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TOYOTA AT THE SUNDAY TIMES MOTOR SHOW LIVE

Key points

• UK debut of the new 2004 Toyota Corolla
• UK debut of the new Toyota Hilux Invincible
• New Toyota Celica and MR2 Roadster Red Collection on display
• Toyota celebrates 11 consecutive years of record breaking UK sales

Two new Toyota models are making their first UK appearance on the Toyota stand at the Sunday Times Motor Show Live.

A new-look Toyota Corolla is being unveiled, the latest development in the history of the world’s most popular car. Fresh styling, extra safety provisions and improved specification across the range give the latest version of the world’s most popular car even more appeal.

The wraps are also coming off the Hilux Invincible, a new version of Toyota’s "indestructible" pickup that brings premium levels of styling and equipment to the light commercial vehicle range. In complete contrast to the wrecked – but still running – Hilux that was roasted, blasted, drowned and crushed by a caravan for the Top Gear television cameras, the Invincible is a stunning street machine with its chrome detailing, leather interior and tinted rear windows.

The newly-launched Red Collection versions of the Celica sports coupe and MR2 Roadster are on display, featuring unmissable red leather interiors and, for the MR2, a matching red soft top.

These new additions to the Toyota range add further impetus to the company’s powerful market performance. An 11^th successive year of record-breaking sales in the UK in 2003, made a big contribution to Toyota breaking through its European target of 800,000 annual sales more than two years ahead of schedule.

Moreover, Toyota’s UK performance in the first four months of 2004 point towards further progress in sales volume and market share in the UK. Total sales of cars and LCVs have grown by 8.8 per cent – twice the rate of the market as a whole.

Where Toyota cars are concerned, sales volume has increased by 9.7 per cent on the same period last year, within a market that has risen by just less than four per cent. This gives Toyota a 4.81 per cent market share.

INTRODUCING THE NEW 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA

Extra appeal for the world’s most popular car

Key points

• Styling, safety and equipment improvements for Corolla hatchbacks, saloon and estate
• Fresh exterior styling reflects Toyota’s new design identity
• T₃ hatchback models given new sporting profile with side and rear skirts, carbon fibre-style fascia and leather steering wheel and gearshift trim
• Curtain airbags available across the range, all models now equipped with front passenger airbag cut-off switch
• Premium equipment features now available, including full-map satellite navigation as an option and rain-sensing windscreen wipers as standard on certain models
• Handling refinements for flagship T Sport model with new performance dampers, rear rebound springs and steering tuned for added responsiveness
• New Euro IV-compliant 89bhp 1.4-litre D-4D common rail diesel available from early autumn
• New engine will be first diesel to have the option of Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT)
• UK sales to begin in mid-June

The new 2004 Toyota Corolla is making its UK debut at the Sunday Times Motor Show Live. The range of three and five-door hatchbacks, saloon and estate models have all been given fresh styling details inside and out and improved specifications designed to broaden their market appeal.

The changes, which refine the existing strengths of the ninth generation Corolla model, express the principle of Superior Quality that underpins the development of all new Toyota cars. They are more than skin-deep, too. Corolla owners are being given access to impressive new safety and convenience options that reflect both advances in technology and the increasingly sophisticated requirements of C segment motorists. Noise, vibration and harshness performance has been further improved and, where the flagship T Sport model is concerned, engineering adjustments have been made to the suspension, steering and body design to achieve sharper and more rewarding ride and handling.

The new 2004 Toyota Corolla is instantly recognisable, thanks to styling changes that include a new grille, bonnet and bumper and ‘teardrop’-style headlamps at the front, new lamp clusters and bumper at the rear and body colour keyed side protection mouldings. Inside, trim and cabin detailing have been improved and all models are fitted with Optitron instrument display and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

Particular attention has been paid to safety provisions. All new Corolla models are equipped with a cut-off switch for the front passenger airbag and a two-stage seatbelt warning system that follows up a warning light with a persistent buzzer if front seat occupants fail to buckle-up. Curtain airbags are made available across the range.

Customer demand for premium quality equipment in C segment cars is high. Toyota addresses this by providing impressive new features for the Corolla, such as rain-sensing windscreen wipers and an electrochromic auto-dipping rear view mirror as standard on certain grades, in addition to optional items such as full-map satellite navigation and a full leather interior.

The T₃ three and five-door models are given a new sporting profile with the addition of side and rear body skirts and a carbon fibre-style finish for the dashboard fascia. Leather trim is added to the steering wheel and the gear knob.

The top-of-the-range T Sport model has been given extra sporting design details and fitted with new-style sports seats. Mechanically it benefits from new performance dampers and new coil springs and shock absorbers. Rebound springs are adopted at the rear to help deliver improved handling and the steering is more direct and responsive, further adding to the T Sport’s driver appeal.

The arrival of the new Corolla in mid-June will be followed later in the year by the introduction of a new diesel engine for the range. The 89bhp 1.4-litre D-4D unit will replace the current 2.0-litre D-4D unit. Although smaller in capacity, it will match the previous engine in terms of power, while delivering improved fuel economy and exhaust emissions that comply with Euro IV standards. It will also be the first diesel unit to be offered with the option of Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT), a system that allows the car to be driven with automatic gearchanges, or with manual selection of the up- and down-shifts.

Full details and specifications for the new Toyota Corolla will be published nearer to the time of launch.

THE NEW TOYOTA COROLLA VERSO

KEY POINTS

• All new car (launched just two years after last model) to achieve best in sector
• Unmatched flexibility and ease of use with Toyota Easy Flat-7^TM, the world’s first full flat-folding system for all five rear seats
• On sale in the UK from May 2004
• On the road prices from £14,495 (1.6 T₂)
• Three trim levels – T_{2 ,}T₃ and T Spirit
• First MPV with nine standard airbags, including first-in-segment driver’s knee airbag
• New Cornering Assist plus Rear Park Assist Monitor (TV cameras) for increased safety at low speeds included in optional DVD full map navigation system on T Spirit, priced £2,300
• DVD-based turn-by-turn satellite navigation system available as an option, priced £1,350
• Three engine options, 1.6 (available in T₂ grade only) and 1.8 VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D common rail diesel
• Best-in-class insurance ratings, from 5E for 1.6 T₂
• New Multi-mode Manual Transmission provides automatic and sequential operation in one system
• All models equipped with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist standard on T₃ and T Spirit grades
• Both navigation systems provide Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA), allowing automatic re-routing if congestion or delays are detected on a pre-programmed journey
• 2004 UK sales target of around 6,000 units; 2005 anticipated sales between 8,000 and 10,000 units

THE MAGICAL SEVEN
The new-generation Toyota Corolla Verso will challenge established perceptions of the compact MPV. A fully-fledged, seven-seat family car, the all-new Corolla Verso also offers a level of driving dynamics and quality far above that which the segment has hitherto offered.

The car benefits from wide application of new technologies, advanced active and passive safety systems and a neat and attractive design. Central to its success will be the revolutionary Toyota Easy Flat-7^TM, by which all five rear seats can be folded down to create a perfectly flat load floor. No seats have to be removed and head restraints can remain in place. A simple, single motion is all that’s required to fold each seat down onto the vehicle floor. No other C-segment MPV has such built-in ease of use and flexibility.

BODY AND CHASSIS – SMOOTH AND QUIET
The all-new Corolla Verso’s exterior design was created at Toyota’s European design studio, ED². The car is both taller and wider than its predecessor but the new-look’s smooth lines still achieve a best-in-segment Cd of 0.30. The aerodynamic shape has helped achieve a reduction in wind noise, especially around the windscreen wipers and underneath the car, and aids driving stability. New sound deadening materials and an acoustic-glass windscreen also contribute to the quiet ride.

The light and precise steering has been tuned for greater driving enjoyment. The position of the steering wheel has been changed to suit a more active driving style than in the former Corolla Verso and adjustment for rake and reach is now standard.

Built on a totally new platform, the Corolla Verso benefits from improved suspension that gives the car good stability and ride, whether there is one person on board or seven.

AUTOMATIC, MANUAL OR BOTH
The Corolla Verso is available with a choice of three engines: an entry-level 109bhp 1.6-litre VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) petrol unit, the responsive 127bhp 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol and a 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine, which delivers excellent torque and fuel economy. The 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines both comply with EURO IV regulations and the
2.0 D-4D diesel emits on average 47 per cent less particulate matter than its segment rivals.

All three engines are offered as standard with five-speed manual transmission, but the 1.8-litre VVT-i is also available with a new five-speed Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT) that provides a combination of automatic and sequential shifting. Fuel consumption is improved when the car is driven in automatic mode, compared to the standard manual transmission. In addition, the MMT is much lighter and more compact than a conventional automatic.

SAFETY AND SECURITY – THE WHEELS HAVE EYES!
The car’s construction features Toyota’s Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS), the same structure that helped the Toyota Avensis establish class-leading results in Euro NCAP crash testing. It also boasts a number of segment-firsts, such as the Cornering Assist Monitor, which helps the driver "see" around blind corners by means of a front-mounted miniature camera which relays real-time images to a dashboard display screen. This system is available as a £2,300 option exclusively on T Spirit models and is combined with a complementary Rear View Monitor system and full-map DVD-based satellite navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA).

Nine airbags are fitted as standard (including the segment’s first knee airbag) and there is a two-stage seatbelt warning system which combines a dashboard warning light and buzzer.

Top stopping performance comes courtesy of a braking system taken from the Toyota Avensis. Four discs bring the car to rest safely with the help of ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). In addition, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) with Brake Assist (BA) are standard on T₃ and T Spirit models.

Among the security measures adopted in the new car are an electric steering lock, an immobiliser fitted in an inaccessible position and two VIN plates on the bodyshell. A new tonneau cover hides the boot contents and can be neatly stored under the floor when not in use.

These measures make a considerable contribution to the new Corolla Verso’s best-in-class insurance ratings in the UK, starting at 5E for the 1.6 VVT-i T₂ model.

FLAT PACK OR BRAT PACK
Equal attention has been paid to creating an interior that meets and exceeds the high customer demands in the compact MPV sector.

Thanks to the Toyota Easy Flat-7^TM system, the new Corolla Verso is the only MPV in the world in which all five rear seats can be folded flat into the vehicle floor. What’s more, the folding system is the simplest to operate of all MPVs on the market: it takes just a single operation to fold down each rear seat.

The new Toyota Corolla Verso is available with the most advanced navigation equipment in its segment. The highly accurate DVD-based system, available as an option priced £1,350, is equipped with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA), monitors traffic information in its route search programme and enables alternative routes to be presented if congestion or delays are detected ahead. The system also includes country guides and border displays, motorway entry/exit searches and a compass screen. There is also a high quality Panasonic audio system comprising built-in radio, CD player, amplifier and ancillary controls on the steering wheel.

The Toyota In-Car Entertainment system is standard on the T Spirit grade, comprising a DVD player connected to five-inch LCD screens installed in the back of the front seat headrests. The system can also be connected to game consoles and can play several disc formats, including VCDs, audio CDs and even MP3 files, ideal for keeping the family’s own brat pack quiet.

THE NEW COROLLA VERSO AND THE UK MARKET
The new Corolla Verso went on sale in the UK in May and sales of about 6,000 units are expected for the remainder of 2004. In 2005, 8,000 to 10,000 sales are anticipated. Across Europe, Toyota expects to sell 52,000 units of the new model this year, in addition to 13,000 of the current version.

Toyota expects the sales split between the different engine choices to be 65 per cent 1.8 VVT-i, 25 per cent 2.0 D-4D and 10 per cent 1.6 VVT-i. The breakdown of grades is expected to be T₃ 55 per cent, T Spirit 30 per cent and T₂ 15 per cent.

UK range and pricing
The entry level model is the 1.6 T₂, the only version to be offered in the UK with the 109bhp 1.6-litre VVT-i engine. The 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol and 2.0-litre D-4D diesel models are available in T₂, T₃ and T Spirit grades, the 1.8 cars additionally offered with the option of Toyota’s new Multi-mode Manual Transmission.

The three equipment levels feature the following items as standard equipment:

The move from 1.6 to 1.8-litre power adds £500 to the price, with the move from 1.8-litre petrol to 2.0-litre diesel adding £1,000. The Multi-Mode Manual Transmission on the 1.8-litre adds £500. The move from T₂ to T₃ grade carries a £2,000 premium, while that from T₃ to T Spirit adds a further £1,800. Full launch price details and UK insurance groups are given in the table below.

THE TOYOTA CELICA AND MR2 ROADSTER RED COLLECTION

The Toyota Red Collection promises to be the hottest sports car deal this summer, featuring two highly desirable special edition models. The Celica and MR2 Roadster Red Collection provide plenty of street presence and exclusivity at on-the-road prices that offer great value for money.

On display is the Celica Red Collection which makes an impact with its 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels and T Sport-style rear spoiler. A close-up look reveals a red Celica silhouette on each wheelcap and dedicated Red badging by the side indicator repeater lights. It’s in the cabin that car reveals its "red" credentials, fitted with deep red leather door trim and upholstery. The specification is based on the current Celica Style model and includes alloy-effect sports pedals and a six-speaker sound system with CD player and subwoofer. It is available in two colours, Astral Black and Crystal Silver metallic (£350 for metallic paint finish). The on-the-road price is £18,645, just £500 more than the Celica Style even though the additional features have a combined value well above £1,000.

Celica uses an all-aluminium 1.8-litre 16-valve twin overhead camshaft petrol engine employing Toyota VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) technology which optimises power, torque and fuel consumption across a wide rev range. The engine develops 140bhp at 6,400rpm and 173Nm of torque at 4,200rpm.

The car has been designed to be a lively and responsive companion on the road. A kerb weight of just over 1,100kgs is achieved through intelligent construction techniques and means the car has a power-to-weight ratio of around 130bhp per tonne.

The Celica, with its relatively small capacity 1.8-litre 16-valve engine, lightweight construction and close ratio six-speed gearbox is proof of Toyota’s philosophy to ‘design-in’ intelligent engineering solutions to its cars. It can achieve a top speed, where permitted, of 127mph, accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 8.7 seconds and yet return a combined fuel consumption figure of 36.7mpg.

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, twin front and front seat side airbags, remote central locking, alarm and engine immobiliser and double locking anti-theft door mechanisms. Force limiters and pre-tensioners are fitted to the front seatbelts.

MR2 Roadster Red Collection
The MR2 Roadster Red Collection on display also features a rich red leather interior, plus a stand-out-from-the-crowd red soft top roof with heated rear screen. A Sable metallic paint finish and the special Red badging are also included in the styling package. It is available at £17,995 on the road.

A sophisticated 1.8-litre, VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine developing 138bhp at 6,400rpm and maximum torque of 170Nm at 4,000rpm powers the Toyota MR2 Roadster. The car will hit 62mph from rest in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed, where permitted, of 131mph.

The VVT-i engine delivers power and torque throughout the rev range making the new MR2 Roadster easy and relaxing to drive. The precise six-speed manual gearbox has a slick, positive action to allow the driver to make the most of this exciting car’s performance.

The suspension offers a firm, but comfortable ride that keeps the car stable and true. Stylish, alloy wheels are standard equipment with 185/55R15 tyres at the front and 215/45 section tyres on 16" inch wheels at the rear. A limited slip differential for improved traction and sporting handling is also standard.

As with all Toyota vehicles, safety has been a critical consideration in the design of the MR2 Roadster, which has a strong, stiff body. Driver and passenger airbags are standard equipment and seat belts are pre-tensioned with force limiters to reduce the risk of chest injury in the event of an accident. ABS is also standard. An engine immobiliser, Thatcham category one alarm and double locking help make the desirable MR2 secure.

In line with the rest of the Toyota range, it is recommended that the MR2 and Celica models have a Health and Safety check annually or every 10,000 miles which takes just 30 minutes. This involves an oil and oil filter change and safety items check. Major servicing is required only every 20,000 miles.

Both Red Collection models are on sale now and are covered by Toyota’s regular three-year/60,0000-mile warranty.

THE TOYOTA HILUX INVINCIBLE

Britain’s toughest pick-up gains premium style and comfort

Key points

• UK debut of the Toyota Hilux Invincible
• Part of worldwide success story that has seen almost 12 million Hilux vehicles sold
• New top-of-the-range model that combines exceptional durability with high quality styling and equipment
• Based on current VX model, with many additional features
• Full "Invincible" leather interior
• Leather steering wheel and shift knobs
• In-dash CD autochanger and tape player
• Dark-tinted rear ‘privacy’ windows
• Chrome rear styling bumper and ‘Invincible’ chrome badging
• Brushed metal scuff plates
• Premium Carpet Mats
• 102bhp 2.5-litre D-4D engine with optional power chip to boost output to 128bhp
• UK sales from July 1

The Toyota Hilux’s legendary durability was well-proven when it survived trial by fire, flood, tumbling tower block and deadly caravan for the BBC’s Top Gear programme. Even before undergoing such extreme testing, its ability to cope with the toughest conditions has made it one of the world’s best-selling models with more than 11.8 million sales around the globe.

It is fitting, therefore, that a pickup of such outstanding qualities should earn the name Invincible.

The new Hilux Invincible, which makes its debut at the Sunday Times Motor Show Live, is a top-of-the-range model that combines the model’s robust character with plenty of street style and premium features.

Based on the current VX Double Cab model, the Invincible adds a number of highly desirable features. On the outside there is an eyecatching chrome rear step-bumper, chrome Invincible badging and the rear windows have dark-tinted privacy glass. On the inside comfort levels are higher than ever with full leather seats and leather steering wheel and shift knob trims. Premium quality carpet mats and brushed metal door scuff plates are fitted. The sound system features both a dash-mounted CD autochanger and a cassette player.

In common with the VX, the Invincible also offers ABS, power steering, alarm, electric front & rear windows and door mirrors, air conditioning and sports-style seats.

With its high levels of style and comfort and its five-seat capacity, the Hilux Invincible has added appeal to owners who want to use their pickup as much more than a work vehicle, or drivers looking for a versatile alternative to a conventional car as their day-to-day transport. And, of course, the vehicle’s rugged qualities are beyond question.

The Hilux Invincible is powered by Toyota’s 16-valve 2.5-litre D-4D direct injection common rail turbodiesel engine, delivering 102bhp. Owners looking for stronger performance will be able to take advantage of an optional, Toyota approved power chip installation that will raise output to 128bhp and boost maximum torque from 260 to 300Nm.

The Invincible is not compromised in its load-carrying ability; just like its VX counterpart, it has a gross vehicle weight of 2,780kg. UK sales will begin on July 1 and full details of pricing and specification will be announced nearer the time of launch.