Toyota will signal its return to the mini-MPV segment at this year’s Paris motor show with the world debut of the new Verso-S. It will also celebrate 10 years of full hybrid technology and look to its future development with Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Small, spacious and smart, Verso-S is an object lesson in space management. Although it has the shortest overall length of any B-segment MPV in Europe - less than four metres - careful attention to detail and a practical, flexible interior design have maximised usable space, comfort and perceived quality.
Toyota will be making its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) technology the focus of its stand, reflecting the recent launch of the British-built Auris HSD – the first full hybrid in the C-segment – and European Prius sales passing the 200,000 mark.
The modularity of HSD makes it readily adaptable to make use of different power sources. This is reflected in Prius Plug-in Hybrid, 200 of which are now on the road around the world in selective lease programmes – including 20 in London – paving the way for being marketed globally in 2012.
Toyota’s presentation at Paris will include the Hybrid Synergy Drive Gallery, an interactive exhibition which charts the company’s drive towards sustainable mobility through its development of HSD for use in Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV).
The future expansion of HSD technology into other market segments will be represented by the FT-CH Concept, which makes its European debut at the show, Toyota’s first proposal for a full hybrid for the small compact car segment.
Paris will also see the announcement of a new interior finish for iQ, increasing the level of perceived quality and introducing a new colour scheme, and a new, easy-to-use multimedia system for Aygo.
