Toyota will show three significant new cars at the
Paris Motor Show in October with its all-new Avensis saloon taking centre stage.
A single image of the new Avensis has been released ahead of the show and it previews a more dynamic design than the current model, with influence clearly taken from the Lexus IS. Toyota's flagship model will continue to be produced in Britain, while the company is claiming that the engine line-up has been enhanced with more power, yet less CO
2.
Even lower emissions are one of the selling points of Toyota's diminutive new iQ city car, which will be revealed in Paris in its final, ready-to-sell format. The iQ emits as low as 99g/km of carbon dioxide. Squeezing in four passengers, the iQ also features the world's first curtain shield airbags, which inflate behind the rear seats.
Though Toyota has made little noise about its new compact SUV, the Urban Cruiser, it could have a significant impact on the growing segment thanks to its eye-catching looks and the availability of a 1.4-litre turbodiesel model with four-wheel drive. It too will be on hand in Paris in its final production guise.
Prices of all three cars will be announced later in the year, with sales due to start in 2009.
Shane O' Donoghue - 30 Aug 2008