Toyota Offers More For 54-Plate Customers

Key points

• Special savings and finance offers announced for new 54-plate Toyota models from 1 September
• Yaris Blue and T3 available at £7,995 and £8,995 on-the-road; new Corolla T3 £11,995 on-the-road
• Debut of new Corolla 1.4 D-4D models
• Corolla 1.4 D-4D first Toyota diesel available with Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT)
• New leather upholstery options for Corolla T Spirit and T Sport
• MR2 Roadster shines with new Chrome Collection accessory pack
• Toyota Celica Blue sales commence

Toyota is presenting a series of great offers, new products and special features to create a big market impact for the 1 September arrival of the 54 registration plate.

With the NCAP five-star safety rated Avensis, the new 2004 Corolla and the enduringly popular Yaris, Toyota has a formidably strong core model line-up, something that’s reflected in soaring sales that so far this year have risen by almost six per cent compared to 2003.

NEW SEASON’S SAVINGS EXPERIENCE

Under the banner Experience Toyota Today, a series of new-season finance offers and customer savings will add even more appeal to the range.

The multi-award-winning Yaris becomes an even stronger prospect for new car customers, with a £450 price saving available on the key Yaris Blue and T3 models, achieving on-the-road prices of £7,995 and £8,995. Yaris Blue is also available with free insurance and £1,000 finance contributions can also be obtained across the range, bar the entry-level T2 model.

The new Corolla, recently restyled and engineered for 2004, also benefits from a £1,000 finance contribution (excepting T2) and the T3 model becomes superb value for money thanks to a £400 saving and an on-the-road price of £11,995.

Further offers are also available on Avensis, Corolla Verso and Toyota’s light commercial vehicle range.

COROLLA GAINS DYNAMIC NEW DIESEL

Toyota’s new Corolla 1.4-litre D-4D is in pole position for the 1 September registration. Available in T2 and T3 grades in three and five-door hatchback and saloon body styles, it brings new high levels of fuel economy and diesel engine performance to the Corolla, yet meets the tougher Euro IV emissions standards which are due to come into force next year.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but five-door hatchback versions can be equipped with Toyota’s Multi-mode Manual Transmission (MMT) as a £500 option. This system gives the driver the choice of fully automatic or sequential manual gear selection, according to preference or road conditions. When driving in normal automatic mode, MMT can improve fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide exhaust emissions by about two per cent (in combined cycle driving), compared to the manual transmission, thanks to the precision and efficiency of the system’s gearshift patterns.

The new engine develops 89bhp, enabling the Corolla to move from rest to 62mph in 13.3 seconds (14.5 MMT) and achieve a top speed of 112mph, performance that is not at the expense of economy: fuel consumption on the European combined cycle is 57.6mpg (58.9 with MMT) and CO2 emissions are rated at 127g/km.

These figures mark a substantial improvement over the 89bhp 2.0-litre D-4D engine which the new unit replaces. Although based on the 1.4 block used in the Yaris range, it has been substantially changed with more than 50 components that are either new or re-engineered. Key changes include the fitting of a catalyst to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler, which helps reduce nitrogen oxides emissions and meet the Euro IV standards. Performance is aided by a new variable nozzle turbocharger that strengthens low speed torque and high-speed output.

LEATHER LUXURY

For an extra touch of luxury, Toyota Corolla T Spirit and T Sport models are being offered with the option of leather upholstery, styled to suit each car’s character.

From 1 September the high-specification T Spirit can be equipped with full black leather finish, contrasting tastefully with the silver dashboard finish and chrome-effect door handles.

At the same time the T Sport will be available with a two-tone combination of black leather with grey Alcantara suede-effect upholstery, with bright red stitching to match the sporting detail around the leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift gaiter. The leather option is priced £1,350 for both models.

CHROME ON THE RANGE

The MR2 Roadster has always been one of the best-looking sports cars on the street. Now Toyota has put together a styling package that adds some extra sparkling detail to the two-seater’s classic lines.

The MR2 Chrome Collection brings together three styling accessories in one value-for-money combination, letting owners give their car a smart and individual look. The combination of a chrome styling bar across the back of the cockpit, a bright fuel filler cap surround and gleaming twin exhaust finishers heightens the car’s distinctive appearance without being brash.

The MR2 Chrome pack costs £900, including fitting, and is available from 1 September for new cars at the time of ordering. A great range of other MR2 Roadster accessory options are also on offer, including side skirts and rear bumper extension, a sports spoiler and soft leather holdall designed to fit neatly into the car’s storage space.

BLUE ON THE HORIZON

The launch of the 54-plate registration also coincides with the arrival of the previously announced Toyota Celica Blue, a new high value version of the sports coupe which comes with distinctive blue and grey leather upholstery, rear spoiler and 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. The Celica Blue Premium goes even further, offering both a sunroof and climate control automatic air conditioning. On the road prices are £18,645 for the Celica Blue and £19,145 for the Celica Blue Premium.

ENDS