Video: Toyota 86 Drifting

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Check out this cool Toyota 86 promo video to come out of the Philippines where an entourage of 86's display some pretty impressive drifting. The video was produced by Toyota Philippines at an airstrip where the Toyota 86's were unleashed for some fun.

The Toyota 86 was recently launched in South Africa and has created a seemingly massive stir in the motoring world, and for good reason. The rear-wheel drive 86 is powered by a 2.0-litre Subaru boxer engine that puts out 147kW and 205Nm of torque and provides an affordable sport car option for those who enjoy the thrill of rear-wheel driving. Affordability is something the 86 respects and in South Africa the Toyota 86 price makes it accessible to many customers who are looking for an alternative to your run of the mill hot hatch.

This is definitely a car to consider if you are looking for something different and exciting. As in the words of Toyota, GO PLAY! Watch the video to wet your appetite a little bit more, enjoy.

Video Source: Youtube

Video: Toyota 86 Real Deal Advert

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Check out this cool Toyota 86 advert. A man is chained in the life of the unreal and discovers 'The Real Deal' in the new Toyota 86 and escapes into reality. The Toyota 86 was recently launched in South Africa and seems to be on lips of many and it's no surprise, the Toyota 86 is a beautiful car that deserves the attention. Watch the video and read more about the Toyota 86.

Video Source: YouTube

2013 Toyota Auris coming to SA

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Toyota has revealed the new 2013 Auris which is set to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 and will look to take on the likes of the Ford Focus and VW Golf. The new Auris has been stylistically revised for an enhanced look and handling has been sharpened for a more responsive drive.

The 2013 Auris takes on a road-hugging approach and sits about 55mm lower than the previous model and is a tad longer too. More high tensile steel is used for the body work, which has resulted in 40kg weight loss and has increased tensile strength by 10%. The reduced height and lower centre of gravity coupled with new suspension and steering should make for a thrilling ride, more so than the previous model.

A sharper, more refined design approach can be seen at the front-end which incorporates a sleek grille and well shaped headlights offering a sharp and assertive feel.

Although details of what engines will be offered in South Africa remain sketchy at this point, we can expect revised versions of the entry level 1.3-litre petrol engine, a 1.6–litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine to begin with. The Auris Hybrid is also likely to show its face and will still use the 1.8-litre engine coupled with an electric motor utilising a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. 

The new Toyota Auris will be available in South Africa sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

 New Source: Carmag

Video: Toyota 86 TV Commercial

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If you have been half asleep for the past week, you may not know that the Toyota 86 has recently been launched in South Africa. If that's the case, catch a wake up and GO PLAY.

Video Source: Youtube

Toyota, South Africa’s Top Brand

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Toyota has been named as South Africa’s top brand in the Sunday Times Top Brands Survey for 2012.

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Toyota, Calvyn Hamman said “Despite being in a highly competitive environment, our brand awareness is at an all-time high. And, while Toyota is still renowned for reliability and value, our latest product offerings in the form of the YarisHSD and the immensely exciting 86 sports car have leveraged the brand’s technology and ‘coolness’ in a way that has helped Toyota create competitive differentiation.”

Hamman also added that “You can have the best advertising campaign in the world, but it’s got to go hand in hand with service delivery. Our motto at Toyota – whether at head office or dealer level – is to create customer smiles. Clearly, South Africa’s top automotive brand has got the balance spot on,”

The Sunday Times Top Brands Awards is an annual event. This year’s event, commissioned by Avusa Media, took place at Urban Tree in Kramerville. Over 400 of South Africa’s most influential senior business people were interviewed and well as 3 500 consumers over the age of 18. 

The survey evaluated overall brand familiarity, user experience, non-user perception, and actual brand presence in the South African market. The combined results of these aspects delivered the winning brands in 38 consumer categories, and 13 business sector categories.

 

News Source: Toyota

Toyota 86 hits South Africa

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The much talked about and somewhat highly praised Toyota 86 has finally been launched in South Africa. Some folk seem to think that its power is under rated and doesn’t match up to its sport car persona. Toyota admits that’s it’s not the fastest or most powerful car on the block by any means but that the 86 rather offers spirited driving pleasure at moderate speeds, which is something we can all appreciate. But then again, I have not had the pleasure of driving the Toyota 86, so who am I to judge?

From the outside however the Toyota 86 certainly looks like a car that I want to drive and you might agree. Its sport car feel just oozes with class and its design lends itself to admiration, and for that my goes off to Toyota. Let’s take a quick look at a few figures for the Toyota 86.

The 86 is fitted with a high revving, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Subaru D-4S engine that produces 147kW at 7 000rpm and 205Nm from 6 400rpm, not too shabby I’d say. 0-100km/h is achieved in 7.6 seconds for the manual variant while the automatic will do it in 8.2 seconds. Top speeds are 226km/h and 210km/h respectively. It must be said though that its high revving capability combined with a rear-wheel setup should make for a pleasure filled driving experience.  Fuel consumption is rated at 7.8-litres/100km for the manual and 7.1-litres for the automatic with respective CO2 emission figures at 181g/km and 164g/km.

According to Toyota, the interior has been designed with the driver in mind, making the 86 an “extension of the driver’s body”. More than this the horizontal dashboard communicates the 86’s roll posture to the driver and the instrument cluster, with a large rev counter, offers easy access to vital information while pacing through the bends.The High-spec models benefit from a combination of Alcantara and leather seat trim while the standard model features durable and breathable non-slip suede-like fabric for optimum grip.

The 86 is also available in seven colours namely Lightning Red, Galaxy Blue Silica, Metallic Fusion Orange, White Pearl, Dark Grey, Crystal Black Silica and Sterling Silver. The Standard 86 includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows, multi-information system, leather steering wheel, six speaker CD sound system with USB, MP3 and Auxiliary compatibility, ABS and Stability Control. The High 86 models add HID headlamps with LED accents, 17-inch alloy wheels and headlamp cleaners fitted as standard. The High 86 models also include a frameless rear-view mirror, digital speedometer, cruise control, Smart Start with push start button and fully automatic climate control. 

Share your thoughts and driving experience on the Toyota 86 in comment box below.

Prices for the Toyota 86 are as follows:

Toyota 86 Standard 6-speed Manual - R298 500

Toyota 86 High 6-speed Manual - R329 400

Toyota 86 High 6-speed Automatic - R346 500

 All models include a 4-year/60 000km Service Plan with service intervals at 15 000km, 3-year/100 000km warranty and 24hr ToyotaCare roadside assistance.

News Source: Toyota

Toyota production hits 200-Million

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Toyota has announced that its cumulative vehicle production has surpassed 200 million units in the month of June. The milestone has taken 76 years and 11 months to achieve. Production began with the Model G1 truck in August 1935 at Toyoda Automatic Loom Works' Automotive Department which later became Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

At the end of June 2012, cumulative production in Japan totaled 145.21 million vehicles while overseas production totaled 55.12 million vehicles. The most produced model is none other than the ever-popular Toyota Corolla with a worldwide cumulative production totaling 39.08 million units at the end of June.

News Source: Toyota

Donovin Hawkey gets Toyota Etios 1.5 XS

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While on the subject of car companies getting behind our South African sportsman, Durban-based EFC Africa Middleweight fighter Donavin 'Bam Bamz' Hawkey has been on the receiving end of good faith with a sponsorship of a Toyota Etios 1.5 XS by McCarthy Toyota Pinetown. At least Hawkey can now roll with the punches and arrive at his fights in style.

News Source: MMA South Africa

Toyota Yaris Hybrid available in South Africa

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Good news for green motorists in South Africa who are keen to lend the environment a helping hand is that the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid is now available. Boasting a low fuel consumption of only 3.8-litres/100km on the combined cycle and a CO2 emissions figure of only 88g/km, the Yaris Hybrid is the most environmentally friendly car on sale in South Africa.

The Yaris Hybrid is fitted with a 55kW 1.5-litre petrol unit that is mated to a 45kW electric motor to produce a total output of 74kW. This translates into 11.8 seconds to reach 100km/h while going on to reach a top speed of 165km/h. Two models are available namely the XS and the XT, both of which making use of CVT constantly variable transmission.

The XS model includes four airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, six-speaker touch screen sound system with Blutooth, ‘Eco’ functions, remote central locking and a multi-functional steering wheel.  The XR model adds two additional speakers along with cruise control, auto headlights and windscreen wipers, partial leather trim, push-button engine start and electric rear windows and an additional three airbags.

The price for the Toyota Yaris Hybrid XS is R223 800 while the Toyota Yaris XR will go for R245 900.

News Source: IOL Motoring

Toyota 86 coming to South Africa

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It’s been a long time coming and Toyota South Africa has announced that its Toyota 86 sports car will make its South African debut on 9 July 2012. The two higher specced models will be available later in the month. The two-seater 2+2 Toyota 86 is definitely something to be excited about, especially if you are in the market for something other than a hot hatch.

All the Toyota 86 variants will be powered by a new Subaru 2.0-litre four cylinder engine that will produce 147kW on command at 7 000 rpm and peak torque sits at 205Nm between 6 400 and 6 600 rpm. The two top-end models come either in manual format or in the form of a six-speed automatic. Standard features will include Smart Start keyless entry, leather Alcantara upholstery, a fully automatic climate control system and sporty 17” alloy wheels.

Oh, and as a side note, the engine is the world’s first horizontally opposed engine incorporating Toyota’s Direct Injection 4-stroke petrol System (D-4S). In terms of pricing, the Toyota 86 is well priced with the Standard 86 only going for R298 500. The 86 High Spec manual will retail for R329 400 while the six-speed automatic version will sell for R346 500. Nice car, nice price too, hooray for Toyota.

News Source: Toyota

Toyota and Lexus top 4 Million Hybrid Sales

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Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has reported that global cumulative sales of its full hybrid vehicles have topped 4 million up to 30 April 2012. Toyota maintains that environmentally-friendly vehicles can only have a positive impact if they are used widely.

In South Africa, Toyota is the only local manufacturer to wholeheartedly promote the environmental cause by making a full range of hybrid vehicles available across its brands. In Europe and South Africa, vehicles including Toyota’s full hybrid technology include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris and the upcoming Toyota Yaris Hybrid which will make its South African debut in July 2012. The Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid will be launched in Europe later in the year and there are currently no plans to introduce the model to the South African car market.

Toyota currently sells 18 full hybrid models in 80 countries and regions across the world. Hybrid sales have accounted for 15% of TMC’s global sales.

Since the launch of the Hybrid Coaster EV in 1997, Toyota estimates that its full hybrid vehicles have led to a saving of approximately 26 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and have saved about 9 billion litres of fuel.

Looking for a hybrid car? Contact Toyota South Africa today…

Toyota Etios launches in South Africa

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There’s good news in the entry-level car market and first-time car buyers or those seeking an affordable transport option now have the opportunity to consider the all-new Toyota Etios which was launched in South Africa this week.

It has been a long time coming and it was just a matter of time before Toyota released a car that would take the fight to the VW Polo Vivo and the Ford Figo in the sub-B-Segment after the success of the Toyota Tazz. Although somewhat conservative in its styling, the Toyota Etios offers car buyers a sound value proposition in terms of price and car quality. Offered in two trim levels, namely Xi or XS, the Toyota Etios is a practical and well rounded offering and is available as a sedan or hatchback. The entry-level Toyota Xi offers air conditioning, power steering, dual airbags and ABS brakes while the XS offers central locking, electric windows, chrome finishing and colour coded mirrors and grille.  

Under the hood is home to the Etios’ 1.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces 66kW at 5600rpm. The transmission comes in the form of a five-speed manual gearbox. Fuel consumption for the hatchback version stands at 6 litres/100km while the sedan is slightly less with 5.9 litres/100km.

The interior is well laid out and can comfortably accommodate five passengers and with ample luggage space for those family trips, the Etios becomes a pleasing proposition. Reports seem to indicate that the drivability of the Toyota Etios exceeds expectations and proves to handle the road smoothly with minimal road noise.

How much can you expect to pay for the Toyota Etios? Well, thankfully, not much. If you are looking for a whole lot of car for a fair price, the Etios is well worth a look. Here are the prices. Each Toyota Etios comes with a 2-year / 30 000km service plan and a 100 000km warranty.

Etios 1.5 Hatch Xi - R115 800

Etios 1.5 Hatch Xs - R120 900

Etios 1.5 Sedan Xi - R121 800

Etios 1.5 Sedan Xs - R126 600

Do you like the Toyota Etios?

Toyota Aygo undergoes Facelift

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Toyota’s entry-level city car, the Aygo, has undergone some minor changes that’s  made it somewhat prettier than before. Although the changes won’t make you start dancing on your office desk, the Aygo is still a reasonable option for first-time car buyers to consider. Bear in mind though that the Toyota Etios will be launched soon, adding to the entry-level choice if you are a Toyota fan.

The upgraded Toyota Aygo comes with a new front bumper and grille inspired by the Toyta Yaris with the larger air intake helping with engine cooling. In addition to the ‘Fresh’ and ‘Wild’ trim option, Toyota has added a special edition flagship ‘Inferno’ to the range. The ‘Inferno’ comes in a distinctive burnt orange metallic colour along with Alcantara seats, foglights, leather steering wheel and gear lever.  The ‘Fresh’ trim option includes a CD player as standard along with air conditioning, adjustable steering, dual airbags and ABS brakes.

The ‘Wild’ trim option includes 14” wheels, front electric windows, rev counter, remote central locking, side airbags and a split folding rear seat. As per usual, this city dwelling car is powered by a 1.0-litre, three cylinder, 50kW engine with 93Nm of torque to play with.

Although not the fastest cow in the shed, it’s one of the cheaper options available if you are looking for a little something to scoot around in, possibly a good option for teenagers and grannies alike. If you are really strapped for cash you might want to consider a used Toyota Aygo.  Here are the prices for a new Toyota Aygo. 

1.0 Fresh 3-door - R111 900

1.0 Fresh 5-door - R118 100

1.0 Wild 3-door - R121 200

1.0 Wild 5-door - R127 400

1.0 Inferno 5-door - R135 100

What do you think of the Toyota Aygo?

New Toyota Prius in South Africa

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Environmentally friendly car buyers will be happy to hear that the third generation Toyota Prius is now available in South Africa. 

Changes to the model include a revised front bumper set-up and a lower grille. LED lights and daytime lights have been re-positioned in the bumper and the rear lights have been updated. The Prius is powered by a 1.8 VVT-i hybrid engine (100kW) with a combined fuel consumption of 3.9 litres / 100km, a good option amidst rising fuel prices.  Consumers can expect stiffer suspension and improved handling along with improved soundproofing to reduce road noise.

For those cold winter days, the Prius comes with heated seating as standard. Other features include a new touch screen system, voice recognition, head-up display, auto dimming rear view mirror and an eight speaker sound system to keep you singing on your way to work. What’s more, the new Toyota Prius also comes with a solar panel sun roof that will keep the air conditioning running while you park out in the sun, pretty nifty Toyota.

The Prius 1.8 CVT Exclusive is yours for the happy price of R370 000 and comes with a five-year or 90 000km service plan with service intervals at 15 000km. 

 

Video: Toyota Etios in South Africa

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Here's what to expect from the new entry level Toyota Etios that has just landed in South Africa and will be available in May 2012. The Etios will seek to gain traction in the entry level market and rumors indicate that the Toyota Etios will sell for only R120 000. The Etios is fitted with a powerful 1.5 litre petrol engine and ABS brakes and airbags will come standard. Watch the video and decide for yourself. 

Toyota Etios arrives in SA

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Toyota’s new entry level Etios has arrived in South Africa from India and will be available in May 2012. The Toyota Etios will be sold alongside the Toyota Aygo and Toyota Yaris and will bolster Toyota’s grip in the entry level market and will go head to head with the Volkswagen Polo Vivo.

Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM), the Indian affiliate of the global Toyota Motor Corporation, is set to become a major exporter of Etios vehicles with export volumes expected to exceed 20 000 units per year. The Etios will be available as a hatchback or sedan and will be fitted with a powerful 1.5 litre petrol engine. The interior is surprisingly spacious and ABS Brakes and airbags will come standard with all models.

Value for money is the name of the game and the new Toyota Etios is ready to play, with rumors floating around that the Etios will go for around R120 000, what a bargain, let the games begin. 

Going Green with the Toyota Prius Plug-In

Tweet Toyota will extend its Prius range with the new Prius Plug-in model being launched later in 2012. This new model mates a full hybrid power train to a 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that will see the Prius cover larger distances at greater speeds, all on battery power.

When the charge on the battery is depleted the Prius switches over to its hybrid system and keeps driving, unlike other all-electric vehicles. It will take between 1.5 and 3 hours to charge the Prius depending on the power outlet used and the range in all-electric mode differs from between 16-24 km on a full charge depending on road conditions, acceleration and braking.

The hybrid system is powered by a 1.8 petrol engine mated with two electric motors of 60kW and 42kW respectively. The Prius Plug-in clocks 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180km/h. In all-electric mode the Prius tops 100 km/h. Fuel consumption is impressive at 2.1 litres / 100 km with a CO2 rating of just 49g/km.

Features on the new Toyota Prius include diode headlights, touch screen with satnav and voice recognition, rear view camera, cruise control, Bluetooth and rain sensing wipers. Heating in the front seats will also keep you warm as you steer the leather steering wheel.

It’s still unsure whether the new Toyota Prius Plug-in will reach South Africa.