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2 October 2008

TOYOTA PRESENTS THE NEW AVENSIS

World debut of third generation flagship model at Paris motor show

KEY POINTS

• All-new Toyota Avensis unveiled at Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris
• Engineered and designed in Europe, built exclusively at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in the UK
• Positioned at the “cutting edge” of the D segment with athletic styling and superior ride comfort
• New petrol and revised diesel powertrains
• New generation of Toyota Valvematic petrol engines, with variable valve timing and lift control giving increased power and torque with lower CO₂ emissions
• Revised D-4D diesel engines with lower emissions
• New Multidrive S continuously variable transmission
• All round advances in quality, safety and driving pleasure
• Saloon and tourer body styles, on sale in the UK from January 2009

INTRODUCTION

Designed and engineered in Europe and built at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in the UK , the all-new third generation Avensis has its world premiere at the Paris motor show. Building on the success of its predecessors, Toyota’s new European flagship delivers a new level of superior quality, dynamic handling and refined ride comfort.

New Avensis will also contribute to a reduction in Toyota’s fleet average CO₂ emissions to 140g/km by 2009. The Toyota Optimal Drive philosophy has been applied through a range of new petrol engines, upgraded diesel engines and new, advanced transmissions, giving customers reduced emissions without compromising power and driving pleasure.

New Avensis Chief Engineer Takashi Yamamoto explains: “We have put a strong European mark on the project from the start. Thirty-five engineers from Toyota Motor Europe were invited to Japan to join forces with the Toyota Motor Corporation development team. When the project team returned to Europe for finalisation, these engineers played a key role in the knowledge transfer between the two development teams.

“I think this one of the key reasons why today we can look back at a highly efficient development process and be proud of our achievement, which I believe is nothing less than the ‘cutting edge’ of the D-segment.”

ATHLETIC DESIGN

• Powerful exterior design
• Increased interior space and comfort
• Designed at Toyota’s European Design Development Centre (ED²)

Conceived at ED², Toyota’s design studio in the South of France, new Avensis expresses power without relying on sheer mass.

Today’s car designers have to resolve unprecedented challenges. Customers want cars with more powerful engines, but with lower emissions. They want more interior space, but also more compact cars that consume less fuel. And perhaps the greatest challenge is resolving the paradox of building a car that is kinder to the environment, powerful and fun to drive, yet not compromised in terms of comfort and safety.

These challenges are addressed by Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design language, founded on the J-factor – the internationally respected elements of Japanese originality and quality. Applying the J-factor has resolved three key challenges in new Avensis’s design:

• To project power without being a massive car
• To be dynamic to drive, but with top-class ride comfort
• To deliver low emissions, but with impressive performance

New Avensis will be available in saloon and Tourer body styles. These were designed in parallel, so the Tourer was designed specifically for its purpose, rather than being a saloon with a raised and stretched rear.

Both versions have an athletic and sleek appearance. The bonnet has been lowered, the slim A-pillars flow forwards and the C-pillar is slanted backwards to produce a flowing silhouette.  Excellent aerodynamics gives a Cd figure of 0.28 for the saloon and 0.29 for the Tourer, helping reduce CO₂ emissions.

New Avensis is only 50mm longer than the previous generation model, giving an overall length of 4,695 for the saloon and 4,765 for the Tourer. Both have a 2,700mm wheelbase and are 1,480mm tall – the same height as the current Avensis. Thanks to the new platform, the track has been increased by between 30 and 45mm, while the car’s width has grown by 50mm to 1,810mm.

Repositioning the wheels nearer the outside edges of the floorpan has achieved a more solid, powerful appearance without adding unnecessary weight or mass.

Avensis is also more spacious inside. Although overall vehicle height remains unchanged, there is more headroom. Cargo space in the Tourer is more flexible, with cargo rails available to divide and secure separate loads. Fold flat seats have a one-touch folding mechanism to create extra space when needed in both saloon and Tourer.

The new-look instrument panel makes good use of the car’s width to emphasise the spacious feel of the interior. This can be further heightened in the Tourer with the option of a panoramic roof.

Materials used in the cabin have been chosen to express prestige and dynamism. The dashboard trim, in black or grey-beige combination, has a soft-texture grained finish. There is a choice of finishes for the centre console, including black metallic paint and a titanium finish. On higher grade models, the console has a graphic finish inspired by Takesumi – a charcoal made from bamboo.

The speedometer and tachometer are crisply lit and have chrome bezels. The Optitron display ensures excellent legibility, regardless of lighting conditions. It also can reduce tiredness and fatigue.

INCREASED POWER AND TORQUE WITH LOWER, CLASS-LEADING EMISSIONS

• New Avensis engines developed under Toyota Optimal Drive philosophy
• New Valvematic petrol engine technology gives 10 to 26 per cent reduction in  CO₂ emissions
• Upgraded D-4D diesel engines with up to 10 per cent lower CO₂ emissions (all emissions figures provisional pending final homologation)
• New Multidrive S transmission option with petrol engines, new six-speed automatic available for diesels

The new Toyota Optimal Drive philosophy has been applied to the development of new Avensis’s engine line-up with a focus on minimising environmental impact while maximising driving pleasure through increased power and torque.

The best example of this is the new Valvematic range of petrol engines, which give 10 to 26 per cent lower CO₂ emissions compared to equivalent power plants in the current Avensis. At the same time, power is increased by between three and 20 per cent. Toyota’s Valvematic technology helps improve fuel efficiency, power, torque and engine response and reduces CO₂ emissions by simultaneously controlling valve timing and lift.

1.8-litre Valvematic

The new 1.8-litre Valvematic offers a choice of the new six-speed manual transmission or new Multidrive S, Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission technology. Power is greater by 14 per cent compared to the previous 1.8 VVT-i unit at 145bhp (147 DIN hp) and there is an extra 10Nm of torque, with a maximum 180Nm delivered at 4,000rpm. CO₂ emissions are down 10 per cent at 154g/km in the saloon with manual gearbox; 16 per cent at 157g/km with Multidrive S transmission.

2.0-litre Valvematic

The 2.0-litre Valvematic is at the top of the petrol engine range, offered with six-speed manual and Multidrive S transmissions. Maximum output is 150bhp (152 DIN hp), three per cent higher than Toyota’s 2.0-litre engine, and maximum torque is 196Nm, produced at 4,000rpm. With manual transmission, CO₂ emissions have fallen 15 per cent to 163g/km; with Multidrive S the decrease is even greater – down 26 per cent to 164g/km.

With the benefit of these new engines, Toyota delivers a class-leading power to CO₂ ratio.

Multidrive S transmission

Multidrive S gives an incredibly smooth, refined shift action, automatically optimising torque and fuel consumption by always using the ideal engine speed. When the engine is pressed a little harder, the transmission operates like a seven-speed automatic, which helps eliminate the characteristic whining associated with CVTs.

The transmission’s Sport mode gives a sportier drive, selecting a more responsive and power-maximising ratio in line with driver input. And for an even more involving drive, the system has a seven-speed sequential manual mode, letting the driver change gear using the shift lever or, exclusively on the 2.0 Valvematic, paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.

Diesel engines

The benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive are also evident in the revised diesel engine line-up, with more torque at lower speeds leading to lower emissions. The upgrades include new piezo injectors and a higher injection pressure – 2,000 bar. These new features help achieve a reduction in CO₂ emissions of between 2.5 and 10 per cent compared to the current generation Avensis.

2.0-litre D-4D 130

The 2.0-litre D-4D 130 engine delivers power through a six-speed manual transmission and produces 124bhp (126 DIN hp) at 3,600rpm and 310Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2,400rpm. Emissions are down seven per cent at 134g/km for the saloon, with improved performance.

2.2-litre D-4D 150

The 2.2 D-4D 150 offers a strong balance of power and economy. Output of 148bhp (150 DIN hp) is reached at 3,600rpm, with an increase in torque of nearly 10 per cent to 340Nm, generated between 2,000 and 2,800rpm. This means maximum torque is available in most driving conditions, cutting the need for frequent gear changes, whilst still delivering less than 150 g/km.

In a Toyota first for a diesel passenger car, this engine is offered with a new six-speed automatic transmission. This gives a fast shift response while maintaining comfortable performance by eliminating shift-shock. The system includes a sequential manual mode: by moving the shift level to the M gate, the driver can choose to select gears using the shift lever or paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The 2.2 D-4D 150 engine benefits from Toyota D-CAT clean diesel technology and achieves CO₂ emissions of less than 180g/km in the new Avensis saloon. D-CAT simultaneously reduces nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions through a maintenance-free system designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle.

2.2-litre D-4D 180

The top-of-the-range diesel, the 2.2 D-4D 180 has a unique combination of a low compression ratio and a high boost turbocharger, which gives remarkable power and engine efficiency. With 175bhp (177 DIN hp) and 400Nm of torque across a rev band from 2,000 to 2,800rpm, it is among the most powerful diesel engines in the D-segment. Nought to 62mph acceleration is achieved in 8.5 seconds, yet CO₂ emissions are just 157g/km for the saloon, making it one of the cleanest high power diesels on the market. Like the 2.2 D-4D 150, it uses Toyota D-CAT for cleaner operation.

Efficient driving

All new Avensis models are fitted with driving indicators to help ensure efficient motoring. The on-board computer has an ECO driving indicator on versions with six-speed automatic and Multidrive S transmissions, showing the driver how efficient his or her driving style is. Manual versions come with a Gear Shift Indicator, which advises the driver on the best timing for up and down gear changes.

DYNAMIC RIDE HANDLING WITH SUPERIOR RIDE COMFORT

• New platform
• Re-engineered suspension

New Avensis has been engineered for smooth ride comfort, but with dynamic handling for rewarding driving characteristics.

A new platform provides an excellent balance of high-speed stability and low speed agility. To enhance performance, both the MacPherson strut front suspension and the double wishbone rear suspension have been re-engineered with improvements in torsional stiffness and roll rigidity. Front shock absorber and rear lateral force steer specifications have also been upgraded.

New, large diameter wheels with wider tyres are fitted to further enhance stability and dynamic handling. A flush underfloor design aids high speed stability, reduces noise and contributes to fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamics.

SUPERIOR QUALITY AND ENHANCED SAFETY

• Safety enhanced to meet Euro NCAP five-star standards
• Noise, vibration and harshness close to D-premium segment levels
• Built-in quality to be a reference for the D-segment

New Avensis is set to build on the achievements of its predecessor, aiming for a five-star rating under the more stringent Euro NCAP crash testing due for introduction in 2009.

New high-tech safety features bring both active and passive safety provisions to a higher level. Seven airbags are fitted as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag. Active front seat headrests have been introduced to reduce whiplash injuries in the event of a rear end collision.

Steering assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) is new to the model, a system which increases the protection provided by a regular VSC system by adding steering torque assist to counter any yaw movement during sudden changes in handling or on slippery surfaces.  In an emergency situation the driver may sense torque movement on the steering wheel in a given direction to help ensure the right steering input is made to compensate the under- or oversteer.

Where High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights are specified, the driver further benefits from the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). This adjusts the angle of the headlamps in line with the vehicle speed and turning angle to improve illumination through bends and junctions. Dynamic headlamp levelling maintains the angle of the headlamp under heavy braking or acceleration.

New Avensis is fitted as standard with an emergency brake signal, which activates flashing brake lights to warn following vehicles of sudden hard braking.

Top grade versions of the 2.2 D-4D 150 with six-speed automatic transmission will have the option of a new Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system. This can predict the risk of an imminent collision and take action to alert the driver and reduce the risk of damage or injury. If it senses a crash to be unavoidable, it automatically activates the seatbelt pretensioners and applies full braking force to lessen the impact.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with PCS, using the same advanced radar technology to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, even if that vehicle varies its speed. Once the road ahead is clear, ACC automatically returns to the preset cruising speed.

PCS comes with the added benefit of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). These systems help prevent unintended lane changes by giving an audible warning and applying corrective steering wheel torque to help the driver stay on the right course.

Improved NVH performance

New Avensis has considerably lower NVH levels, with the use of Toyota’s lightweight insulation material helping cut interior noise significantly – by 5dB. The new model is among the quietest in the D-segment, with performance that comes close to that of premium models.

This has been achieved thanks to a stiff chassis, advanced aerodynamics and careful positioning of materials without adding unnecessary weight by over-use of insulation.

Avensis has a well-earned reputation for quality, durability and reliability, attributes reflected in its strong performance in independent customer satisfaction surveys, such as the annual study by J.D. Power and Associates. It has received numerous accolades from the motoring media and organisations, including a best-in-segment rating from ADAC, Europe’s largest automobile club.

New Avensis will continue to be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s factory at Burnaston. The TMUK plant in Deeside will supply the 1.6 (not available in the UK) and 1.8 Valvematic engines and Toyota Motor Industries Poland will supply the 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D engines. The new six-speed manual transmission is sourced from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland.

ADVANCED EQUIPMENT LEVELS

In keeping with the “cutting edge of the D-segment” positioning expressed by Chief Engineer Takashi Yamamoto, new Avensis will benefit from advanced technology in its equipment specifications.

Details of the UK grade structure and detailed equipment features will be announced nearer the car’s on-sale date.

Within the range, features that will be available will include dual zone automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, full-map touch-screen satellite navigation with Bluetooth, Smart Entry and Start system, a panoramic roof for the Tourer,  and an 11-speaker premium audio system with the 10Gb hard disc drive.

TOYOTA AVENSIS PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* Provisional emissions figures prior to final homologation.

TOYOTA AVENSIS PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS contd.

* Provisional emissions figures prior to final homologation.

TOYOTA AVENSIS PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS contd.

ENDS

2 October 2008

BIG IDEAS FOR A BRILLIANT SMALL CAR

KEY POINTS

• Toyota’s revolutionary premium city car presented in production-ready form at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris
• First reveal of interior design, created by Toyota’s European studio ED²
• 1.0-litre VVT-i engine set to return 99g/km and 65.7mpg (provisional)
• Five-speed manual transmission or new Toyota Multidrive CVT system
• Revolutionary small car design and packaging, founded on six interlinked Toyota innovations
• Less than three metres long but four seats on board
• Room for three adults plus space for a child passenger or extra luggage space
• 360-degree safety protection, including world-first rear window curtain shield airbag
• Premium quality design, finish and specifications
• On sale in the UK from January 2009 (available to order now)
• Two grades with specifications and prices to be announced soon

INTRODUCTION

The final production version of Toyota’s revolutionary iQ makes its debut at the Paris motor show today. Last seen as a near-final design at the Geneva show earlier this year, iQ is a city car that is so innovative that – like the Toyota Prius – it stands as a major milestone for future vehicle development.

The radical thinking behind iQ turns conventional car design on its head. Toyota engineers went to extraordinary lengths to redesign, re-engineer or relocate components to achieve their goal of a car that is less than three metres long, yet has four seats inside with no compromise on space, comfort or driving fun.

iQ redefines what a car should be in today’s era of congested cities and increased environmental awareness, not least by achieving carbon dioxide emissions levels that start at 99g/km. At the same time it is fun to drive with outstanding dynamics and advanced powertrain technology.

Hiroki Nakajima, iQ chief Engineer, explains: “For the development of iQ my research for a design concept befitting a stylish and small, sophisticated car began by envisioning the customer. My theory was that the group of people most suited to this car’s style, small size and premium edge would be described as ‘post-modern’ – people who demonstrate independence in their choice of lifestyle and values.”

iQ can be ordered from now, with delivery taking place in January 2009. Full-year sales volume for Europe is expected to be around 80,000 units.

DESIGN

Five years ago Toyota launched a programme to radically improve vehicle packaging, focusing on breakthrough solutions for miniaturising key vehicle features. The outcome of this project formed the basis for the development of iQ.

The objective was a new kind of city car, one that would accommodate four people within an overall length of less than three metres. The result was a landmark solution that will have a long term influence on Toyota’s future vehicle development.  iQ is the ultimate expression of refined, yet environmentally efficient urban mobility.

The extraordinary interior space in a car that measures just 2,985mm long, 1,500mm high and 1,680mm wide is a tribute to the determination and ingenuity of Toyota’s design and engineering team.

The fact it can carry four people (three adults plus a child) in comfort and safety at motorway speeds, is just the beginning of the story. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Toyota has created an ingenious and distinctive new city car. And with its proportionally large, 2,000mm wheelbase, iQ has a compact yet muscular stance that is like no other car.

iQ’s design represents the essence of Toyota’s J-factor heritage, which embraces the finest elements of Japanese aesthetics, such as miniaturisation and modernism.  Most importantly it brings contradictory elements into harmony, such as “small yet spacious” or “hi-tech yet human”.

J-factor is the foundation of Toyota’s Vibrant Clarity design philosophy, through which long-standing paradoxes are resolved, such as how to create vehicles that are energised and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious.

One of the three key elements of Vibrant Clarity is Freeform Geometrics, which can be seen in iQ’s techno-organic design, for example, in the “manta ray” styling of the centre console.

On the outside another element comes into play – “Perfect Imbalance of Proportions”. Large wheels are placed at the extreme corners of the vehicle to give a robust stance that belies the car’s compact size.

True to J-factor aesthetic minimalism, iQ will be available from launch in three exterior colours: White Pearl Metallic, Black Metallic and Amethyst Metallic (more colours will be available later).

SIX INNOVATIONS PRODUCE A BREAKTHROUGH IN VEHICLE PACKAGING

• New front-mounted differential allowing extra space
• Centre take-off steering gear for compactness
• Low profile, 120mm-high underfloor fuel tank
• New ultra-slim seats for greater leg room
• 20 per cent smaller heater/air conditioning unit
• Asymmetric dashboard design and sliding seat configuration

iQ’s remarkable interior volume is down to its comparatively long 2,000mm wheelbase and short overhangs – 530mm at the front and 455mm at the rear. Interior length from the rear end of the instrument panel to the hip point of the rear seats is an impressive 1,238mm. To achieve this breakthrough, six space-saving engineering innovations were developed.

1. Integrating the front-mounted differential in a conventional transmission layout allowed iQ to be built with an ultra-short front overhang. This reduced overall length while at the same time increasing the length of the passenger compartment. Ingeniously this not only reduces the amount of space required for the engine compartment, it also allows the large diameter front wheels to be positioned at the far corners of the vehicle. This shortens the overhangs, which in turn improves stability and manoeuvrability.

2. Employing centre take-off steering gear and placing it higher in the engine bay means the transmission, engine and differential could be repositioned. The engine compartment could then be made considerably smaller, further reducing the front overhang.

3. Traditionally fuel tanks are located underneath a car’s rear seats. By making the tank flat, reducing it to just 120mm in height and solving the problems of rapidly changing fuel surface levels that such a design would normally create, the tank could be relocated under the floor. iQ’s fuel tank has a 32-litre capacity, giving an ample driving range. Angling the rear shock absorbers backwards allows interior rear space to be increased.

4. The slimness of the seatbacks frees up an extra 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height. The seats weigh up to 30 per cent less than conventional ones, contributing to overall fuel efficiency and low emissions. Using extruded pipe materials rather than high tensile sheet steel ensures the structure is rigid. The slimmer designs, with integrated headrests, save space without sacrificing comfort or safety.

5. Reducing the size of the heater and air conditioning unit by 20 per cent compared to the Toyota Yaris allowed the engineers to make significant space savings without compromising performance. This means the blower unit, usually found in front of the front passenger, could be integrated with the main ventilation unit in a central position. This innovation allowed the front passenger area to be moved forward, freeing up cabin space and increasing leg room.

6. The innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the whole cabin area. It ensures ample leg room for the front passenger, even when the seat is in its furthest forward position. The sliding seat configuration allows an adult 190cm tall to sit comfortably in the rear seat behind a front passenger of the same height. Shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and front passenger is 50mm wider than in Yaris and bears comparison with a C-segment vehicle. The all-round space and seating layout means there is ample room for three adults plus either a child passenger or luggage behind the driver.

ENGINEERED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

• New platform
• 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine offered at launch
• New Multidrive transmission
• CO₂ emissions from 99g/km

iQ represents the successful outcome of Toyota’s well-established drive to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles without compromising performance and driving dynamics. With CO₂ emissions as low as 99g/km (with manual transmission), it is clearly a city car that’s in the right place at the right time.

Its innovative, aerodynamic packaging has been achieved through a low overall height, low centre of gravity and wheels pushed out to the four corners of the car. This gives agility at low speed and unprecedented stability for a small car on motorways and winding roads. A minimum turning radius of 3.9 metres further enhances its nimble handling, even in tight city streets.

iQ is built on a new platform with MacPherson strut front suspension and a newly developed compact rear torsion beam. Together these provide dynamic handling with high degree of ride comfort. The suspension is fine tuned to let the car hug corners at speed, without losing stability.

iQ engines and transmissions have been developed under the Toyota Optimal Drive philosophy of delivering extremely low fuel consumption and emissions without compromising on power or driving pleasure.

At launch one engine will be available: a 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol unit with a choice of five-speed manual or a new Multidrive CVT system.  

1.0-litre VVT-i engine

The 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol engine, winner of the 2008 Engine of the Year award in the sub-1.0-litre class, is a lightweight, three-cylinder unit, producing 67bhp (68 Din hp) at 6,000rpm and 91Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Combined with a high-ratio five-speed manual transmission, it returns 65.7mpg in combined cycle driving and 99g/km of carbon dioxide (figures provisional prior to final homologation). This keeps iQ under the UK’s 100g/km threshold for Vehicle Excise Duty, a benchmark that is also used for tax purposes in other major European markets, too. Specified with Multidrive transmission, the engine emits 110g/km of CO₂ (provisional figure).

Multidrive transmission

Multidrive uses Toyota’s latest continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology to give a very smooth shift feel while optimising the balance between performance and fuel economy. It continuously monitors and selects the most appropriate gear ratio and shifting speed, automatically eliminating “shift shock” or jumps while changing gear. It maximises engine torque without unnecessary acceleration and smoothes gear ratio changes, for example limiting uphill shifts and making downhill shifts to achieve optimum engine brake force. The system provides all the city-friendly characteristics of a conventional automatic gearbox.

Models equipped with Multidrive feature an ECO driving indicator lamp on the multi-information display. This encourages more economical driving by signalling when fuel is being saved and, consequently, emissions are reduced. Current and average fuel consumption are also permanently on display.

Gear shift indicator

Models with manual transmission are equipped with a gear shift indicator which shows the driver when to change up or down a gear to achieve the best environmental performance. The system takes driving conditions, accelerator pedal pressure and vehicle speed into account and can return fuel consumption savings of between 0.5 and three per cent compared to normal gear shifting, depending on individual driver habits.

Future developments

A new 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine with Stop & Start technology will be available in iQ later in 2009. A 1.4 D-4D diesel will be offered from launch in some European markets, but is not scheduled for introduction in the UK.

Many of iQ’s innovations will be adapted and evolved for future Toyota models. The car is a major milestone in Toyota’s environmental commitment and efforts to develop technologies for much lower emissions. It is an essential part of Toyota’s challenge to achieve the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) voluntary commitment of 140g/km average fleet emissions by 2009.

OUTSTANDING ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

• High level of active safety features as standard
• Multi-load path body structure
• 360-degree protection

iQ benefits from sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect driver, passengers and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small vehicles.

ABS integrated with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard on all models. Steering assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) combined with Traction Control (TRC) is also provided across the range and incorporates Electric Power Steering Control to minimise the risk of under- or oversteer.

The new braking system has 255mm front discs and 180mm drums.  For collision safety and “braking feel”, a link-type brake pedal is fitted.

The high strength body has a multi-load path structure to efficiently absorb and disperse impact forces. Designed by Toyota, it increases occupant protection in a frontal collision through six strategic elements to absorb and redistribute impact energy, including the suspension side rail and cross members, dashboard cross member, and front tyres located as far forward as possible.

The shape and height of the bonnet and a collapsible cowl construction are designed to deform in an impact to mitigate potential pedestrian injury.

All models are fitted with nine airbags. The passenger front airbag has a twin-chamber design with a lower pressure inflator to bridge the space between the passenger and the dashboard.

The driver has a knee airbag, which, because of the short steering column, can be positioned closer to the driver’s knees, reducing deployment time and the amount of inflation required. On the front passenger side there is an innovative seat cushion airbag that works with the seatbelts to reduce and disperse force to the head, chest and upper body. This airbag is more effective in restraining hip movement than conventional knee airbags, given iQ’s asymmetrical dashboard design.

Protection from side impacts is provided by two front side airbags, designed to restrain the chest and pelvis at the same time. Two side curtain shield airbags protect all four occupants from side impact to the head and neck.

Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts are fitted to all seats, with additional pretensioners and force-limiters for the driver and front passenger.

World-first rear window airbag

iQ marks a world-first breakthrough with a rear window curtain shield airbag. This deploys from the roof lining behind the rear headrests to protect occupants in a rear-end collision.

Isofix child seat anchors are fitted to the rear seats. A high tensile strength steel seat frame construction with integrated headrests provide driver and front passenger with collision safety and whiplash protection performance equal to Toyota’s latest active headrest systems.

With its 360-degree safety approach, Toyota aims to fulfil Euro NCAP’s five-star rating for occupant protection.

ASPIRATIONAL EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION

Details of iQ specification for the UK market will be announced soon.

In line with its innovative design and high quality finish, it will offer as standard a number of premium features for added style, comfort and convenience, setting it apart from more conventional and modestly specified models in the city car segment.

Two grades will be available – a standard trim and a premium upgrade version. Key features will include (according to grade) alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, Smart Entry and Start system, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

To add even more lustre to their iQ, owners will be offered a full range of dedicated accessories.

ENDSRef:081002N

56160-2/021008

2 October 2008