2005 Frankfurt Auto Show Index by TCC Team (9/5/2005)

Toyota RAV4

2007 Toyota RAV4  |  

In the European market, the RAV4 will offer Toyota 's new 2.2-liter D-4D "Clean Power" diesel engine, equipped with a new D-CAT emissions system. A 152-hp, 2.0-liter VVT-I gasoline four-cylinder engine powers other models, paired to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. 

The carlike SUV is now slightly larger on the outside, but interior space has been greatly increased, and Toyota says that the new configuration is more versatile. A new Easy Flat seating system allows, as the name suggests, a completely flat cargo surface when desired, without the need to remove cushions or headrests. The system also slides fore and aft to adjust rear seat space as needed.

An Integrated Drive System and VSC+ are now offered. Together, they coordinate the all-wheel-drive system, ABS, the stability control system, Electric Power Steering, and other electronics. The normal torque split with the Active Torque Control all-wheel drive system is 55/45 front/rear, but it can be varied up to 100 percent to the front. Hill-start assist control and down hill assist control are standard. And despite the increased dimensions, the turning circle has been reduced.

The new RAV will go on sale in Europe in February 2006.

Toyota Yaris

2007 Toyota Yaris  |  

The Yaris is the first car in its segment with a knee airbag. ABS, Brake Assist (BA), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are also standard on all models.

Three engines are in the lineup-gasoline four-cylinder engines of 1.0 and 1.3 liters, or a 1.4-liter four-cylinder diesel-each paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. A new Multi-mode Manual Transmission (M-MT), which has either automatic clutch control or a fully automatic mode.

The U.S.-market Scion xA is related to the outgoing Yaris, and the Toyota Echo is built on the same platform. Toyota says the Yaris three-door and another body style will replace the Echo in the U.S.

In Europe, Toyota has seen its market share grow to 5.2 percent, and the automaker hoped to see 250,000 Yaris sales per year.