Unveiled at recnt Tokyo...
Unveiled at recnt Tokyo Auto Salon - a motor show that gives Jap÷anese makers the chance to let their hair down - the Turbo Modellista is set to go on sale in its home market in the next few months, and previews a European version. Based on the Japan-only Yaris RS, it uses a 1.5-litre engine turbocharged by Toyota"s in-house tuner, Modellista, and Toyota Racing Development (TRD).
Called the Concept C...
Called the Concept C at present, the sleek-looking machine comes complete with a powered folding hard-top and has been designed not only to offer stylish transport come rain or shine, but also to take on similar tin-top models such as the Peugeot 307 CC and forthcoming Vauxhall Astra CC.
The Concept C will already appear familiar to Auto Express readers. Back in issue 782, we printed pictures of the new convertible Golf model based on information leaked from inside VW, and the resemblance is undeniable.
By adopting an unusually wide wheelbase - the Concept C"s is 75mm broader than a standard Golf hatchback"s - the designers have managed to keep the coup탩-cabriolet"s body in proportion, despite the bulky roof mechanism. What"s more, the VW looks attractive with the top in place or folded down.
The car"s stylish lines start with a bold aluminium grille, first seen on the Concept R at last year"s Frankfurt Motor Show, and new-style headlights. Insiders suggest this will be a feature of future VWs. A rising waistline emphasises the sporty design, and the tail-light cluster resembles that of the MkV Golf.
As with any car in this category, the Concept C"s main selling point is its hi-tech metal roof, which is VW"s first. As well as the benefits offered by the folding tin-top, the coup탩-cabriolet also has a sliding sunroof. The transition from coup탩 to convertible begins when the complex hydraulic mechanism slides back the sunroof and lifts up the rear screen. The bootlid then hinges back to swallow the metal hood and leave a clean, uncluttered profile.
Inside, the near-production styling and quality of the Concept C"s in-terior is remarkably similar to that of the Golf, which indicates how easy it would be for the German company to mass produce this model. Cream-coloured upholstery is offset by dark wood trim to give an upmarket feel, making it clear that the cabin is aimed at those customers who prefer luxury to sportiness.
Practicality hasn"t been overlooked, either. There is seating for four adults, and the boot offers a useful 400 litres of luggage space when the roof is up.
The Concept C is powered by Volkswagen"s 150bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder FSI powerplant mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Production versions will use a range of engines, starting with a 1.6-litre FSI. A diesel model is also expected, and this is likely to have the 2.0-litre TDI motor available in the Golf hatchback. A sporting flagship wearing the prestigious GTI badge is a possibility, and this car could be powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre FSI engine, delivering up to 200bhp. Providing the public"s reaction to the Concept C is positive, VW is expected to put the finishing touches to the production version before the end of this year - and that should mean the Golf coup탩-cabriolet will be appearing in UK showrooms in early 2005.