Toyota news at IAA '95

A few weeks ago Toyota followed the path of the Honda Odyssey (for Europeans: Shuttle) MPV which sells like hot cake in Japan and introduced the Granvia. At Frankfurt the European, stripped-down version, the
new Hiace
was shown.
This is the passenger version, but there's a commercial as well.
The car remained rear-wheel drive. The powertrains are: (all 4-cyl in line, front mounted): 2438 cc (Max. power: 85 kW @ 4600 rpm, max. torque 203 Nm @ 2400-3600 rpm), 2446 cc (58 @ 4000, 163 @ 2400), 2446 cc (66 @ 3500, 226 @ 2400). The 2446 cc versions are diesels.
Load space has been increased, allowing useage of Europallets (800 x 1200 mm) and (un-)loading is much easier thanks to the complete redesigning of the rear suspension, which allowed the floor to be lowered by 70 mm.
The new Hiace is 14.5 cm longer (471.5 cm), 11 cm wider (180 cm) and 21 cm higher (195 cm) than the previous short-whheelbase model. Its wheelbase is 65.5 cm longer (298.5 cm).
Up to nine seats can be used in the new Hiace. With only the front row of seat in use, load area is 6 cubic metres.
The construction methods for the Hiace also mark a new direction for Toyota. This is the first commercial vehicle the company has built by means of friction welding, rathern than by conventional bolting, or by clapming and spot-welding. This method originates from Europe.
There are one airbag for the driver and another for the 2 other passengers in the front seats.

Toyota also introduced a new prototype, named Prius.
the new small sedan concept the interior of the Prius
Coincidentally this name has a bad connotation in Hungary. To have prius means that You were in prison, You are known by the cops :-)
The main feature of the "sedan of the future young couples and families" is the Energy Management System. They're combined the direct injection petrol engine and CVT a la Ford Fiesta. The engine is a 1.5 liter unit, the claimed consumption is 3.6 litres/100 km.
It's just a way to explore new ideas.

There was the electro version of the RAV4 as well, which won the Swedish Electro Rally held in the summer.

Go back to the IAA report!