changes in what it makes and
how it’s made. Fuel efficiency
continues to be a priority, but it’s
now joined by vibrant motorsport
and performance car divisions. Its
previously deadly dull family hatch
has just had a complete overhaul
that ramps up its desirability, while
its SUVs and crossovers are set to
stand out from a packed field.
The brand’s latest platform –
Toyota New Global Architecture,
or TNGA – underpins most of it.
First deployed in the current Prius,
TNGA’s flexibility means it now
features in the funky C-HR and
will underpin the new Corolla
and RAV4 SUV. It’s good enough
for the Lexus UX baby SUV too.
Toyota claims a 65 percent rigidity
boost compared with its previous
platform, and TNGA allows engine
bay components and suspension
mounts to be positioned lower, in
turn lowering the centre of gravity
for better handling.The design of mid-size Toyotas
has delivered equally radical
changes. The quirky C-HR is
making respectable numbers in
Australia and the boldly styled
Prius and Camry are anything
but safe designs. The new Corolla
hatch, due here in August, has
drawn acclaim for its eye-catching
lines. Toyota’s global design general
manager, Simon Humphries:
“Our primary goal was to create
the most bold and dynamic
hatchback on the market, without
compromising interior usability.”
The RAV4, meanwhile, was
North America’s best-selling
car in 2017. That sort of success
might once have made Toyota
play safe with its successor, but
not this time around. Design-wise,
it’s clearly inspired by last year’s
maximum-lifestyle FT-AC concept,
and it’ll come to market with
petrol or hybrid power and all-SAYING Toyota is on a roll is quite
an understatement. Traditionally,
understatement is a very Toyota
quality – but that’s changing fast,
and soon you won’t be able to
avoid seeing the signs of Toyota’snewfound flair and confidence.
In its engineering, styling and
ambition, Toyota is getting loud
and proud.
The company is going through
fundamental and far-reachingToyota’s
ascent
Japanese giant charting a
course to rise above bland
COROLLA GETS INTERESTING
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18
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VERSION ALSO SAID TO BE ON THE CARDS.whichcar.com.au/wheelsE 2018t as quickly as Mercedes-Benz could
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n Navara in the genesis of its X-Class ute,
rt tuner of the Stuttgart marque Brabus
nned the Benz badges for its trademark
e Brabus ute brings quad tailpipes, dualoverhead LED light bars and 20in wheels.
A plug-in tune-up brings an extra 15kW and
60Nm, taking the X250d to 155kW/510Nm. But
with the forthcoming X350d poised to deliver
190kW/550Nm, it may pay to wait for the Brabus
version of that variant, which is in the works.yed war
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