New Toyota Yaris and Rav4 at Frankfurt
The Frankfurt Motor Show will see Toyota take the wraps off two of its most important cars in Europe, the all new Yaris and RAV4.The newcomers, due to be revealed on 13 September, will be joined on the Toyota stand by two new concept vehicles, the Corolla Verso equipped with 134 and 175bhp versions of the new 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine and the next-generation Hilux pickup.
Introducing the new yaris
The new Toyota Yaris will build on the great success of the original model, being a more advanced vehicle with higher levels of comfort quality and safety.
The new Yaris has been designed at ED2, Toyota’s European design studio in the South of France, and is a more ‘grown up’ car in every respect.
European production of the new Yaris will remain at Toyota’s Valenciennes factory in northern France. Sales are expected to start in January next year.
New generation Rav4
The new RAV4 will be the third generation of the vehicle which kick-started the market for sporty, compact SUVs 11 years ago. Since that time it has become a consistent best-seller, topping the European 4x4 sales charts for the past four years.
The new model promises significantly enhanced driving pleasure and performance, improved quality, wider application of advanced technology, greater interior space and a creative modular interior design. The new RAV4 will be launched in the UK in spring 2006.
Inspired concept cars
Two new concept cars will be on show at Frankfurt. The Toyota Endo, the latest concept from the ED2 design centre, is an urban-friendly car designed to address some of the key issues of modern urban life.
It will be presented alongside the Toyota i-unit, a new approach to human mobility that enables the driver to interact with his or her surroundings. The design is inspired by a leaf, a natural expression of life on earth.
New diesel power for Corolla Verso
The seven-seat Toyota Corolla Verso will be presented with two versions of Toyota’s new 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine. The versatile model will be offered with the 175bhp unit with D-CAT catalyst technology for ultra-clean running that is also due to be offered in the Avensis in 2006, and a 134bhp version of the 2.2-litre engine that will replace the 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D in the range from November.
On the diesel theme, Toyota will also be showing its Aygo city car, equipped with a 53bhp 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine. This version of Aygo will join the model range in early 2006.
New Hilux and other exhibits
The new Hilux pickup will represent the latest addition to Toyota’s European range, offering the same legendary robust build quality with more interior space, improved driving characteristics and greater comfort and quality.
The Toyota stand will also feature the Panasonic Toyota Racing TF105 Formula 1 car and a technical display demonstrating the advanced technology of the Toyota Prius.