Geneva Motor Show 2004 - Toyota

The all-new Corolla Verso MPV took pride of place on Toyota’s stand, alongside two new concept cars.

On sale in May, the new Verso has five rear seats that can be folded into the floor to create a flat load bay – a unique feat in its class.

In addition, each seat in the second row can slide back or forwards by 240mm, and a walk-in mechanism allows easy access to the third row of seats. Pulling one lever tilts the seatback forward and, at the same time, allows the seat slide. As only the seatbacks fold, the result is a fairly high loadbay, albeit flat.

The Corolla Verso is similar in size to the VW Touran and Vauxhall Zafira, although its maximum luggage capacity of 1563 can’t match either of its rivals’. Buyers will have the option of two petrol engines, a 1.6 and 1.8, and a 2.0-litre diesel.

The two concept cars alongside the Verso showcase technology that’s a little further in the future. The two-seat Motor Triathlon Race Car follows on from the CS&S concept that was revealed at the Frankfurt show last September. It has an innovative four-wheel-drive transmission, with each wheel being fitted with an electric motor powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It also incorporates an electronically controlled suspension system and tyres which adjust to the conditions.

Meanwhile, the Fine-N concept shows the benefits that could be brought by fuel-cell technology. By mounting the power control unit and battery below the floor, with four in-wheel motors, Toyota has created a fully flat floor and liberated huge cabin space in a car only as long as a Corolla small hatch.

What’s more, using drive-by-wire technology means there’s no need for mechanical connections, so the steering wheel and brake position can be adjusted over a wider range to suit the driver.

Toyota says it is keen to increase production of its new Prius hybrid car to meet strong demand in the US and Japan, where 18,500 orders have been placed in the first month after launch.

The company’s subsidiary, Lexus, is set to launch new hybrid versions of the RX 4x4 and GS executive car, and is considering a hybrid version of the LS luxury car.