Toyota Yaris 2012

The third generation Toyota Yaris will be launched in the UK this summer.

Developed from an original concept of “compact outside, spacious inside,” new Yaris shows Toyota further improving the clever packaging that was a hallmark of its predecessors.

Moreover, it will mark a breakthrough in its segment for affordable multimedia connectivity with the introduction of Toyota Touch & Go. Due to be standard equipment on 95 per cent of sales. It features a 6.1-inch display with touch screen technology for ease of use and functionality.

Manufactured at Toyota’s Valenciennes factory in France, new Yaris has been designed and engineered to deliver the highest possible build quality. Inside, high quality materials and surface finishes have been used, and there is a more driver-focused cockpit.

Three different low emissions, fuel-efficient Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains will be available: 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.33-litre dual VVT-i petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel.

Didier Leroy, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, said: “New Yaris represents Toyota’s strongest offer yet in the important supermini segment. With its new levels of ingenuity, efficiency and quality, we are confident it can build upon Yaris’s previous success and help Toyota rejuvenate its presence in Europe and move towards one million annual sales in the region in the medium term.”

Mitsubishi Grandis Warrior

Here's the Mitsubishi that will spearhead the Japanese firm's assault on the large MPV market. This imposing seven-seater is the Grandis Warrior, a car that adds even greater visual drama to the already outlandish look of the Grandis.

Inspired by the success of the L200 Warrior pick-up, our test car boasted striking black paint, 18-inch alloys and aluminium trim on the grille, wing mirrors and door handles. Whether the add-ons enhance the seven-seater's appearance is a matter of opinion, but when it comes to standard equipment, no expense has been spared. Warrior buyers get a DVD player with an eight-inch screen, a six-disc CD changer and leather trim at no extra cost.

Elsewhere in the cabin, the seating layout is well designed, with plenty of room for front and rear passengers, and there are lots of storage cubbies to hold everything the modern family needs.

Mechanically, the Warrior is identical to other variants, featuring the same 2.4-litre petrol engine, fitted with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed auto. Our test car came with the self-shifter, which allows the Grandis to accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.7 seconds. However, the transmission makes unpredictable downshifts which highlight the four-cylinder engine's thrashy nature at high revs.

Otherwise, the Mitsubishi is safe and predictable out on the open road, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease and never feeling unstable. When the tarmac gets twisty, the Grandis retains its composure with well contained body roll. However, a lack of feel through the steering discourages you from pushing too hard.

Sitting at the top of the Grandis line-up, the Warrior auto is priced at ΂£23,499. That might sound like a lot of money, but given the amount of standard equipment thrown in, it's difficult to find a full-size MPV which can match the Mitsubishi for value.

However, the biggest problem facing the Grandis is its limited range of powerplants. There is no diesel option, or even a more frugal petrol model, so the 2.4-litre unit, which returns 28.2mpg, is the only motor available. If buyers decide that they can afford the fuel bills, you could soon see an army of Grandis Warriors lining up in a supermarket car park near you.

MAZDA 2

THE MOST SPORTY AND STYLISH CITY CAR YOU CAN WEAR

Discover the excitement of Zoom-Zoom driving - the unique thrill of being in motion we all felt in childhood - with Mazda2. Its fresh, distinctive good looks, sparkling performance and exceptional functionality take you places in unequalled comfort and style. With convenience and quality that's simply unmatched in this class.

On the road, Mazda2's superb handling and lively response open up a whole new world of driving pleasure. A unique experience that only comes from Mazda - a Zoom-Zoom experience.

Toyota Aygo

Another sensibly priced Toyota cars that Indonesian Car enthusiast will probably never see. This is very disappointing as the Toyota Aygo has been available to European customers since 2007. This is probably because Indonesian consumers deemed to have a bigger buying power than European consumers. Well, that last sentence doesn’t make any sense it’s not even funny.

Toyota Prius

Toyota have announced in March 2011 that its hybrid car have been sold for more than three million units which made Toyota the world’s largest producer of hybrid. Up to February 28, 2011 Toyota’s recorded some 3.03 million hybrid units sold worldwide and have contributed to 18 million tons CO2 emissions reduction.

Hybrid cars are now beginning to be seriously considered by the mainstream of prospective car buyers, not just environmental groups or those who feel the need to affirm their image as an environmentally conscious person. This is because hybrid cars have proven to be economically more profitable than the conventional gasoline cars.

Although not the first of hybrid car available for mass production, Toyota Prius when launched in 1997 instantly became Japan’s best-selling hybrid car in the world. When introduced in the United States in 2000, it managed to attract the attention of Hollywood A list celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and other movie stars.

Over time, Toyota continues to add selection of its hybrid cars line with models such as Camry Hybrid, Lexus LS600h, CT200h and more, although the Prius is still accounts for two thirds of all hybrid sales. In all 14 years, Toyota has sold more than 2.5 million units of Prius.

In Japan itself, the Prius is also the most preferred hybrid car. The third generation was launched in May 2009 and instantly became the biggest-selling car for many months until early this year.

This month, Toyota will launch two new Prius models which are expected to be marketed late April. Two models to be launched are the Prius V five seats and the Prius + seven seats. The Prius V will also be marketed in North America late this summer, while the Prius + will be available in Europe by next year.

These models are not only more efficient but also offer a more spacious room for passengers and baggage. The models are also using the same hybrid system which is a combination of 1.8-liter engine with an electric motor. The difference is that the electric motor is 15.5 cm longer, 3cm wider and 8.5 cm higher.

The new Prius uses a Lithium-ion in contrast with the old Prius that uses Nickel Metal Hydride. The Lithium Ion battery weighing 34kg is located between the driver and front passenger seat, so there is greater room for rear passengers. Battery compartment is also made smaller and lighter.

Toyota Etios Liva.

With the news of the upcoming Honda Brio to try and conquer the more prudent and environmentally conscious urban commuters, the Toyota has prepared a plan up their sleeves. The name is Toyota Etios Liva.The Toyota Etios concept was first introduced at the 2010 the New Delhi Auto Expo and specifically designed to cater for Indian market. The Etios sedan is powered by 1.5 liter engine while the hatchback called the Liva is powered by 1.2 liter engine. The hatchback version is the one slated to compete with Honda Brio for the Indonesian market.

Toyota Liva is powered by 1.2 liter DOHC 8 Valve gasoline engine capable of producing up to 80 hp maximum power. With the small engine Toyota have decided not to use the VVTi (Variable Valve Timing) technology which at the moment available to all Toyota car, including the current Toyota hatchback being sold in Indonesia, the Yaris.

This is probably a wise move to press the price down without sacrificing performance too much as even without that the Toyota Liva fuel consumption is an excellent 17 km/ litre and the light curb weight allows a 0 to 100 km/ h in less than 12 seconds.

The size of Toyota Liva is just a little bit longer than but not as tall as the Toyota Yaris. As a comparison the Yaris is 3,750 mm long, 1,695 mm wide and 1,520 mm tall while the Liva is 3,775 mm long, 1,695 mm wide and 1,490 mm tall. This means that though it is cheaper the Liva can still accommodate 4 adults without any problem.

At the moment Toyota Liva is assembled in Bangalore in India and if PT Toyota Astra Motor intending to bring the Liva to Indonesia then Toyota needs to also assemble it within the country. This will obviously require a major investment from Toyota part as well as the possibility that Liva might take some market share from the very successful Toyota flagship the Avanza rather than the Yaris.

With a total curb weight of 890 kg, the Liva is also a lot lighter than the Yaris at 1,035 kg. This will add an extra efficiency to the 1.2 liter engine compare to 1.5 liter the Yaris has.

The exterior does leave something to be desired, especially if you compare it with the Yaris which many people purchased simply because it looks good. The 14 inch wheels give the fragile impression and the hatchback slope looks weak. Standing side by side the Yaris though older will still look more modern than the Liva.

The Liva interior is still Toyota standard but some features are missing which is probably required to keep the price down. Everything you need is there such as centrally mounted meters with tachometer equipped with other important indicators but no digital fuel reading and such. The manual air conditioner, CD player displays, adjustable steering wheel and even the audio control at the steering wheel. Live don’t have so many pockets and cup holders but other than that the interior is pretty much the same with the Yaris.

All in all you get what you pay for but if Toyota managed to keep the price just like the Indian version which is around Rp 140 million for the top of the line, then it is a bargain compare to the Yaris at more than Rp 240 million for its top of the line.

Toyota Hybrid Concept

For Toyota, hydrogen-fueled cars are the most reasonable answer for future transportation needs. This technology produces electricity to drive a car with emissions consist only of water vapor. Although the current plug-in hybrid technology is considered the most feasible at the moment, Toyota is confident in the not too distant future, full hydrogen technology will also be feasible for mass production.

The only issue with full hydrogen technology today is the price. The cost to produce full hydrogen-fueled cars is still prohibitively expensive. In 2008 the cost was estimated to be around USD 1 million per car. But Toyota is predicting that in the near future the cost of manufacturing can be significantly lowered to one twentieth of the price by 2015.

How could the price be reduced as low as that within seven years?

To lower the price, Toyota tries innovation on many sides, starting from the material used as well as the construction process to produce fuel cell. Fuel cells are where the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produce electrical energy and water. For example, the original tank fuel cells require platinum which is very expensive and difficult to obtain.

To overcome this Toyota developed numerous ways to reduce the use of such rare metals in fuel-cell. Toyota even attempted to simplify the design of the tank which in turn reduces the number of components and complexity of its construction.

In addition to that, other important change is the process of manufacture that dramatically accelerates the process of fuel tank production. Typical Toyota fuel tanks contain up to 70MPa or roughly 1.7 times more than the previous tank. Mileage for one tank of hydrogen can reach as high as 500km.

The most expensive part of the fuel cell technology is the fuel cell stack which is a collection of fuel cells and hydrogen tanks. By cutting the price of both materials, the effect is very significant. The process has droves down prices from being un-realistic towards ranges that make more sense to potential customers.

With all the innovation, the price of car equipped with fuel cell technology in 2015 is not expected to cost more than $ 50,000 or equivalent to a Lexus sedan.

Looking ahead, the next challenges that must be answered is the availability of hydrogen filling to enable normal usage just as gasoline today.

TOYOTA Yaris 2012

Aichi (dp) - All New Toyota Vitz Yaris or the 2011/2012 version on Wednesday (22/12)yesterday, was released in Japan. As expected the media earlier, the Yaris in 2011came up with fundamental changes to the exterior and interior. Some new fiitur alsoadded to complement its value.
Like what the Yaris hatchback form 2011, you can see it in the photo gallery and video below.

Honda Elysion

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.

Honda Elysion

Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2004-present
Class	minivan
Related	JDM Honda Odyssey JDM Honda LaGreat

The Honda Elysion (Japanese: ja:ホンダ・エリシオン) is a minivan capable of seating up to 8 people that is sold only in Japan as a competitor to theToyota Alphard and the Nissan Elgrand. It is related to the USA-spec Honda Odyssey but is not the same vehicle. One of the major differences from the previous generation JDM Honda Odyssey was that the rear doors were exchanged to sliding doors typically used on minivans, whereas the JDM Odyssey used conventional side doors, found on MPVs. The USA-spec Honda Odyssey, known in Japan as the Honda LaGreat, was too large for Japan, so the Elysion took many styling cues from the LaGreat and used them on a smaller vehicle.

Honda was inspired to name the vehicle the "Elysion" from the classical Greek word Elysium, or heaven.

[hide]

[edit]First-generation series RR1 thru RR6

First generation

Production	2004-present
Body style	5-door minivan
Layout	FF layout/AWD
Engine	2.4 L K24A straight-4 3.0 L J30A V6 3.5 L J35A V6
Transmission	5 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Length	4,920 mm (193.7 in)
Width	1,845 mm (72.6 in))
Height	1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Curb weight	2,020 kg (4,500 lb)
Related	Honda Accord Honda Odyssey

The Elysion appeared at the Tokyo Motor Show, on October 2003 as the "ASM", and was released for sale on 13 May 2004. A mild body restyle was introduced 29 September 2005, introducing an "Aero" and "VG Premium" trim level. 13 January 2006 saw the introduction of the "G Aero HDD Navi" and "VG HDD Navi Aero" edition. Another styling change was introduced 21 December 2006, including an interior update.

The Elysion was offered with either the 2.4 L DOHC direct injection K24A with i-VTEC producing 160 PS (117.7 kW; 157.8 bhp) or the 3.0 L SOHC J30A V6 i-VTEC producing 250 PS (183.9 kW; 246.6 bhp). The V6 was also available with "VCM" or Variable Cylinder Management. The upper trim level "Prestige" model was available with the J35A V6 used in the Honda Legend, producing 300 PS (220.6 kW; 295.9 bhp) and available AWD. Vehicles equipped with AWD had the same Legend engine, but the power was somewhat reduced to 279 PS (205.2 kW; 275.2 bhp). This was more power than available in the Toyota Estima, which was quoted to be 280 PS (205.9 kW; 276.2 bhp).

[edit]The concept

This MPV was first seen as a concept car called Honda ASM at Tokyo Motor Show in late 2003 and finally made into a production half a year later with some cosmetic adjustments to its headlight, front grill and interior to make it more commercially friendly. Officially launched in mid/late 2004 for Japan domestic market, Honda Elysion, which derives its name from Greek mythology, loosely translated as a “pleasing/comfortable place”, mark an important history for Honda to show off their finest technical know-how and all round safety, ecology and human comfort.

[edit]The design

Out with predicted normal lines, the oval shaped body which is inspired by nature sculptured carefully to minimize hard edges resulting of low wind noise and low coefficient drag, possible the lowest among all of its rivals and may, in fact, put to shame some of the smaller sedans. The low cd also contributes to better fuel economy and overall stability.

The interior wrap all round with well thought after luxury materials combined with a soft and light soundproof material makes the cabin eerily quiet once you close its doors. However, all this extra luxury contributes to the total weight, which is around 1800kg a far cry from a bare minimum found in Honda's mainstream models.

Although the car may look large, the actual dimension is actually modest. At 4840 mm, the length is actually the same as the 3.0L second-generation Odyssey RA6 or about 1 cm longer than current Camry. The 1830mm width is about 3 cm wider than the RA6 or about 2 cm wider than Camry. The different is on the clever space management making 70% of total space available as cabin plus the height of 1790mm, which is an extra of 18 cm from RA6 or about 24 cm more than the current odyssey. This extra height puts Elysion seating position high, or about the level of Harrier SUV and plus a very enjoyable roomy interior that can seat 8 adults in total comfort.

[edit]Safety

The combination of a new 30% stronger high-rigidity steel, the Honda G-Con technology and the unique double platform with low central gravity floor, first seen on Merc A-class, makes Elysion (one box car) to achieve the highest 6 stars rating by Nasva and become one of the safest Japanese passenger car production ever, even higher than the competitor's luxury three-box (hood-cabin-boot) sedans.

The high safety percentage translates to how well the car protects its driver and occupants. An extensive crash report is available at this site http://www.nasva.go.jp/mamoru/englis...0_elysion.htmland comparison by different models and brands at this site http://www.nasva.go.jp/mamoru/english/2005/as105.html

The high-rigidity body also benefited to the overall comfort as the car handles any rough roads with poised, free of squeaky found in many older Hondas

The top-of-the-line VZ model is equipped with an IHCC (intelligent highway cruise control) and CMS (collision mitigation sensor) that works with radio-wave radar installed in the front grill to warn driver if he or she get too close with the car ahead and the seatbelt automatically tightening and brake ready, similar to the pre-cash system in the S-class. Interestingly the radar can be double as night vision (a similar concept to the infra red night vision introduced in BMW) as it gives picture in a form of graphic of objects ahead displayed on its built in 8 inch navigation system at the dash.

Other safety equipments include ABS (anti-lock brake), VSA (vehicle stability), TCS, sideslip, and AFS (adaptive front lighting) on its projector HID Xenon headlight.

[edit]Engine and brake

Two choices of engines are available. The 2.4L i-VTEC K24A that is used in the current Odyssey produces about 160 horses and 22.2kg-m of torque. With virtually the same specs and gear ratios, it behaves and drives very similar to the current Odyssey and sips about 10,2 km/l in 10-15 Japan standard test (3 times variable city driving stop and go and 1 time highway driving with 120kg extra weight of two passengers and without a/c).

The compression ratio of 9.7 couples with an anti-knocking sensor and intelligent timing control makes it easy to take RON 95 grade. A similar 2.4L engine but with different overhead and higher compression ratio of 11.0 that produces 200hhp that is used in Honda JDM Odyssey Absolute is not yet available at this time for Elysion.

The other is all new 3.0L V6 i-VTEC J30A incorporates the finest engine technology not seen in other brands yet. The unique VCM (variable cylinder management) behaves like a hybrid able to shut-off 3 cylinders on one the V6 bank when the engine senses that there is a little need of power such as during cruising and downturn. It changes between 6 and 3 cylinder modes virtually effortless without any vibration whatsoever. The only tell-tale sign that the engine is running on 3 cylinders is when the ECO green light at the panels light up.

Unlike the lower-powered small electric hybrid it has 250 horses and 31.5kg-m of torque under the hood ready whenever needed. The power curve delivers in a linear progression without any blank-spot torque as in it 2.4L engines. This advance i-VTEC engine pulls eagerly at any rpm with an extra surge/boost ala turbo comes above 4,000 rpm when the second cams setting kicks-in with its an intoxicating power all the way toward the redline.

A power ratio of approx 138hp per ton is enough to propel this car 0-100km/h under 8 seconds, placing it in rank with serious sports-oriented cars. The great engine matches perfectly with a great suspension and high-rigid-tensional-steel body makes this 3L Elysion not your next-door granddaddy boring MPV.

With a compression ratio of 11.0 it requires premium RON 98 fuel grade (or RON 100 when available) to tap its fullest potential. A regular RON 95 will set the engine 10% less powerful but with no persistent knocking as it has an intelligent timing and anti knocking control. It drives and switching gears extra smooth and sipping fuel at a rate of 9.8km/l or about the consumption of normal 2.0 to 2.4L engines. In highway driving it can even go as high as 15-16km/l putting smaller 1.5-2L family sedans as its fuel-sipping rival. In short this engine is a real gem.

All Elysions are equipped with ventilated 4-disk brakes with ABS and EBD.

[edit]Trims and speciifications

There are 6 different trim and grades plus 2 special AERO HDD editions. Three grade of 2.4L front-wheel-drive models are available, namely M, G and X. There are also three 3.0L front-wheel-drive models, VG, VX and VZ. Four-wheel-drive is optional on all models.

All six trim levels comes with a long list of standard equipment such as HID Xenon projector lights, dual airbags, antilock brakes, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 215/65 R 16 Yokohama Aspec tyres, a plush and comfortable third row of seats with easy folding 60/40 configuration, 5 speed automatic transmission, UV-cut glass all round and dark privacy glass that confirms to LTA specification makes it unnecessary to install the after market film. Eight individually adjusted interior lights turn on whenever the doors are unlocked, and fade softly into the background when the doors are closed.

The car comes standard with keyless entry and ignition. A keyless security alarm with remote is standard equipment while the touch-less smart card is an option.

A speed sensing door-lock automatically locks any of the unlocked doors when the car moves above 15km/h and automatically unlocks them when the gear lever switched to P (park). Both front and rear wipers are speed-sensing, and wipe automatically when the car is moving at speed.

The world first super-three-dimensional luminescence meter welcomes you by lighting up the outline when you open the door and becomes brighter when it senses the security programmed RFID key inserted. The meter has a very interesting one-of-the-kind combination of luminescence optitron-like-meters and 3D holographic blue illumination giving the illusion that the meters are sort-of suspended in the air in-between the bluish background and LCD info-display (temperature, trip, fuel consumption bar, doors, etc) in front, a real feat for the eye. The secret of the 3D effect lies on the blue light projectors installed on the top panel, out-of-sight unless you bent down and see it from below. This is a similar to the holographic-navi-system in the high-end BMW models.

All the necessary buttons placed strategically, classy, clean and ergonomically, all within an easy reach and sight to ensure that the drivers do not need to take his/her eye off the road. The ergonomic at best where the driver can simply rest his or her elbow in the armrest while the hand fiddling with the a/v-commander buttons and the gear lever.

The top quality piano-lacquer wooden panel is integrated nicely to the dashboard and to the door ooze a luxury as it comes in a big whole panel not the skimpy thin strip add-on found in many others.

All four windows equips with one touch power window with auto sensing safety feature. Dual and triple zone climate control allows passenger and driver to adjust the climate separately between left and right. An intelligent sun-sensing A/C adjusts the cabin temperature according to the outside temperature.

In addition all the 3.0L models VG, VX and VZ trim come with illuminated steering button cruise control, dual large exhaust pipe, V6 logo, VCM (variable cylinder management engine), active engine mount to reduce vibration, active noise control, twin silencer and DBW (drive-by-wire) throttle control. This DBW system when used with the cruise control can help save fuel as the ECU will calculate the most efficient fuel vs speed in oppose to self drive.

Elysion rear view

Elysion "Prestige" interior

Instrument gauges

Honda jazz hybrid

The Toyota Prius is unquestionably the world's best-selling hybrid, and for the past 20 months Toyota's gas-electric has held the title of the top-selling automobile in Japan. Well, the fuel-sipping Prius has finally relinquished its perch atop the Japanese sales chart and the new champ is a pint-sized contender ready for the big leagues.

In January, the Honda Fit subcompact overtook the Toyota Prius, capturing the number one spot. Fit sales in Japan surged to 14,873 units in the first month of this year, a 14 percent increase over the sales it tallied in January 2010. In addition, nearly half of the 14,000-plus buyers opted for the Fit Hybrid. Part of the appeal of Honda's subcompact gas-electric lies in its ¥1.59 million ($19,331 U.S. at the current exchange rate) price tag, which is approximately $3,500 less than the Honda Insight and undercuts the Prius by a similar margin. Perhaps, as one analyst previously pointed out, it really is time for Toyota to consider a Prius price drop