Toyota News In Brief

• Yaris gains optional turn-by-turn satellite navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance
• New T2 seven-seat models added to Previa range
• Movies on the move with Land Cruiser Amazon entertainment package

TOYOTA YARIS GAINS SATELLITE NAVIGATION OPTION

The Toyota Yaris supermini gains a big car attribute with the introduction of turn-by-turn satellite navigation with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA) to the range. The DVD-based system is designed to provide quick and efficient route finding and to “think” its way around any congestion detected by ETA on the road ahead.

ETA constantly monitors traffic information from sources such as the emergency services and motoring organisations via an FM radio signal that is picked up even when the car radio is switched off. When the driver is following a programmed route by means of the satellite navigation, the system uses the information received to pinpoint any hold-ups on the road ahead and determine the impact on the journey time. ETA will then warn the driver of any problems and offer an ‘avoid traffic’ option, which will automatically provide a new route to the destination.

The navigation system with ETA will be offered as a £1,350 (including VAT) option on Yaris Blue, Yaris T Spirit and T Sport models from 1 July.

TOYOTA PREVIA RANGE ADOPTS SEVEN-SEAT T2 MODELS

With production of eight-seat Previa models ending this summer, Toyota is offering seven-seat versions of its full-size people carrier in entry-level T2 grade for the first time.

There is no change to the generous specification provided for the previous eight-seat models, but the accommodation is adjusted to provide five individual rear seats, each of which can be folded, tumbled or removed from the vehicle to provide increased load space. The rear seats also have a slide adjustment to provide extra legroom for passengers, as required and are all equipped with three-point seatbelts.

The T2 specification includes driver, passenger and front side airbags, digital climate control, electric windows all-round, two ISOFIX child seat mounts, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, front arm rests and anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.

The Previa T2 is offered with a choice of 154bhp 2.4-litre VVT-i petrol or 114bhp 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engines. The petrol model is available with optional four-speed automatic transmission.

On-the-road prices

MODEL – OTR PRICE

• 2.4 VVT-i T2 manual – £20,150
• 2.4 VVT-i T2 automatic – £21,650
• 2.0 D-4D T2 manual – £21,650

ICE PACKAGE ADDS COOL DIMENSION TO MIGHTY AMAZON

The Land Cruiser Amazon is the latest model in the Toyota range to offer the option of a DVD in-car entertainment package. From 1 July the ultimate 4×4 can be ordered with an optional, factory-fit DVD system that allows rear seat passengers to enjoy movies, computer games or music while on the move.

The package comprises two screens set in the back of the front seat headrests and a DVD player mounted in the rest of the centre console armrest. Operation is made simple with a remote control handset and there are two sets of headphones, which means those in the front can listen to the radio or CD player undisturbed.

As well as playing movie or music DVDs, CDs or MP3 files, the system can be connected to a home gaming system or a video camera for movie playback. The DVD package option is priced at £2,500, including VAT.

ENDS