PREVIEW OF TOYOTA'S LINE-UP AT THE LONDON MOTOR SHOW

Visitors to the London Motor Show at Earls Court should take twenty minutes to stop off at the Toyota stand. Ok, so the new models on display all debuted at Frankfurt, but this will be the UK public's first opportunity to view such exotics as the forthcoming MR2 and Celica. The world�s third largest car manufacturer, Toyota, will unveil four completely new cars on stand M8, Hall 2. The UK arm of the company is accelerating four years of sustained sales growth with a concentrated period of new product introductions.

Two new sports cars: Celica and MR2 Roadster
The most significant cars on the Toyota stand as far as we are concerned are the sports cars. The first is a new Celica coupe, designed at Toyota�s Californian design studio. The new Celica is a complete re-think of the sports coupe concept. The new Celica is 90mm shorter than its predecessor, but offers more interior volume and more luggage space. At only 1100kg the total weight is five per cent less than the current Celica and the power-to-weight ratio has been improved by about 30 per cent making the car feel much livelier to drive. With a maximum output of 140bhp the new Celica offers a power-to-weight ratio which is the best in its class. The coupe accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 127mph.

Alongside the Celica will be a brand new MR2 sports car. The name MR2 (Mid-ship Runabout 2 seater) requires little introduction to UK sports car fans as two previous generations of the thrilling two seater have forged an indelible mark on enthusiasts� hearts. However, the current generation diverged significantly from the 'runabout' tag into more serious sports car territory. The turbo version for instance tops 150mph..... It seems that Toyota have returned to the original for inspiration now. The car is a full roadster though, which may not appeal to all current MR2 drivers. Time will tell.

The car�s short front and rear overhangs give it a modern style. During winter, the MR2 can be equipped with a specially designed hard-top, which gives it the practicality and look of a coupe. Presumably Toyota will charge handsomely for this added convenience though.

The mid-engine concept, which has always been a characteristic of Toyota�s MR2, together with the ultra stiff body construction, should make the MR2 a car that offers the fun of open air motoring, without compromising on road performance. The new MR2 roadster will go on sale in the first quarter of 2000.

The hybrid car - Toyota Prius
Toyota is particularly proud to have developed the world�s first production hybrid car, the Prius. On display is the final European version of the Prius compatible with European tastes and standards. With 30,000 cars already sold in Japan one of the world�s only eco cars is already making its contribution to reducing the so-called greenhouse gases emitted by cars. The Prius will go on sale in the UK in autumn 2000 offering excellent fuel economy with the ultra-low exhaust emissions from its clever petrol/electric power source.

Yaris model range additions
Toyota�s small car range, the Yaris, is boosted with the addition of a new highly innovative model called the Verso, plus the introduction of a bigger 1.3-litre engine to the Yaris three and five door hatchback models in the line up.

Yaris Verso is a completely new concept aimed at young families. It is a compact multi-purpose vehicle, which adds a completely new dimension to the supermini segment of the car market. The interior space, however, is clearly that of a bigger car while its clever foldaway rear seats leave a massive loading area if required.

The Yaris Verso is powered by a new 1.3-litre 16v engine, which features Toyota�s efficient VVT-i system (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) boosting performance and optimising fuel efficiency. This engine is also being fitted in the Yaris three and five door hatchback models and can also be mated to a new automatic gearbox. On the road prices for the new 1.3 Yaris three and five door hatchback models are:

• 1.3 16v VVT-i 3dr GLS automatic: �10,445
• 1.3 16v VVT-i 5dr CDX manual: �11,945
• 1.3 16v VVT-i 5dr CDX automatic: �12,445
• 1.3 16v VVT-i 3dr SR* manual : TBA

*The SR is a new sporty but insurance friendly addition to the Yaris range. Its price will be announced at the London Motor Show.

The rest of the display
A wide range of Toyota�s other models will be on display including an updated version of the Land Cruiser Colorado which features a new front grille, powerful multi-reflector type headlights, a bigger front bumper and a host of other detail improvements. A special edition �SE� version of the Picnic MPV makes its first appearance while the RAV4 �Giant� celebrates Toyota�s sponsorship of the RAV4 Mountain Biking Championships and Series and comes with a Giant mountain bike, helmet and bike carrier included in the price.

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