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NCSV. Photograph by Toyota. Click here for higher resolution picture. NCSV. Photograph by Toyota. Click here for higher resolution picture. NCSV. Photograph by Toyota. Click here for higher resolution picture. NCSV. Photograph by Toyota. Click here for higher resolution picture.

Story by Toyota: 24th February 2000

NCSV - A CONCEPT THAT BREAKS CONVENTIONAL BOUNDARIES

The NCSV concept from Toyota is the clearest sign yet that vehicles of the future will break out of the conventional boundaries of car design by type and category. NCSV is designed to fulfil multiple roles in today's high technology, highly mobile world.

Chief engineer, Takeshi Yoshida, says NCSV has been designed to embody a modern, fun lifestyle and is targeted at drivers in their 20s and early 30s. Here is a vehicle for everyday use that is great for commuting but also perfect for cruising around in your leisure time.

"The NCSV is a distinctly different kind of vehicle," he explains. "It could be a coupe; a wagon or a sedan - and that's the whole point. It is aimed at those buyers who want something different from the conventional."

POWERFUL YET PRACTICAL NCSV combines the practicality of a three-door hatchback with the striking good looks of a low-slung sports coupe. Its futuristic body lines and aerodynamic profile, partly reminiscent of an aircraft, combine style, beauty and power.

From the side NCSV is youthful and vigorous. The steeply inclined A and B pillars give it a sleek profile and create a sports-car feel to the main cabin - enclosed and secure. Low ground clearance and low profile 215/45 17-inch tyres enhance the look.

At the front, the upper and lower body curves blend seamlessly to create a solid, punchy nose. This powerful, yet practical image is repeated at the rear where the styling was inspired by the rear view of an ultrasonic jet aircraft. The low slung body, wide tyres and angled tail lights convey sturdiness and safety.

HIGH TECHNOLOGY FEEL
"Both inside and out, the NCSV sports a fresh modern design crafted to appeal to a generation that has grown up in the age of computing and electronics," says Yoshida.

The interior surfaces are created with a new kind of material with a functional, high-tech metallic look. The design is seamless and flowing, producing a personal cockpit environment. The instrument panel flows down to the central gear-shift cluster and across to the door trims.

THE INFORMATION AGE
A whole host of features is geared towards younger, more techno-literate customers.

Both the driver and front passenger have separate, multi-purpose monitor screens that can clearly display a wide variety of information. Located in the island console between the rear seats is a third display which can be stored away when not in use.

This 'intelligent' interior could be used for in-car entertainment to make long journeys more fun, or for increased communication between the front and rear of the vehicle.

FLEXIBLE, MODERN INTERIOR
In the NCSV, even the seats look ultra-modern - the trim material has a refined, sporty feel with a slightly metallic look - but they are practical and comfortable too.

The rear seat can slide backwards or forwards by 120mm (4.7 inches) for maximum flexibility in luggage space and is split 60:40 for easier loading of long and awkward shaped items. All the seats recline for extra comfort.

The luggage space, which can be covered by a storable hard shelf, is huge and easily accessible. With the rear seats folded forward, there is a full 1.5 metres (59 inches) in length.

ADVANCED ENGINE TECHNOLOGY KEEPS TOYOTA AHEAD
Toyota, the world's third largest manufacturer of cars and light commercial vehicles, is a global leader in advanced automotive technology which will bring long term benefit to its customers ­ and to the environment as a whole.

The company is committed to developing high efficiency engines which offer better fuel consumption, lower emissions and more economy.

Toyota already offers several practical solutions to the market - including the Prius hybrid petrol-electric sedan; the common rail, direct injection D-4D diesel engine; a direct injection, D4 petrol engine; and the introduction of Variable Valve Timing - intelligent (VVT-i) across an increasingly wide range of petrol engines.

Toyota is further developing its power technology with the development of the HV-M4, the world's first four-wheel drive hybrid vehicle and is well advanced with fuel cell research through FCHV - a Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle. These, and other advanced technology projects, form an integral part of Toyota's environmental strategy for passenger car and transport systems of the future.

VARIABLE VALVE TIMING - intelligent
Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) is already offering benefits to Toyota customers. Toyota cars equipped with VVT-i are more flexible and easier to drive; offer better performance than comparable cars with the same engine size; use less fuel and emit less carbon dioxide, less nitrous oxides and less hydrocarbons.

Originally developed by Toyota for executive cars, VVT-i was introduced to the mass market in the award winning Yaris 1.0 last year. Now engines with VVT-i power the Yaris 1.3, Yaris Verso, new generation Corolla, new Celica, new Toyota MR2, new RAV4 and new Previa. More new models with the technology will be announced shortly.

Toyota is committed to introducing VVT-i across its petrol engine range. The present line-up in Europe includes the 1.0 and 1.3-litre in Yaris and Yaris Verso; the 1.4 and 1.6-litre in new generation Corolla; the 1.5-litre in Yaris Verso and at the heart of the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) in Prius; and the 1.8-litre in Celica and new MR2.