The New Mitsubishi EclipseCross the size of Toyota’s Corolla Cross is born

“Toyota unveils its new “”compact SUV”” for the first time! Prius-like face! Designers talk

Why Toyota Unveiled a Compact SUV Electric Car in LA
　The LA Auto Show, which has been held at the Los Angeles Convention Center since November 17, 2022, has been attracting many exhibits from concept EVs, soon-to-be-market EVs, and EV makers that Japan has never heard of.
　
　Among them, Toyota unveiled for the first time in the U.S. the “”TOYOTA bZ Compact SUV Concept,”” the third model in the bZ series, a new electric vehicle lineup.
　
　What are the features of this model? We spoke to a local driver about it.

Does it look like the new Prius? See the super cool “”bZ Compact SUV”” in 23 images.

Does it look like the new Prius? The U-shaped headlights are novel! The “”bZ Compact SUV”” unveiled to the public (Photo by Hiroto Kato)

　The author (Kumiko Kato) visited the LA Auto Show again in 2021 to cover the show, and again, EVs were the main exhibits of each company.

　California has had strict emission regulations since the 1970s and still has its own emission standards, which may be due to its historical background.

　It is also known as the area with the highest EV rate in the United States.

　In addition, Tesla, Lucid, and Livian, which are emerging EV manufacturers, were all born in California.

　The state is also famous for its high gasoline prices, which are among the highest in the U.S., and the shift to electrification is proceeding at a strong pace in the state as a whole.

　This trend has led to a large number of EVs being exhibited at the LA Auto Show every year, and especially in recent years, manufacturers have been exhibiting many innovative and ambitious EVs in preparation for the rapid shift to electrification.

　The Toyota booth at the LA Auto Show was also lined with the latest hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, including the recently announced new Prius.

　The main attraction in this space was the “”Toyota bZ Compact SUV”” concept model.

　The Toyota bZ Compact SUV is a concept model that is designed to be a hybrid vehicle,”” said David Christ, Vice President and General Manager of the Toyota Group.

The bZ Compact SUV demonstrates another possible vision for the very near future of our battery electric vehicles with its aerodynamic design combined with intuitive technical features never before seen in a Toyota model.””

　The bZ Compact SUV is also presented as a fun-to-drive EV with “”exhilarating performance”” and distinctive styling.

　The exterior design of the bZ Compact SUV is all aerodynamic, and the sharp overhangs and smoothly sloping windshield also help keep the drag coefficient (CD value) fairly low.

　For aerodynamic drag and aggressive styling, the four tires are placed in the corners whenever possible.

* * *

　The person in charge of overseeing the design of the bZ Compact SUV was at the event, so we asked him about it.

　The person in charge is Koichi Matsumoto, General Manager of ZEV Design 2 Group, Vision Design Department, Car Development Center, Toyota Motor Corporation.

— How is the Toyota bZ Compact SUV positioned?

　Toyota’s bZ series is a series of electric vehicles.

　The bZ4X is the first production model. As long as we call ourselves a “”series,”” Toyota wants to have a full lineup of vehicles, from large to small.

　The bZ4X is a smaller model than the bZ4X, so we have given it the name “”Compact SUV””.

　As a part of our efforts, we decided to exhibit a compact SUV at this year’s show.

　We hope that more people will become familiar with and drive electric vehicles.

— The Toyota bZ Compact SUV was among the 16 BEVs unveiled at Toyota’s “”BEV Strategy Presentation”” at the MegaWeb in December 2021, wasn’t it?

　Yes, it was.

　The concept model that was unveiled at that time has been brushed up in various areas as a prerequisite for production, and is now being exhibited at the LA Auto Show.

　We are still in the process of planning the production version, so we are still considering various aspects. Toyota unveils its new “”compact SUV”” for the first time! Prius-like face! Designers talk about the appeal of the “”bZ Compact SUV

What was important in the design of the bZ Compact SUV? A Direct Interview with the Person in Charge
　The bZ Compact SUV is part of Toyota’s bZ series. Mr. Koichi Matsumoto, mentioned above, had the following to say.

— What are the key points of the design?

　I think what Japanese users are most concerned about when it comes to electric vehicles is the “”cost of electricity,”” in other words, the cruising range per charge.

What happens when the batteries run out? In Japan, where the recharging infrastructure is still underdeveloped, I think this is the biggest concern.

　I believe this is also the reason why people have negative impressions of electric vehicles.

　Exterior design and overall silhouette also have a large impact on cruising range.

　A design with low aerodynamic drag is a must to improve electric power costs, so we focused on this aspect.

— The CD value seems to be quite low. How low is it?

　Yes, it is. The value has not been disclosed, but it is in the low 0.2 range. It is very difficult to gain distance unless you aim for that level.

The rear of the “”bZ Compact SUV”” also has an innovative design (photo by Hiroto Kato).

— So, the design was done with that much in mind in order to improve fuel economy.

　Of course, many people are concerned about fuel economy in gasoline-powered cars as well, but when gasoline runs low, they can simply fill up at a nearby gas station. With electric vehicles, however, it is not so easy to recharge the battery.

　It is especially difficult if the battery runs out of power when the car is out on the road, and recharging itself takes time.

　We would like to reduce the negative image of electric cars by improving the cost of electricity as much as possible.

　If there were chargers everywhere, as in Los Angeles or San Francisco, and if the entire city were to shift to electricity, there would be no problem.

I would like to convey to users a sense of security that they can drive a car as far as a gasoline-powered car.

–I would like to convey the message to users that they can drive as far as a gasoline-powered car.

　This is a personal opinion, but I believe that the styling of a car needs to express its function in a clear form.

　In the case of electric vehicles, one of the important functions is to have low aerodynamic drag.

　I believe that it is our job as designers to give form to function.

* * * *

　The aggressive style of the bZ Compact SUV attracted the attention of many media who visited the booth.

The “”wonderful design that gives a sense of dynamism even when parked,”” and “”highly finished styling that shows the precision and boldness typical of Toyota. We heard comments such as, “”It looks like it could go on the market right away.

　Further information on the bZ Compact SUV will be announced after 2023.”

After a long-awaited period of 7 years, Toyota has unveiled the all-new “Prius,” a complete redesign that has taken the automotive world by storm. The fresh and innovative design has captivated enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike, generating a surge of interest in the market. The big question on everyone’s mind: “Is it still available for purchase?”

The anticipation has come to an end as advance orders for the new Prius are now open. The vehicle made its grand debut on November 16, 2022, leaving a lasting impression on the global stage.

Pre-orders commenced in late December of the same year, and the public’s response has been nothing short of remarkable. Enthusiasts and potential customers have been buzzing with excitement since the unveiling.

A Radical Transformation: A Glimpse into the Revamped Prius

The revamped Prius represents a departure from the ordinary, featuring a strikingly distinct design that sets it apart from its predecessors. A detailed comparison between the new and old Prius reveals a revolutionary transformation in both interior and exterior aspects.

The design of the new Toyota Prius has sent shockwaves through the industry, and it’s no surprise that pre-orders have already begun in Japan. The question remains: How are consumers reacting to this dramatic change?

The Essence of “HYBRID Reborn”

The development of the new Prius adheres to the guiding principles of “HYBRID Reborn.” This translates into a design that ignites love at first sight and a driving experience that captures hearts.

The vehicle’s architecture, known as the TNGA (GA-C platform), has evolved into its second generation, resulting in a wider and lower profile compared to the previous 4th generation. The dimensions now stand at 4600mm in length (+25mm), 1780mm in width (+20mm), and a height of 1420mm-1430mm (-40mm), with a wheelbase of 2750mm (+50mm). Despite the changes, the iconic mono-form silhouette remains, while the interior is meticulously crafted to accommodate various functions.

Functionality Meets Aesthetics: Interior Excellence

The interior design adopts the “island architecture” concept, thoughtfully dividing the space to serve distinct roles. This approach not only enhances the driving experience but also infuses a sporty vibe for drivers to relish. The instrument panel and fabric textures, predominantly black, inject a unique touch.

Under the Hood and Beyond: Powertrains and Innovative Features

The new Prius offers an array of powertrains, including 1.8-liter and 2-liter hybrids, as well as a 2-liter plug-in hybrid. Functional innovation takes center stage with the introduction of the world’s first “anticipatory eco-drive,” a feature that switches to EV mode when nearing a destination based on GPS data, enhancing fuel efficiency in colder climates.

Advanced driving assistance systems like “Advance Park” with remote functionality and the in-demand “Drive Recorder” add to the vehicle’s allure.

Global Premiere Reaction and Enthusiastic Dealerships

Following the world premiere, Toyota dealerships were inundated with inquiries and interest. Dealer A reported a fascination with the design, while Dealer B fielded questions about specifications, release dates, and delivery timelines right after the announcement.

Social media platforms were also abuzz with comments hailing the coolness of the design and the clear departure from the previous Prius models. Enthusiastic users expressed their desire to own this new iteration.

Release Dates and Advance Orders

The hybrid model of the new Prius is set to hit the roads in winter 2022, with the plug-in hybrid model following in spring 2023. While these dates may vary slightly between dealerships, advance orders for the hybrid version commenced around December 24. The excitement is palpable, with numerous posts on social media confirming orders placed for the new Prius.

Dealerships Share Their Insights

Dealer C revealed their brisk start in accepting orders, stating they initiated the process for the hybrid version on December 24. With a quota of around 3,000 units for two years, there’s a chance it might be filled within the first year alone, given the current level of interest.

Dealer D highlighted the popularity of the 2-liter Z grade, the top-tier trim, while the 1.8-liter model is reserved for KINTO and corporate customers.

Supply Challenges and Varied Responses

Due to production delays attributed to semiconductor supply constraints and other factors, dealerships have been allocated limited units. As a result, some dealers have already closed their advance orders due to the overwhelming demand. Conversely, a few dealerships still have openings for orders in the new year.

In conclusion, Toyota’s new Prius has taken the automotive world by storm, mesmerizing enthusiasts and potential buyers with its radical design and innovative features. With the model now open for advance orders, the buzz and excitement around this revamped icon continue to grow.