Toyota’s new model Army

Toyota’s UK showrooms are crowded places these days, thanks to the arrival of four new models, and plenty of customers keen to make a purchase. This summer’s introduction of the GT86 sports coupe, Yaris Hybrid, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in have helped boost sales and build interest in Toyota’s range of cars – now 17-strong. Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that Toyota sold 5,740 new cars in July, 25.16 per cent more than in the same month last year. That total has helped take year-to-date sales beyond 51,000, delivering 18.98 per cent growth and a 4.25 per cent market share. Particularly strong demand is being shown by retail customers, with a 37.8 per cent sales increase in July, compared to a 24 per cent rise for the market as a whole, indicating that people value Toyota quality and service when it comes to spending their own money. The newcomers to the range represent Toyota’s strength-in-depth in engineering exceptionally efficient powertrains and a revival in its reputation for building pure drivers’ cars. The past three months have ushered in in quick succession: - Yaris Hybrid: Europe’s first full hybrid supermini, so cleverly packaged that the powertrain in no way reduces the space and versatility of both the cabin and the boot. Prius+: the market’s first seven-seater full hybrid and first extension of the Prius family. Prius+ offers the required versatility and ease of use of a compact MPV, with the bonus of CO2 emissions from a zero road tax 99g/km* and official combined fuel economy from 68.9mpg*. Prius Plug-in: the next development of Toyota Synergy Drive, a Prius hatchback that achieves exceptionally low emissions and fuel efficiency thanks to a compact, light and quick-charging lithium-ion battery. Capable of about 15.5 miles on emissions-free electric power, it switches automatically and seamlessly to its full hybrid system one battery charge is depleted, bringing its 1.8-litre petrol engine into play. As a result, there is no need for the driver to worry about whether there is enough battery charge to carry them to their destination. GT86: Toyota’s all-new 2+2 front-engined sports coupe captures the best elements of its famous sports car heritage. Using a 2.0-litre “boxer” engine to drive the rear wheels, it is light weight with a low centre of gravity, making it all about driving pleasure – plus good looks and competitive pricing.