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The new face does not look like a Porsche at a quick glance. Putting the look aside, one of the highlight is it unique active suspension system. The optional Porsche Active Ride, available for E-Hybrid, allows the car to lean into corners like a motorcycle, by keeping the body flat and even overcompensate for the vehicle’s pitch and roll movements The standard two-chamber, two-valve air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management separates the damper’s compression and rebound control for greater comfort. Rear-axle steering is also optional for all model. Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid Porsche Panamera 4 Porsche will offer four different E-Hybrid powertrains, including the all-powerful Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. It packs a revamped twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine and an electric motor powered by a 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery. Total output is 670 horsepower and 929 Newton-meter of torque, sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed PDK transmission. It can hit 100 kilometers per hour in 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 314 km/h. The Panamera and Panamera 4 get a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine under the hood. It produces more power than before, pumping out 348 hp and 499 Nm of twist – an increase of 23 hp and 50 Nm, respectively. The V6 can propel the regular model to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and help it reach its 272 km/h top speed. The all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 can achieve that same feat in 4.7 seconds, reaching 270 km/h.

To be unveiled in Japan in September 2022. Although it is sized between the HR-V and CR-V, but this new SUV will be replacing the CR-V in the Japanese Market, as they just announced the cease of CR-V production days before introducing this latest ZR-V. A strange move to me. For those of you who are follow motoring news closely, you may find that it look very familiar and that you have seen it somewhere. Well, the same model is available in the USA recently, but using the HR-V nameplate. Another head scratching decisions by Honda...

Source: https://insideevs.com/news/694239/toyota-cuts-ev-sales-expectations-record-profit/ Toyota Motor Corp. lowered its electric vehicle sales expectations for this fiscal year by a rather significant 39 percent, from an initial 202,000 units to a less-than-stellar figure of 123,000, the company said in its second-quarter financial report. However, let’s not forget that the Japanese company is one of the three biggest carmakers in the world and that its EV portfolio is pretty sparse, at least at the moment, so it’s no surprise that Toyota is leaning on its internal combustion and hybrid models to help it reach record profits by the end of this fiscal year that closes on March 31, 2024. Previously, the Japanese group predicted that its operating profit would match a record-high level of 3 trillion yen ($20.1 billion), but with the latest financial report, that prediction has gone up to 4.5 trillion yen ($30.15 billion). Until the fiscal year ends, Toyota wants to sell 3.6 million traditional hybrids worldwide, up from an earlier outlook of 3.5 million, while total electrified vehicle sales – including EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – are expected to reach 3.9 million, up 42 percent from the previous fiscal year. Electrified vehicles will account for about 37 percent of the carmaker’s total sales. In total, the Toyota and Lexus marques are expected to manufacture a record 10.1 million vehicles this fiscal year, while the outlook for consolidated global retail sales has gone up to a record 11.38 million units in the current fiscal year. In the last fiscal quarter, Toyota registered a pretty rare double-digit operating profit margin of 12.6 percent worldwide, more than double the year before when it had a margin of 6.1 percent.

Wonder what the possible pricing will be... Launching during next month's car show... http://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=14442 If it is about Vezel or Qashqai pricing... Maybe can sell like hot cakes...?

This thread is set up for discussions on anything technical, features or functions for the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid 2.0 It is not for the discussion on the price or cost related issues, comparison with other makes/models and similar irrelevances.

This shall be my retirement ride, if the COE continues to remain at the current level. Anything higher, will go BMW liao. Five-Door Suzuki Jimny Spied Flaunting Its Longer Wheelbase The Suzuki Jimny is about to grow a bit bigger and gain an extra pair of doors to make the little SUV a bit more utilitarian. These spy shots catch one of them testing in Europe. Aesthetically, the five-door Jimny looks identical to the existing version, except for the lengthened body and extra doors. The spy photographer estimates that the wheelbase is about 300 millimeters longer than the existing 3 door variant. The width and height appear to be unchanged. Another interesting note from the photographer was that this vehicle seemed to be driving without producing any engine noise. This suggests that the Jimny might be getting a hybrid drive train. It's not clear whether the existing 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine making 100 horsepower (75 kilowatts) would continue to be available or whether this potentially electrically assisted setup would completely replace it. Switching to the turbocharged, mild-hybrid engine would give the Jimny improved emissions. This might rectify the current issue that limits the model's availability to a two-seat, commercial product in Europe. According to a rumor from Japan in 2021, Suzuki plans to call this model the Jimny Long, which fits with exactly what it is. The same report claims this version uses a turbocharged, mild-hybrid engine, which fits with what the photographer of this one is saying. For JDM models, price for the five-door would be about 300,000 yen more than the three-door unit. This Jimny Long, or whatever it final name is, is expected to be unveiled by end of this year, and become officially available from 2023. Stay tuned for more info.

Replacement for the Fit Shuttle, but I guess Honda decision to drop the "Fit" moniker in attempt to make the new model a class above the Fit. IMO, this is a decent model (in look and size) comparable to the Airwave.

TLDR: Powertrains: US carries over the 1.8l with 139hp now, 2.0l dynamic force with 169hp available like the hatch. US hybrid variant TBA, Europe/China gets the 1.8l hybrid found in the Prius, carries over the 132hp 1.6l with improvements. No word on the 2.0l higher output hybrid variant. USA gets 6spd rev-matching manual or dynamic force CVT with launch gear like the hatch . Chassis: Also TNGA like the hatch, shares same extended 2700m wheelbase as outgoing sedan and current wagon aka Touring in Europe. Tech: Apple Carplay and Amazon Alexa available, no word on Android Auto yet. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Some China variants get rear air-conditioning, TBA for other markets. Sport/Prestige: See videos below. China has both, EU Prestige only, TBA other markets. The Sport will likely be the base look in USA, with XSE taking a more aggressive look (see imgur link below). SG Predictions: Unclear whether SG will get Sport or Prestige. I'm guessing Prestige as we got the same sedan look as Europe last gen. We should likely get the current 1.6l or the improved EU one. Not sure if 1.2 turbo or 1.8/2.0 hybrid will appear here. Not sure also if Toyota will bring in the hatch or just the sedan. Given Thailand took a full year to launch the SEA market Camry, I expect PIs to bring the sedan before Borneo does, like the Camry (I learnt my lesson with my Camry post, so now I've titled it 2019/2020. Fingers crossed for the rear aircon too. More info: China Launch: https://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/toyota/25357603.html EU Press Release: https://newsroom.toyota.eu/new-sedan-joins-toyota-corolla-hybrid-family/ Sporty Video: Prestige Video (featuring rear aircon vents): Sport vs Prestige vs USA XSE: https://imgur.com/a/GOsx7zX Europe Lineup: China Levin/Sport Comparison: Interior Prestige: Sport:

Hyundai Kona debuts with a bigger body and buyers will be able to get the new Kona as an EV, hybrid, combustion engine only, and a sporty N Line model. Hyundai's designers started by creating the new Kona EV and then applied the look to the other versions. In front, all of them share a distinctive light bar along the hood's edge. The headlights are below this strip on the outer corners. The lower fascia's styling is the primary differentiating factor among the 2024 Kona models. The EV has pixel-like elements there, and the styling shares some cues with Hyundai's Ioniq vehicles. The standard ICE vehicle has a rectangular opening in this space. The N Line has a more aggressive appearance by using a trapezoidal element. From the side, the 2024 Kona models share a similar look. The hybrid- and combustion-powered variants have body cladding on the fenders. The EV and N Line keep this section in the body color. The N Line has a rear spoiler, silver side skirts, and available black pieces for the mirror caps and roof. The rear matches the front by having a light bar stretch across the hatchback. Like the headlights, the tail lamps are in the lower corners. The N Line gets dual exhaust outlets. The new Kona EV is 4,355 millimeters long, which is 150 millimeters longrr than the existing model. The wheelbase increases by 60 millimeters while the width is wider by 25 millimeters. Inside, the new Kona has a pair of 12.3-inch screens that share a single bezel. The gearshift is now on the column behind the steering wheel. Below the big displays, the center stack includes a pair of vents and the controls for the HVAC system. In the second row, there's a simple rear bench. The company's announcement says that it follows the rest of the new Kona's "21st-century urban design aesthetic." The automaker isn't yet disclosing powertrain specifications or pricing details for the new Kona. Hyundai will release that info in the coming months.

Both the exterior and interior have the Land Rover vibe, and seems up market.

Range Rover Evoque (New Age Hybrid Coating) + 10 x Complimentary Maintenance Advantages & Benefits: ✔ Exceptionally long term durability up to 60 months ✔ Back up with 3 years warranty ✔ Free 10 times complimentary maintenance with any packages sign ups ✔ Free Complimentary Parking at their detailing studio ✔ Fantastic water repellent effect ✔ Bird dropping, water spots, bugs splatter resistance ✔ Anti-soiling and dirt-repellent ✔ UV exposure , Thermal, Acid Rain, Oxidation & Scratches resistance ✔ Helps to prevent water marks, dirt, algae and bird fouling from adhering ✔ Presents wet look, high glossy finishing at all times ✔ Drastically reduces cleaning frequencies, saving energy, time and cost ✔ Wallet Friendly (No more polishing/waxing require) ✔ Suitable for all colour car including matt paint ✔ Eco-friendly and harmless to neither human nor the Earth ✔ Professional competence paint protection specialist ensures all vehicles are coated with consistency and fine quality workmanship For more inquires Email - [email protected] Call / SMS / WhatsApp : +65 81610131

I recently had a PHEV - the BMW 225 XE as a temporary replacement car. While the 225XE is not exactly a 100% electric car, but if you keep the battery charged up, you can technically run on full electric power for about 25km. Was eager to try out how it is like to be living with an EV in Singapore and here are my observations: Driving on pure electric power was weird (like driving around with your engine shut down) in the beginning. But i kinda enjoyed it after awhile, i guess. Biggest challenge with the short range is...eventually, it will fall back into petrol powered mode and it takes forever to charge the battery up again until you plug-in again. A domestic power point + the supplied cable is not enough, you'll need a wall box to be installed in order to safely charge the car. It's a big pain to find places to charge when you're out of the house and run out battery juice. While there are quite a number of charging points, but they're often operated by different service providers (each requires u to become a member + place deposit/min fee etc. etc. to use). When you eventually find it, you'll end up staring at the grass for the next 2-3 hours waiting for the car to charge up.🤣 The instant torque of the electric motor + engine is super addictive a total blast when overtaking with 385 Nm of near instant torque !!! No one will be willing to wait 2-3 hours for the battery to be fully charged. Not practical for anyone who does not have a charger at home. Oh ya... this short, fat and very family looking car does 0-100 in 6.7 sec 😈 ultimate sleeper car! Long term cost of maintenance is a big question mark. In conclusion, Singapore's infra is still far from being EV friendly. The most practical way for someone who does not have a home charger to drive an EV...go the PHEV way if you want to experience electric car and yet can fall back to the petrol engine for a decent drive if u run out of juice.

While it look more like a facelift of the 5th gen Serena (C27), this actually a brand new model from Nissan, and it is now available in 3 drive train options: petrol only, petrol hybrid and ePower (EV). The gasoline version uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts) and 200 Newton-meters of torque offered with or without all-wheel drive and a CVT. There's also a hybrid e-Power model (2WD only) with a new and quieter 1.4-liter engine producing 98 hp (72 kW) and 123 Nm. Combined with the electric motor, the total system output is 163 hp (120 kW) and 315 Nm.

Honda Jade (New Age Hybrid Coating) Advantages & Benefits: ✔ Exceptionally long term durability up to 60 months ✔ Back up with 3 years warranty ✔ Free complimentary maintenance with any packages sign ups ✔ Free Complimentary Parking at their detailing studio ✔ Fantastic water repellent effect ✔ Bird dropping, water spots, bugs splatter resistance ✔ Anti-soiling and dirt-repellent ✔ UV exposure , Thermal, Acid Rain, Oxidation & Scratches resistance ✔ Helps to prevent water marks, dirt, algae and bird fouling from adhering ✔ Presents wet look, high glossy finishing at all times ✔ Drastically reduces cleaning frequencies, saving energy, time and cost ✔ Wallet Friendly (No more polishing/waxing require) ✔ Suitable for all colour car including matt paint ✔ Eco-friendly and harmless to neither human nor the Earth ✔ Professional competence paint protection specialist ensures all vehicles are coated with consistency and fine quality workmanship For more inquires Email - [email protected] Call / SMS / WhatsApp : +65 81610131

Lexus CT200H (New Age Hybrid Coating) + 10 x Complimentary Maintenance Advantages & Benefits: ✔ Exceptionally long term durability up to 60 months ✔ Back up with 3 years warranty ✔ Free 10 times complimentary maintenance with any packages sign ups ✔ Free Complimentary Parking at their detailing studio ✔ Fantastic water repellent effect ✔ Bird dropping, water spots, bugs splatter resistance ✔ Anti-soiling and dirt-repellent ✔ UV exposure , Thermal, Acid Rain, Oxidation & Scratches resistance ✔ Helps to prevent water marks, dirt, algae and bird fouling from adhering ✔ Presents wet look, high glossy finishing at all times ✔ Drastically reduces cleaning frequencies, saving energy, time and cost ✔ Wallet Friendly (No more polishing/waxing require) ✔ Suitable for all colour car including matt paint ✔ Eco-friendly and harmless to neither human nor the Earth ✔ Professional competence paint protection specialist ensures all vehicles are coated with consistency and fine quality workmanship For more inquires Email - [email protected] Call / SMS / WhatsApp : +65 81610131

HYUNDAI TUCSON Protected by Kubebond Diamond 9H Advantages & Benefits:

A local company has started offering a mobile charging service for electric vehicles (EVs). This is said to be the first of its kind in Singapore. The service by Power Up Tech (P.Up) is targeted at EV owners who may not have convenient access to a permanent charging point. Each visit lasts 30 minutes to an hour to bring the EV up to about 80 per cent of battery charge. So range anxiety is not a problem anymore. Maybe while waiting can also charge handphone. 😄

Here come the Vezel Hybrid competitor... All new Toyota C-HR (even the name remind us of HRV)

To work in Singapore, it need 2 additional features: Which route can siam ERP Where has free parking BTW, I do support this initiative by Google, and this is one of the way to go green. Source #1: https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/7/23339954/google-maps-eco-friendly-routing-expanding-europe-fuel-types Source #2: https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-europe/eco-friendly-routing-in-europe/ Google is expanding Maps’ eco-friendly routing mode, rolling the feature out in dozens of European countries and making it even more powerful by letting you pick what type of fuel your car runs on. The feature, originally launched in the US and Canada last year, will highlight routes that use less energy if they have a similar ETA to other alternate routes. Google says that starting today, it is rolling out to users in “nearly 40” European countries, including France, Ireland, Poland, Spain, and the UK. (It was introduced in Germany last month.) Google’s also adding the ability to tell Maps if your car has a diesel, gas, hybrid, or electric powertrain, so it can find the most efficient route for your specific type of vehicle and provide more accurate estimates on how much more efficient the eco-friendly route is. The system is built on information pulled from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and European Environment Agency, combined with Google Maps driving trends to train machine learning models based on the most popular engines in given regions. Using an example from Google’s blog post, this could mean that people with diesel-powered vehicles will be routed along a high-speed freeway, where their engines will be most efficient, whereas someone with a hybrid or electric vehicle might get suggestions including surface streets where they can take better advantage of regenerative braking. Helping you make sustainable choices with Google Maps and beyond Whether you’re staying local or traveling, Google can help you get where you need to go more sustainably with a few helpful tips: It’s electric! If you have an electric vehicle, just search for “EV charging station” on Google Maps to see charging stations nearby, along with helpful details, like port types and charging speeds. And for some stations, you can even see if a charger is available right now, helping you avoid the wait and save valuable time. Swap four wheels for two. Often, the most sustainable choice doesn't involve a car at all, and Google Maps can help you with alternate ways to get around. We recently announced more cycling route information, including a more detailed breakdown of your route and whether you’ll encounter heavy car traffic, stairs or steep hills on the way. And you can find nearby bike and scooter shares in over 500 cities around the world including Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, and Rome. Walking the walk. Google Maps offers turn-by-turn directions for pedestrians. To ensure you’re not walking the wrong way, Live View uses augmented reality to display arrows and directions clearly overlaid on the map. Plus, you can preview your walking route with Street View. Navigate public transport with ease. By tapping on the transit icon in Directions, you get directions to your destination by bus, train, subway and even ferry. When available, you can see real time arrival and departure times, transfers, and service delays. And Google Maps gives you all the information you need to be prepared, like how crowded your ride will be, what the temperature is like, and if there are wheelchair-accessible routes available. Sleep more sustainably. Google Search helps you find hotels that have made significant commitments to green practices. Hotels that are certified for meeting high standards of sustainability from certain independent organizations, like Green Key or EarthCheck, will have an eco-certified badge next to their name. This helps you understand their eco-friendly practices, from waste reduction to energy efficiency to water conservation measures.

The seventh generation Lexus ES will be the first to be introduced to markets in Western Europe. It follows the new LS flagship sedan and LC coupe in carrying forward a new chapter in Lexus design that has a much stronger emotional quality. The eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture - K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the region, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture - K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore the limits of mid-size luxury sedan design. The car is 65 mm longer (4,980 mm), 5 mm lower (1,445 mm) and 45 mm wider (1,865 mm) than its predecessor. The 50 mm longer wheelbase (2,870 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car's corners, with wider front and rear treads (+10 and +37 mm). The range will include the ES 300h, on sale from December 2018, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, together with the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350 petrol engine models that will go on sale from September 2018. Lexus ES 250 Lexus ES 300h F SPORT

The Nissan Kicks, a compact crossover is designed for city living consumers, is now ready to tackle Singapore's urban streets. Currently undergoing homologation, the car is scheduled to be launched here in Singapore by the middle of 2020. At the front, the Kicks sports Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, and closer to back a wide C-pillar finished in black blends itself into the tailgate glass, adding to the 'floating roof' effect for a distinctively crossover look and eye-catching appeal. Bold wheel arch fenders and a rising character line on the bodysides that accentuate the car's crossover stance. Singapore bound models of the Kicks will sport's Nissan's e-POWER drivetrain, which utilises a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine as a generator to power a battery and a 127bhp electric motor the drives the front wheels. Peak torque from the electric motor is 260Nm. Nissan claims the Kicks e-POWER will be able to achieve a fuel economy of 21.7km/L thanks to this unique drivetrain configuration. Singapore-bound cars will also come with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that include Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Trace Control, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Text https://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=23143 Photos https://paultan.org/2020/05/15/2020-nissan-kicks-facelift-e-power-now-launched-in-thailand-updated-design-four-variants-from-rm121k/2020-nissan-kicks-facelift-e-power-thailand-web-17/

Hi all, For hybrid cars, may i check does it has to be constantly drive and charge up? if the car is seldom drive for example OPC does the hybrid battery last? Anyone can advise on this?

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a38053213/countach-designer-denounces-the-new-model/ "Countach Designer Marcello Gandini Denounces the New Model "To repeat a model of the past represents in my opinion the negation of the founding principles of my DNA." In his time at Bertone, Marcello Gandini was credited as the designer behind masterpieces like the Alfa Romeo Montreal, the Lancia Stratos, and the E12-generation BMW 5-Series. His most famous works, though, were Lamborghinis. His most famous? The Countach. Gandini, however, wants to stress that he was in no way involved with the design and production of the upcoming tribute model, the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. The confusion stems from a video interview Gandini did this June. He was presented with a scale model of the upcoming car that he was told represented a tribute to be shown at Pebble Beach. He was not, however, told that this car would be put into limited production and sold to the public as a continuation. The video was used in promotion of the new car anyway, so Gandini sent out a letter denouncing both the clip and the new Countach project itself. In the letter, he stresses that he was in no way involved with the new car. He goes further, though; he says the car itself does not "reflect his spirit and his vision." Gandini adds: Whether or not the Countach is more than a cynical cash grab, it is a design tribute that is not actually endorsed by the designer it is paying tribute to. That makes for an awkward collectible, particularly when that collectible sold out at a price of $2.64 million months ago."

Urban life presents particular challenges. When it comes to driving, it's an environment where motorists increasingly appreciate the robust, high-riding qualities of an SUV, but on a scale tailored to suit urban streets and with a genuine emphasis on environmental performance. At the same time, drivers want a vehicle that's distinctive and stylish, and which has all the flexibility they need for an active lifestyle. These are exactly the qualities Toyota has instilled in the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross. The new Toyota Yaris Cross has been designed and developed for Europe, specifically to meet the requirements and preferences of the region's B-SUV market. It will be made in Europe too, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF), alongside the new generation Yaris hatchback, from 2021. True hybrid, true SUV The new Yaris Cross draws on Toyota's strong heritage of advanced hybrid technology, small car design and SUV engineering. Toyota's world leadership in hybrid vehicle technology includes the first use of a hybrid system in a B-segment car with the original Yaris Hybrid in 2012. The unmatched experience it has gained ensures that Toyota Yaris Cross's new fourth generation hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional performance and efficiency. As a member of the Yaris family, Yaris Cross is constructed on Toyota's new GA-B compact car platform. It also shares the "big-small" design and packaging concept that characterised the original Yaris, and presents a roomy interior within compact exterior dimensions. Toyota Yaris Cross is also a genuine SUV, benefiting from Toyota's experience in originating the concept of the recreational SUV 25 years ago with the RAV4 - today the world's best-selling SUV - and more recently in producing the stylish and highly efficient C-HR. A raised ride height and the availability of AWD-i intelligent all-wheel drive reinforce its authentic SUV credentials. Adding Yaris Cross to the line-up will give Toyota an SUV range that spans the B, C and D segments. New hybrid powertrain Yaris Cross benefits from Toyota's fourth generation hybrid technology. Toyota successfully pioneered the use of full hybrid technology in B-segment cars with the introduction of the first Yaris Hybrid hatchback in 2012. Since then, more than half a million have been sold in Europe, making it a powerful tool in building public awareness and appreciation of the technology. The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota's latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed. The result is high torque at low engine speeds and excellent fuel efficiency. The engine's thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, which is greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The new hybrid system has a maximum output of 116 DIN hp. Special attention has been given to power delivery, making the system very responsive to drive. In terms of emissions efficiency, the front-wheel drive model starts from below 90 g/km CO2 and the AWD-i version from below 100 g/km. Toyota GA-B platform Toyota Yaris Cross follows its sibling hatchback model in adopting Toyota's new GA-B vehicle platform. This ensures a high level of body rigidity and a well-balanced chassis, making the car responsive and agile. All urban. All SUV With the Yaris Cross, Toyota has produced an authentic SUV on a smaller scale, giving customers the higher driving position, practicality and interior spaciousness, they desire in a car with compact dimensions that make it well-suited to urban driving. The design evokes the classic qualities of SUVs, with a higher body and larger wheels/tyres communicating strength and purpose. Toyota Yaris Cross has the same 2,560 mm wheelbase as the new Yaris hatchback, but is 240 mm longer overall, with 60 mm added to the front overhang and 180 mm to the rear, securing more interior space. The ground clearance is 30 mm higher and the vehicle is taller and wider overall - by 90 and 20 mm respectively. Practical and Versatile Being a true SUV, special attention has been given to practicality and versatility. There's a power back door for when your hands are full. And an adjustable deck height to give the flexibility of either a secure underfloor compartment or increased trunk space for larger loads. In addition, the deck board itself can be split in two, giving customers both increased space and an underfloor storage area. The trunk is also equipped with a new flex belt system to secure items and stop them shifting during driving. Yaris Cross is just as spacious as it is practical. With all seats up and tonneau cover in place it delivers a large trunk volume. However, if more load capacity is needed, then there's a 40:20:40 foldable rear seat system to balance rear passenger space with cargo needs. Intelligent all-wheel drive One of the features that defines the new Toyota Yaris Cross as an authentic SUV is the availability of an intelligent all-wheel drive system - a unique feature in its class for a hybrid model. AWD-i provides extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units, helping the Yaris Cross Hybrid AWD-i achieve lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any of its all-wheel drive B-SUV competitors. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Toyota Yaris Cross operates with front-wheel drive, but when low-grip conditions are detected, all-wheel drive is engaged automatically. This can be, for example, on wet cobblestones, in heavy rain, on wet or packed snow, or on sand. Advanced Driver Assistance System The foundation of the new Yaris Cross's safety performance is its GA-B platform, giving the car an exceptionally rigid body. With the intention of meeting the highest and most rigorous independent test standards, it will further benefit from Toyota Safety Sense active safety systems and advanced driver assistance functions, helping to avoid a wide range of common accident risks through driver information, early warnings and, when necessary, automatic braking and steering intervention. Design The design process of Toyota Yaris Cross brought together a wide team from studios in both Europe and Japan. To describe their ideas and inspiration in more detail, please find below the words of one member of the team - Lance Scott, Design General Manager at Toyota's EDD studio in Nice, France. "When we started this process, we understood that whilst style is the number one purchase reason in the B-SUV segment, customers were also keen to have a high level of practicality. Not easy things to reconcile, especially in a compact package. From the very beginnings of the design concept, we had the European customer in mind, but needed to understand more about them. So we went out and interviewed real customers to understand their lifestyle, what they liked, what their daily activities were and how they enjoyed themselves. After an enjoyable and enlightening process, we came back enthusiastic to design a car that would mirror their personality and deliver a vibrant combination of being both sophisticated and energetic. As a team, we came up with the key words 'Robust' and 'Minimalistic', which we felt would express both compactness and agility, as well as the robustness and strength of an SUV. When we started to sketch ideas for the exterior, the iconic image of a diamond consistently came to mind. Subsequently we coined the phrase 'nimble diamond' to express the hard, strong and premium image of the gemstone combined with the agile and fun to drive personality we felt the car needed to convey. From the top view, or plan view as we call it, we 'cut', or 'shaved' the body to give us a diamond shape that allowed us the space to emphasise the fenders. This diamond body shape combined with the 4 bold fenders gave us an energetic shape which was both strong and sophisticated. Clearly, we want the car to be immediately perceived as a SUV, so we emphasised a higher ground clearance, a strong horizontal axis giving a great balance and poise, big squared wheel arches and of course big wheels ... up to 18"! The face was also a very important aspect for us. We wanted to keep the strong DNA of Toyota's SUV line-up but at the same time give Yaris Cross an identity of its own. At the rear, we again focused on giving the car a good stance with the wide fenders illustrating how it looks planted on its wheels. Combining the horizontal rear tail lamps and rear screen clearly shows family identity with Yaris, yet the wider and more squared tailgate hints at the luggage space's larger flexibility for daily usage. For the exterior colour, we started to think about something that could express an active and high-quality image that our target customers would really appreciate. Looking at future colour trends we can see that there is a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but we wanted to offer something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also de-saturating the colour to emphasis the metal like appearance, gave us this fresh urban yet active appeal that highlighted the surface form of the exterior. The final result is a colour we call Brass Gold" Toyota expects to produce more than 150,000 Yaris Cross a year at the TMMF Onnaing factory, near Valenciennes in France, and achieve a B-SUV segment share of more than 8%.