Toyota has revealed...
Toyota has revealed that the traditional "boxes are proving difficult to match to the complex power cycles of new petrol/electric hybrid engines, and so are likely to be unsuitable for its hi-tech traction control systems, too. Cars such as the new Auris, which currently come in manual form, will eventually only be available as autos.
The Toyota will be slightly...
The Toyota will be slightly larger than the current car and offered in two bodystyles. The five-door pictured in the mag has features of the Corolla about it, while the three-door will get an even more radical look to appeal to a younger market. There is even the possibility of a Peugeot 1007-style sliding door.
Practicality will get a boost, too, due to a clever folding seat arrangement and underfloor storage - now must-haves in this class. The Yaris will also keep the original model"s unique central digital instrument display, which leaves an uncluttered dash.
More engine options will be offered this time round. Entry-level models will use a revised version of the existing 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit. This will be joined by a new diesel, based on the 1.4 D-4D motor but designed for ultra efficiency and low emissions.
A range-topping T Sport may use a turbocharged variant of the 1.5-litre petrol, developing up to 130bhp. This car would take on hot hatches such as the Ford Fiesta ST and MINI Cooper.
Due to reach showrooms in late 2005 - although possibly without the slow-selling Verso mini-MPV variant - this Yaris could also be the first mainstream petrol/electric hybrid Toyota.