Simon Weston Drives New Toyota Previa D-4D

Toyota Offers Special Motability Deals on Previa

Accessible, very easy to drive and safe…this is the message from Falklands war veteran Simon Weston who attended the launch of the Toyota Previa on the Motability scheme on the Toyota Stand at the Mobility Roadshow on Friday 15 June. Simon is one of the first people to test drive the new diesel-powered Previa MPV before it officially goes on the Toyota Motability scheme on 1 July, 2001.

The seven or eight seat 2.0-litre diesel engined Previa joins the 2.4-litre petrol version currently available on special deals for Toyota Motability customers. Featuring a 2.0-litre D-4D direct injection diesel engine the Previa combines optimum performance with low fuel consumption and low emissions. The Toyota Previa is front-engine/front-wheel drive for car like driving and increased interior space offering flexible accommodation, excellent ride and comfort.

“I am impressed with the natural cabin space allowing easy accessibility for myself and my family. This is a definite bonus for anybody with disabilities whose movement can be restricted,” Simon Weston commented from the Toyota Stand at the Mobility Show.

“Driveability and manoeuvrability are good, particularly the easy turning circle, which is vital for someone like me who doesn’t have great grip. All the instruments are within reaching distance giving fingertip control without stretching and you do not have to crane your neck at all because the visibility is so good.”

Previa offers class-leading safety with ABS, twin air bags and electronic brake force distribution as standard. Simon explained why Toyota Motability customers should be impressed:

“The overall build quality and obvious safety, such as strong sliding doors and secure seats for the kids, means peace of mind that the Previa will get you where you want to go – safely and comfortably.”

Toyota Fleet Business Development Manager, Neal Standen explains how reliable personal transport is essential if disabled people are to lead fulfilled and independent lives:

“Toyota is committed to supporting people who, for whatever reason, find themselves requiring assistance with their personal mobility requirements and we know that access to independent transport and the associated freedoms can dramatically change people’s lives.”

The Toyota Previa MPV is now available with very low advance payments for people who receive the Higher Rate Disability Allowance. The vehicle is currently available as a 2.4-litre petrol version – manual or automatic – and a 2.0-litre diesel version in manual only from 1 July 2001 on the Toyota Motability scheme.

Also announced at the Mobility Show are special Motability deals on Yaris Verso, Toyota’s mini MPV. The Yaris Verso comes with standard features that other cars in the same price range charge as extras including ABS with electronic brake force distribution as well as driver and passenger airbags.

Toyota’s best selling model on the Motability scheme is the adapted Corolla available with two adaptations for Motability customers including Hand Controls and Steering Wheel Ball. The extensive Toyota Motability range also includes the Avensis saloon or liftback and RAV4 sports utility vehicle.

To help people get into a Toyota model available on the “Motability” scheme, there is a “Motability” specialist at most of the 230 Toyota dealerships across the country. The Motability specialist at each dealer can offer advice to drivers about vehicle suitability and any adaptations they may require.

There are two ways to drive a new Toyota: the “Motability” Contract Hire scheme and the Hire Purchase option:

Contract Hire – the benefits

• Includes the cost of routine servicing and maintenance for three years
• Includes fully comprehensive insurance for three years
• RAC Membership including comprehensive Roadside Assistance package and Home Start for contract period
• Loss of use cover, allowing you to be mobile even if your car is off the road

Hire Purchase – the benefits

• You will own the car at the end of the hire purchase period
• No limit to mileage or to the type of adaptations that can be fitted to the vehicle
• RAC membership with comprehensive Roadside Assistance package and Home Start for one year

More customer information on the Toyota Motability scheme is available from your local Toyota dealership, the Toyota Call Centre on 0845 275 5555 or on the Toyota website http://www.toyota.co.uk

ENDS