our sales activities for engines and powertrain system,” he added. This deal is part of a memorandum which covers collaborative research into next generation environmental friendly technologies, such as lithium-ion battery technology.

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Tokyo 2011: Toyota shows off the Fun-Vii concept

December 1, 2011 at 11:36 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Toyota

This is one of Toyota’s latest concept cars. Called the Fun-Vii, it is currently being presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and according to Toyota, the three-seater Fun-Vii “heralds a not-too-distant future where people, cars and society are linked”.

The interesting thing about this concept is the fact that you can alter the content that is displayed on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. You can practically change the body colour of the vehicle and display messages on it!

The interior “mood” can be altered and it comes with features such as a navigation system that is displayed via augmented reality. Also in the list is a remote function, which allows most of the concept’s functions to be controlled remotely via a smart phone.

Other features include a network update system to ensure the latest software update is in place, the ability to connect with friends who are nearby and it can also detect other potentially hazardous vehicles such as vehicles in blind spots in advance. No information on the powertrain just yet, but it is likely electric-powered.

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Tokyo 2011 live: Toyota Aqua hybrid is a smaller Prius

November 30, 2011 at 1:53 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Toyota

The Toyota Aqua is the JDM name for the Toyota Prius c – it’s essentially a compact hatchback with a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It measures less than four metres long with a 2,550mm wheelbase – the same as that of a Toyota Vios.

To suit its downsized dimensions, Toyota has also reengineered the HSD system. For usage in the Aqua/Prius c, it is more compact and lighter, with a reduced displacement. As opposed to the 1.8 litre and 2.4 litre systems in the Prius and the Camry Hybrid, the Aqua uses a HSD system based around a smaller 1.5 litre engine.

Toyota claims a fuel efficiency of 35.4 km/L under the JC08 test cycle and 40.0 km/L under MLIT 10-15 test cycle, which are some very impressive numbers. Now that the government has extended the hybrid car tax breaks, will UMW Toyota Motor offer the rest of the Prius family such as this Toyota Aqua in Malaysia? Not everyone needs the space offered by a Prius – a more affordable Prius could go head to head against the Honda Insight.

More details on the Prius c/Aqua in our previous story.

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Tokyo 2011 Live: Toyota GT 86 Coupe unveiled!

November 30, 2011 at 12:52 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, Toyota

The Toyota GT 86 is not something you would expect out of Toyota in recent years. A front mounted high-revving 2.0 litre four-cylinder Subaru boxer engine with Toyota D-4S direct injection technology, rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission and a true coupe body, instead of a stylised 3-door hatchback body masquerading as a coupe. In fact, you probably couldn’t expect something like this from most car manufacturers these days, since the car has a bespoke engine!

The 2.0 litre boxer engine has a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and revs up to 7,000 rpm to produce a peak power of 200 DIN horsepower, a similar normally aspirated power to displacement ratio that we’ve seen before in cars like the Honda Civic Type R and the Renault Clio RS. Peak torque is 205 Nm, achieved at a high 6,600 rpm – this engine should be one happy revver! Enthusiasts will pick to go with the 6-speed manual, but there’s also a 6-speed auto available.

Read Anthony’s coverage of the Toyota GT 86 yesterday for more full details on the new Toyota coupe. Now the question is – will Malaysians be able to buy the GT 86 from UMW Toyota Motor? There’d definitely be plenty of takers if priced well, but I wonder if Toyota will approve the D4-S direct injection system to be used with our Euro 2 petrol.

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Toyota GT 86 all set for world debut in Tokyo

November 29, 2011 at 1:53 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Cars, International News, Toyota

The wait is over – the start of the Tokyo Motor Show tomorrow will see the world debut of Toyota’s FT- 86, and the production car will now be known as the GT 86, in a homage to the Corolla GT (or Levin) AE86 from 1983 to 1987, a car with an enduring reputation for delivering sheer excitement and capturing the fundamental joy of driving.

The arrival of the 2+2 driver-focused GT 86 heralds a return to Toyota’s sporting roots, with a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive package, with power distributed to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. It’s built on a new platform, with a highly aerodynamic bodyshell stretched tight over the car’s mechanical elements.

The car is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0 boxer unit, offering 197 hp at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 205 Nm at 6,600rpm, and customers will have a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick, precise shifts using a tactile, short-throw lever, while the auto features steering-mounted paddle shifters.

It measures in at 4.24 metres long, 1.28 metres high and 1.77 metres wide, with a 2.57 metre wheelbase, dimensions that Toyota says makes the car the most compact four-seater sports car available today.

Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to achieve the best balance – the car has a near-perfect 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution, and features an ultra-low centre of gravity, at just 460 mm.

The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear, with ventilated disc brakes fore and aft. External cues include a “scorpion” look for the front lower grille, model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, twin exhausts and an “86” piston logo that denotes the car’s special powertrain configuration.

Inside, the ergonomics and function of every element the driver interacts with have been scrutinised to make driving the car as natural, instinctive and rewarding as possible, Toyota says. There’s a 365 mm diameter steering wheel, the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota, and this one is trimmed in buckskin, developed from exhaustive feedback from test drivers on how to achieve the best steering performance and grip.

Other elements include the use of carbon-effect trim, all-black roof lining, red stitching on the upholstery, aviation-style rocker switches as well as lightweight, aluminium pedals and a three-meter instrument cluster arranged around a large tachometer.

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