Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Toyota

What's the star of the stand?
There’s not just one premiere from Toyota at Frankfurt, but two.

Take a first look at the new Yaris supermini, due in UK showrooms in January, and the third generation of the ever-popular RAV4 off-roader, which follows in spring.

The new Yaris was designed in the South of France, so has greater chic appeal for us fussy Europeans, apparently. It’s also said to be more grown-up.

It will come in three engines – the 1.0 litre from the Aygo, the 1.3 from the current model and an 89bhp 1.4 from the Corolla. Expect prices to start at £8000.

Meanwhile, the RAV4 remains a genuinely sporty Sports Utility Vehicle, but it’s roomier, plusher and more versatile, and supposedly even better to drive. A new higher-powered diesel will be added to the RAV4 range, which is likely to be Toyota’s new 2.2-litre D-4D unit (see below).

They say
On the Yaris: 'The distinctive lines that add sophistication and the monoform shape that creates a sense of excitement and dynamism are immediately visible. Inside, the spacious, refined cabin that further increases the Yaris' appeal waits to be discovered.'

We say
The new Yaris looks good in the metal and the cabin layout is much better than the old model. Handy stowage, flexible fold-flat rear seats and the split-level boot make it a serious rival to other clever superminis.

Anything else?
There’s the new 53bhp 1.4-litre diesel-engined Aygo, which promises very low fuel consumption, and goes on sale in early 2006.

The seven-seat Verso still looks the same, but now gets Toyota’s new 2.2-litre D-4D diesel under the bonnet. It can be tuned to deliver either 134bhp or 175bhp, and offers low emissions. The engine is also due to appear in the Avensis in June, to replace the current 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D.

Pick-up buyers get to see the new Hilux, which delivers greater interior space, comfort and quality, to tackle an increasingly competitive market.

There are also two slightly odd concepts: the Endo – an ‘urban-friendly’ car, which is Aygo-sized but very minimalist inside; and the I-unit concept, which is a ‘new approach to human mobility’, and looks like a cross between a Sinclair C5 and something from Doctor Who.

Any gossip?
By 2010, Toyota and Lexus aim to have developed seven petrol-electric hybrid models between them.