Toyota plans model assault

A Prius expansion heads “the greatest line-up of new and concept cars ever assembled for an Australian motor show by a single company”.

Brand T is back in a big way with new models of the HiLux four-wheel-drive workhorse, a bigger Yaris hatch and a preview of the FT-86 II sports car. Then there is the family-focused Prius v and the urban runabout Prius c Concept, which isn’t far from production.

"The Prius c Concept and Prius v demonstrate Toyota's ability to offer the benefits of Prius in a variety of vehicles to a wider range of customers. With fuel prices rising and a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, it's a perfect time to be raising a family."

A pre-production version of the new Yaris is on the stand, having grown bigger and more sophisticated. The car is a core model for Toyota with global sales topping 3.5 million. The new car is easy to pick by the single windscreen wiper with an integrated washer nozzle.

“Yaris is a major segment for us. There’s a lot of first time buyers. We have greater loyalty than the average of Toyota, so it’s a very important segment for us,” Buttner said.

Buttner refused to talk pricing or whether a sedan-based Yaris will make it Down Under. “It will be market-orientated pricing to ensure we retain our share,” he said of the car, which is due in showrooms late this year.

The facelifted HiLux on show is another major model for Toyota. It will be in showrooms in September with a new grille, headlights and bumpers and the bonnet scoop has been repositioned on turbodiesel models.

“HiLux embodies Toyota’s brand promise of superior quality and often doubles as a workhorse during the week and family transport on the weekends,” Buttner said.