New Toyota 'Ist' Released in Japan

[Plex]

Toyota has launched its second generation Yaris-based 'ist' compact hatchback in Japan today, on July 30, 2007. Labeled "New Style, New Position", the car succeeds the original 'ist', launched in May 2002, and is, according to Toyota, designed to appeal to "second-generation baby boomers who attach importance to the spirit of innovation and individuality." The car has been given a more aggressive front bumper with fog lights positioned above the air intakes.
Compared to the original 'ist', the 2008 model will have an upgraded engine range, offering a choice of a 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrol engines, both in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The second-generation 'ist' is, like its predecessor, less than four metres long and 1.7 metres wide and sits on 16-inch wheels. Prices will start from 1,659,000 yen (13,960 U.S. dollars) for the entry-level 1.5-litre 150G model.

After the dealer launch events on August 25 and 26, Toyota expects the new 'ist' to sell 24,000 units of the car on an annual basis in Japan.

Press Release

July 30, 2007 Toyota Launches Fully Redesigned 'ist' Tokyo � TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch in Japan of the completely redesigned "ist" compact hatchback through "Netz" dealers.
The first-generation ist, launched in May 2002, was praised for its quality and sophistication, setting new standards within the compact vehicle segment.

The second generation ist unveiled today, which has "New Style, New Position" as its theme, is designed to appeal to second-generation baby boomers who attach importance to the spirit of innovation and individuality. Not only is it a crossover hatchback developed with dynamic driving and easy operation in mind, it also has a new design that combines a compact 1.8-liter hatchback with an SUV, achieving strength and dynamism.

At less than 4 meters long by 1.7 meters wide, with 16-inch wheels and large tires, the new ist forms a silhouette that evokes a sense of stability and steadiness. Along with a strikingly designed and poised exterior, the vehicle features a unique interior that enhances the driver's pleasure.

The range of engines available has been upgraded from the 1.3-liter or 1.5-liter engine offered with the first-generation ist to a choice of either 1.5-liter or 1.8-liter engine, ensuring dynamic performance with power to spare. All models are equipped with SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) side and curtain shield airbags as well as a newly developed Active Headrest, achieving one of the best safety performances in the ist's class*. In addition, the ist achieves a level of fuel efficiency that exceeds Japanese government targets.

Vehicle Outline

Individualistic and Prominent Design

* Development of the new ist was based on the Toyota brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity". The vehicle's unique crossover silhouette was formed by combining a body widened to 1.7 meters with a compact length that is less than 4 meters, evoking the strength and vitality of an SUV. The newly designed interior also enhances the pleasure of both riding in and driving the ist.

Exterior

* The front features a wider track compared with the first-generation ist, creating a sense of stability and power. * The side emphasizes the individuality of the compact body with 16-inch wheels and sculpted body lines. * The rear creates a unique sense of presence with overhanging fenders and a powerful, broad look. * A total of eight body colors, including two new colors, are available for individualized styling. * Door mirrors with turning signals for enhanced visibility and a sporty muffler cutter are standard on all vehicles in the series.

Interior

* The seemingly floating center console features smooth curves that flow beautifully like water over a protruding rock. * The concentric Optitron meters (with multi-information display) with speedometer and tachometer needles centered on concentric circles, creates an advanced radar-like feel.

Relaxing Interior Space

* Ample room is provided for the rear seats, creating a relaxing interior space. The highly efficient package allows the space between the front and rear seats to be expanded by 30mm, while a change in the front seat slide rail structure creates 30mm more lateral leg room for the rear seats. * There is ample storage space in the vehicle and seats that can be arranged according to a particular need, enhancing functionality. Two-wheel-drive models feature rear seats with backrests that fold in a 60/40 split and a tilt-down mechanism, as well as seat sliding and reclining mechanisms, while four-wheel-drive models have double-folding rear seats with a seat reclining mechanism and backrests that fold in a 60/40 split. * The fully automatic air conditioning system features enhanced air cooling and heating performance, while consuming less energy and operating more quietly. In addition, a pollen removal mode filters out pollen, dust and other impurities from the air. * The vehicle also adopts Plasmacluster Ions�*, an air-cleaning technology, which fills the cabin with refreshing air consisting of an optimal ratio of positive and negative ions. * The Smart Entry & Start System uses a key that does not need to be removed from the driver's pocket to lock and unlock the doors, as well as a push button for starting the engine.

* "Plasmacluster Ions" is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.

Advanced Driving Performance

* The newly adopted 1.8-liter engine employs Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) that optimizes both intake and exhaust valve timing to further enhance fuel efficiency for superior environmental performance and acceleration responsiveness. * The 1.5-liter engine is combined with a Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) for smooth acceleration and dynamic driving as well as excellent fuel efficiency and environmental performance. * The 16-inch wheels and large tires feature impressive styling and responsive handling. * Four-wheel-drive models adopt an active torque control system that contributes to driving stability regardless of road conditions.

Class Leading Safety Performance and Advanced Environmental Performance

* The front-seat structures are based on the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept and come with stronger seat frames and greater backrest give. They were designed based on analyses using THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety), incorporating an Active Headrest, which shifts to an appropriate position in order to reduce the risk of whiplash injury in a collision. * The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) side and curtain shield airbags, are standard on all vehicles in the series. * The GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) construction has been further enhanced to create an advanced collision-safety body structure. During collision tests under stricter-than-normal standards, the speed was set at 55km/h, and the vehicle was subjected to omni-directional, vehicle-to-vehicle collisions with a vehicle up to the 2-ton range. Through the use of a body that effectively absorbs collision impact by diffusing it throughout its structure, Toyota satisfied independent targets for survival space and occupant injury. * The body structure has been developed to further reduce pedestrian head injuries in an effort to achieve one of the highest levels of injury prevention in its class. * The 1.5-liter front-wheel-drive models boast a fuel efficiency of 18.0km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO2 emissions under the test cycle just 129g/km, achieving fuel efficiency that exceeds by 10% the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards*. Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have also been reduced, meaning all models achieve emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles. * Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System) � Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system � was implemented to efficiently achieve overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle. Environmental targets were set in the initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction of air contaminants and CO2, etc., throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal. * A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) used, thereby also reducing the unpleasant odors emitted from such compounds and achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals. * An Eco Driving Indicator lights up when the vehicle is being efficiently operated to raise the driver's awareness of environmentally considerate driving and contribute to higher fuel efficiency.

* Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy

Welcabs: Specially equipped vehicles with factory-installed features for disabled people

* Lift-up Front Passenger Seat models (Type A and Type B) have a seat slide switch and reclining switch accessible from the driver's seat to enhance operability. * Welcab Friendmatic Seat models (Type I and Type II) are equipped with special power steering for a reduction of approximately 50% in operating force compared to the base model. In addition, a push button start for the engine is a standard feature for enhanced operability.

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