Toyota revela Hilux 2012

Toyota revela Hilux 2012

Modelo ganha novo visual e estreia no Salão da Austrália

Grade em forma de “sorriso” alinha a Hilux aos demais modelos da Toyota

A Hilux 2012 se aproxima de seu lançamento na Austrália e, com isso, as primeiras fotos e informações oficiais foram divulgadas. Nas imagens, fica clara a reestilização feita na picape, que também será aplicada no utilitário esportivo SW4. Será o último facelift da atual geração, que deverá ser substituída em 2014.

Com vendas ultrapassando o marco de 700 mil unidades na Austrália, a Hilux 2012 terá sua primeira aparição mundial no salão do automóvel local. A Toyota já divulgou também as mudanças de equipamentos para aquele mercado, que inclui freios ABS de série em todas as versões e uma nova opção mais barata, voltada para o uso profissional.

Traseira tem novas lanternas e para-choque cromado

A marca japonesa adaptou o visual da Hilux para se adequar à nova linguagem da marca. Isso incluiu a nova grade dianteira em forma de “sorriso”, novos farois duplos, para-choque traseiro cromado e lanternas traseiras com novas lentes. O capô também tem novo desenho, para se adequar ao recorde da grade.

A Hilux das fotos é a versão SR5 local, e as vendas da nova picape começam em setembro na Austrália. No Brasil, os interessados podem esperar ainda por um novo motor flex que terá como base o atual 2.7 16V a gasolina de 158 cavalos. A Hilux vendida aqui será trazida da Argentina, onde o lançamento acontece em outubro.

FONTE: Auto Esporte

Kijang Innova V 2.0 M/T, 2009

Fight in a contest event modification, can not just highlight the elements without the addition of a variety of cosmetic musical elements in it. As applied to the Toyota Kijang Innova's M. This Faisal.

Previously, outside ornamentation is still modest, but ahead of follow-up mat Accelera Auto Contest (AAC) in 2010 in Makassar, Faisal hastily dressed his favorite similar it to make it more attractive. According to the hobby man on these streets, he wanted to create satisfaction from outside the sector up to the cabin.

According to the working Yanto similar 2000 cc capacity, the addition of various components in car entertainment (ICE) is needed for adding satisfaction. Additional sound neat, slicked up with the installation of multiple monitors to support the visual elements, it is believed will create excitement in the cabin shades.

"Many participants of the contest that changed the image of the cabin with elegant style or VIP. But I want a bit different from the others. Hence all fitted with seat headrest monitors let more attention," said Yanto from home modification Auto Sound Gallery on Jl. Masjid Raya, Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Implementation of car cinema installations rely on 502 Alpine DVD head unit plus iPod module. The focus of this change is indeed highlight the ICE, so the installation of various gadgets as much as possible optimized device.

Offsetting the main drivers that have different features voice control is sufficient, Yanto still combine Alpine PXA 701 processor as the manager of multimedia sound and visual control.

Supply gived sound speaker sets Cello. For future use 3-way system, and center speaker in the cabin behind Alpine embrace a full-range model. Make ends maximize surround sound, since all the benches have been installed additional monitor for entertainment fulfillment.

Outside dressed dandy also faces made more so in balance with the view. Simple but quite compelling upgrade through the addition of body kit version of the add-on. Ground clearance is also made more horizontal, so that more cool impressed with Kranze 20-inch rims that adorn the front-rear leg. Reward, Innova V devirate This was asked in 2010 as The Best Car mat AAC Cinemax in 2010 Makassar, (19-20/6) ago.

Toyota Hilux Double

Toyota Hilux is the most popular pickup in the world. Said Mark Motors Thailand, the largest exporter of pickup in the country.

Thailand is the center of the pickup current world production. It was there that like the Toyota Hilux pickup, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Strada Triton, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and created and then exported to various countries.

Hilux Double Cab latest version, apart from the more luxurious and made more handsome and stylish appearance, ability to add even employed a sophisticated, powerful, resilient, and reliable. Cause, the newest machines, including marketed in Indonesia is D4D-, 3.0-liter common rail diesel, turbo intercooler, the largest in its class.

This machine has proven durability in various fields. Already been used to carry a crew of Top Gear magazine, BBC, England to the North Pole in 2007. Hilux also become an icon UN troops. Therefore, do not be surprised if the Hilux is also very reliable by the guerrillas in the jungle. Hilux is the "icon" toughness on the field of vehicle weight!

Finally, the Hilux Double Cab is also used by scientists to see and examine directly the most spectacular places in Iceland, just created a frenzy Europe several months ago, that is, volcanic Eyjafallajökull.

Because of that, the Double Cab Hilux was dubbed the "Invincible Cabs", a strong pickup. Capable of facing a variety of extreme weather conditions. The following comparison of power output Hilux Double Cab compared to other brands.

Toyota FT-EV II

Event Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2010 live in front of the eye. King car Indonesia, PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) were ready to welcome him.

To show which will be held on July 23 to August 1 this upcoming Toyota attends' greening 'the biggest automotive exhibition in Indonesia with the theme of' We the Innovative Eco_life for You. "

Now in order to realize these concepts in IIMS 2010 Toyota booth is designed to indicate to visitors that in order to create a better life necessary to maintain unity and sustainability in the environment.

It is represented by forms that divides the Toyota booth booth area in accordance with the life-cycle plants are marked with flyed Dandelion seeds of interest.

"Many will be witnessed at the Toyota booth," said Johnny Darmawan, President Director of TAM, Monday (07/12/2010).

Meanwhile, for vehicles that will be exhibited Toyota plans to present a special exhibit specially imported for the 2010 IIMS II FT-EV, which is a high-tech environmentally friendly cars.

Also Toyota will also display comprising 19 units of Toyota's product lineup, such as Alphard, Camry, Fortuner, Vios, Avanza and other. Do not forget the Prius hybrid car will also be present at any annual event.

Hybrid Toyota Supra, the next Ferrari, and the Toyobaru Coupe 2011

It is time once again a popular news semi-permanent, where you can upgrade some interesting things happening in and around the world can drive, you probably will not read the article. (If you read the newspapers, that is.)
We start with two news sports cars such as Plessy Ferguson and gentlemen, are very different, but equally important.

The first message that, despite repeated denials to the public, Toyota is working on a successor Supra expensive sports cars. There are rumors that a new generation of packaging V6 hybrid drive from a total of 400 horses, but the production of hybrid versions of those life on our planet, thank you very much. RWD is almost certainly a style by the FT-HS concept car inspired by a chance to be. Hope next year's models, a concept car production in autumn 2011.

Toyota FT-HS Concept

Since the success of the Nissan was with him, it is surprising that Toyota waited so long that their average weight of a sports car. It would be interesting to see how the hybrid technology from Toyota is the high efficiency, especially because his only company exploring the possibilities of technology in sports cars. (See below).

A new sports car is being developed in Japan in the second, called "Toyobaru" cheap sports car jointly by Toyota and Subaru. After 7Tune, Sport Subaru STI variant of the device, except that Toyota has decided to offer a car engine.

The report also shows, insider Toyobaru has a style similar to the Lexus LF-A, which was a violation of the super-fans for many years, a concept car, a prototype machine, and even thinly veiled racism. Can it be assumed that the joint task Toyobaru (do not know how they will name it, I love the sound here) want to keep the price of 2 million yen today, a little 'more than $ 20,000.

The LF-A attempts to hide by closing its eyes and pretending it's invisible.

Toyota I

Although not yet complete after the recall issue, Toyota continued to run the program, especially for a green vehicle that had a great reputation as a world market leader at that time.

To establish the position, the largest automobile manufacturer in the world that have set up three models of environmental friendly cars. In 2012, all vehicles are already on the dealers.

According to sources from within, from these models, one of whom is an electric vehicle plug-ins from the version of the Prius hybrid, while the other two other variants of the Prius.

Although not presented the details, from the rumored Alpha Prius two versions of multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which is more popular for families.

The other is called BEV. leak, his platform was taken from the Toyota Scion IQ or IQ. Toyota itself has introduced a version of the electricity at the Detroit Auto Show last year.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota's chief executive has reportedly confirmed that the new car is already undergoing testing. The battery packs from Tesla allegedly supplied (although Toyota is currently working with Panasonic).

Toyota Hilux

Start it markets Hilux double cabin (D-Cab) having a 4x4 in Indonesia since the Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) in 2009, more and expand the market to Toyota's commercial vehicle segment. In addition, the sale proved to be fueled.

Throughout the first half of 2010, Toyota has collected 4506 sales figures units (single and D-Cab), up 15.3 percent from the same period last year 2093 units. Moderate D-Cab 4x4 Hilux successfully negoitable 1694 units up from the previous position of only 263 units.

Jody Jodjana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Auto2000 said Hilux market is currently growing in the mining and plantation areas. "From the marketing, sales last year of D-Cab Hilux only 50 units per month, now I can reach 200-250 units per month," explained Jody to Kompas.com, last weekend.

Some of the area that became the center of sales, among others, East Java, Sumatra, and Borneo. some mining company, estate, and construction became the strongest current customers.

Meanwhile, the Hilux single cab 4x2 segment, the condition of the first half sales climbed 53.6 percent to 2812 units from 1830 units previously.

"If the consumer characteristics of the single cabin, many entrepreneurs, such as building materials seller, until the introduction of goods," lid Jody.

Toyota Yaris 2008 Speed Street Racer

Nuances of the concept of street racing MODIF now is not only dominated on the sedan only. Increasing number of cars entering the mini MPV in the ground water, streams surefire MODIF street racing is 'forced' application.

This fact was proven again at Toyota's Yaris is Andhika Deca Satya. Jakarta-born boys who are now educated in the city of Jogjakarta is a play street racing car look derivative year 2008 with the workmanship is backed by Jamz Speed Jogja. | Photo / text: DNR

EXTERIOR

The execution begins with the exterior sector sporty character typical of street racing will find a custom body kit option C-One Style similar Speed Jamz. waterdump wide on the front bumper once again indicates if this car sporty wanted addressed.

With a choice of DR Revolution alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 "is very fitting in workmanship street racing look. At the bottom of the hood is also aligned with the character of this with the presence of street racing strut bar and a water filter Hurricanes. One step that can not be left in a street racing workmanship look side exterior is cutting sticker-style street racing.

INTERIOR

Interior small leather wrapped semi-Tech V plots the results. Although the steering wheel is still original manufacturer, but the presence of a custom roll bars in the cabin is adequate to represent the purpose of street racing look. Moreover suplement shifknob TRD accessories and Auto Gauge tachometer complement the aura of racing in this sector.

AUDIO

For audio system installers do not need to work on so grand. Because, basically, street car racing was not too heed In Car Entertainment. But the master in this sector are also polished with AVT and some devices headunit power amplifiers and speakers to the subwoofer which is dominated by Venom device.

Spek MODIF:

BODY KIT: C-One Style Custom by Jamz Speed, racing wheel: DR Evolution 18 ", TIRE: 225/35/18 Achilles, INTERIOR: V-Tech, seats: Replication Bride, SHIFKNOB: TRD, tachometer: Autogauge, HEADUNIT: AVT , POWER: Venom, subwoofer / SPEAKER SET: Venom, STRUT BAR: Hurricane, WATER FILTER: Hurricane

Toyota Prius Sporty

Toyota seem to want to continue to lead in hybrid technology competition between the world car producers. After the success of the Prius, Toyota was preparing to produce a variety of other hybrid cars.

The possibility remains Toyota's latest hybrid cars will incorporate 1.8-liter engine with an electric motor that is currently used by the Prius, but with the sensation that promised more sporty driving.

"Technology is our hybrid adaptive technology. There is flexibility in the application of our hybrid system, we do not want to develop new when we can give our characters more," said Gerald Killman Toyota powertrain experts like detikOto quote from Autocar, Thursday (8 / 7 / 2010).

Toyota itself until 2020 is intended to produce a lot of hybrid cars to the market and the ambition to produce 1 million hybrid this year.

While Toyota's intention to issue a sporty hybrid car has long it sounds to rival Honda CR-Z. A car concept called FT-Ch even have them show you.

AURIS Hibrid

Toyota Prius may be going off a car title after the presence of her brother namely teririt Auris hybrid.

Toyota UK is sure going to start marketing the Hybrid Toyota Auris in Europe beginning next July. On sale from £ 18 950 Toyota will produce as many as 30 thousand units annually.

Attendance Hybrid Toyota Auris, which is the first hybrid car produced by Toyota in Europe alone would be an advantage for the European consumer. With it, consumers can choose Toyota cars that can better save the contents of pockets for the fuel business.

Note, however, offer more through Auris Toyota Hybrid. Consumption Toyota Auris Hybrid fuel is more efficient than Toyota Prius GEN3 Hybrid sedan.

Official records can detikOto from Toyota site, Tuesday (29/06/2010) Hybrid Toyota Auris was able to walk about 26 km with one liter of gasoline, while the Toyota Prius Hybrid is only 22 km with one liter of gasoline.

Whereas both these vehicle models adopt the same machine that is the engine capacity of 1800 cc VVT-i that can be power by 98 hp at 5200 rpm, and an electricity generator can give off energy equal to 80 hp.

This occurs because the Auris is smaller and more efficient than the Prius features. As a result, in addition to more efficient, Auris is also more efficient in the bag.

While in terms of environmentally friendly, both cars are relatively successful in the world automotive market. With the latest technology, Toyota Auris and Prius Hybrid Hybrid is claimed is very friendly environment by removing the CO2 emissions by 89 grams per kilometer.

Far more environmentally friendly than cars from Europe and other manufacturers who averaged only CO2 emissions could be up to 90-100 grams per kilometer, even more.

With the result that, if the hunchback is environmentally friendly, able to hybrid Auris rival the prestige of the Prius Hybrid for business efficiency

Hybrid Auris has been able to attract the attention of European consumers. Moreover, small cars more official recognition by European consumers such as England and Germany.

Toyota plans to market the Auris Toyota Hybrid to 32 countries around the world. This is part of Toyota's plans to produce 1 million hybrid cars per year.

Toyota Ractis

Toyota Motor Corp. will supply small cars are Original Equipment Market (OEM) for Praise Heavy Industries Ltd., a manufacturer of Subaru cars starting early this fall.

As reported by Nikkei and cited Autoblog, Thursday (01.07.2010) this is the first time Toyota will provide cars to fellow Japanese manufacturers, Toyota Motor Corp., which has a 16.5 percent share in the Subaru manufacturer.

This step will improve plant operations, Toyota, because Ractis About 10,000 units will most likely be sent to Fuji Heavy per year, while Fuji Heavy focus on developing medium car.

Toyota will supply the Ractis subcompact car, which is available with two engine options, namely 1.3-liter and 1.5 liters, which will probably get some modification adjustment.

Fuji Heavy decided to accept the subcompact car from Toyota with the prediction that the demand for low prices and vehicle fuel economy will grow.C

MODIFIKASI Toyota Land Cruiser 200 2009

Evan Tjandra, which is an engineering dropout from the University of Tarumanegara this, understand very well how to change the look of this favorite car. "I wanted an elegant concept, let me different from others," said the man who single origin of this flower. first modifications besides MOTOR Magazine: Modified Cars & Lifestyle, of course, to focus on the reference of the virtual world, you name it-web.jp www.roadhouse address and eBay. Unmitigated, through the virtual world reference. Evan ordered a set of wheels Vellano VTA type who has a giant size 26x10 inches. "At that time, I ordered directly from Japan. Because the modifier here is still rare to provide that much size wheel. Yes there is, but his type is not sporty elegance is what I want, so it had to be ordered from the internet, "said homeowner music is one Citra Harmoni. Fortunately, the room is very spacious fenders able to accommodate the size of the clad alloy wheels tires Toyo 305/30ZR26 Proxes ST II is. Especially with the legs of the system standard factory default, not necessarily a lot of changes that are made. One set of wheels and tires must be redeemed for Rp 120 million. According to Eka Pradanawidi senior mechanical workshop in the region Eurostar Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. When ordering, are in accordance with the specifications of the car, which means no problems during installation. "Jump into kok. I just had to replace the wheel bolts again, because the old drat it was due to the installation of dol by force, "when found in his shop. Combination pretty as a pair of giant feet is the application of body kits. Not much design body kit for Toyota Land Cruisers. One option is to Elford. One set of body kit that he Boyong Elford worth USD 80 million, consisting of front bumper, rear, side skirts, and triangular-shaped tip mufflers. One set of body kit is also ordered over the same store through eBay's shopping sites. So for the shipment together with the wheels and tires, "It took about three months, from a message to Indonesia," said Evan. Up in Jakarta, then straight body kit painted and fitted in Sunter Hero Motors, which specializes in painting and the installation of body kits cartridge. The result, an elegant concept that dimau Evan realized, only through the touch of the sector and interior legs whose value reached USD 200 millions. Satisfaction was not only enjoyed Evan, SUV-even now as one video clip one property band is one label orbitan Citra Harmoni, T-Green origin of Cirebon. Steady.

Supra Hybrid

Toyota ready to revive its flagship sports sedan, Supra, after "death" in 2002. This car is rumored to use the MR2 and the draft code will be produced in conventional version and a hybrid or a hybrid.

As quoted Autoevolution, yesterday, Toyota is currently and will continue to prepare for the final exhibition in 2013. According to an anonymous source, this step is done because a lot of pressure from rivals, such as Mazda, Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi, which has claimed the product would remove the hybrid and electric-powered sports car.

The issue, Toyota will invest 1,500 cc V6 engine hybrid power source similar to the FFT-owned models on display HS inaugural year in 2007 in Detroit, United States, and FT-86.

Step largest car manufacturer in the world began to develop environmentally friendly sports car that will create new markets with tighter competition. Nissan, for example, have set up a new two-door car, combining the advantages Langlider Leaf and concepts.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi will change their legendary model, Evolution, become more environmentally friendly and iMiEV sports Indonsia had on display at the International Motor Show in 2009.

Environmentally friendly car market in the world today continues to grow. By strengthening the product range of hybrid vehicles, Toyota is hoping to continue to be the leader of the world car market.

Toyota Supra Hybrid

Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota plans to give birth to a new sports car instead of MR2 and regenerates legendary sports car, the Supra.

Supra is a sports car that has been manufactured by Toyota since 1979 years ago but stopped production in the year 2002. Well this car will soon be reincarnated issued at the end of 2013.

As quoted by Autocar, Friday (25/06/2010) later, this MR2 change kitchen runway collection system will use a hybrid that combines a 1500 cc petrol engine with an electric motor.

Initially, Toyota plans to transplant a V6 engine in this car, but because the CR-Z has proved successful in Japan, Toyota is also reportedly reviewing it in order not to be regarded as the imitators.

Toyota Supra Hybrid later this would be a manifestation of the FT-HS concept car (Future Toyota Hybrid Sport), which never exhibited in Detroit in 2007.

Development of this model was reportedly walking along with the development of FT-86 which is a collaboration of the Toyota sport utility vehicle and Subaru.

However, the rebirth of the Toyota Supra will seem a little disturbed. For opponents, such as Honda Toyota is also preparing similar sports cars.

Nissan and the Mitsubishi has even gone further with the plan of a sports car with the overall issue of energy sources from the electric motor.

Nissan is currently preparing an electric car that combines the Nissan two-door concept car Langlider Leaf and as a source of inspiration and planned to be introduced in the coming year 2014.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi plans to produce a sports version of the i MiEV in 2012 and reportedly also is preparing a legendary sports car, Lancer Evolution in hybrid versions.

Innova

creativity Toyota Tokyo Design Studio, which describes a future radically change the shape of a car minivan.

Designer inspired by fast train and riverboat Japan in Tokyo.

In the center console there is a bonsai plants that are likely to reflect the concept of 'Going Green' from Toyota.

The door is transparent and there is also a panoramic roof that provides stunning views. There is also a little chair that can rotate 360 ° which will surely appeal to kids.

If this is an MPV, the Toyota Innova which has a best-selling MPV merupak, design above may not be a second generation of the Innova but it could become the third generation of the Innova

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Review

"...maybe it's time we got back to the basics of trucks...."
---Waylon Jennings, "Luckenbach, Texas" (1976)

Okay, hold the e-mails. I know Waylon sang "love", not "trucks". Sure would make a great TV spot for the Toyota Tacoma, though. Especially one equipped like our tester.

If you're a TireKicker regular, you know I have a soft spot for the basic...and that all too many manufacturers send out press fleet vehicles loaded to the gills with every conceivable option.

Well, Toyota did the unusual: They built, and then sent to automotive journalists, a Toyota Tacoma (their midsize truck) Double Cab 4X4 with a manual transmission, cloth interior and useful options. And in the process, reminded yours truly what a revelation Toyota pickups were back in the day. Rugged, reliable and reasonable...the new 3 "R"s of autodom (circa 1976, which links us back to Waylon).

The Tacoma comes with a 236 horsepower 4-liter V6. Fuel economy's on the grim side, 14 city, 19 highway, but it's not out of line. It aces every one of the government crash tests (five stars for everyone, four out of four for rollover protection), and generally feels like it will last forever.

All at a base price of $25,695...and that's for the Double Cab four-by-four.

Options on the one I drove? An off-road extra value package (suspension upgrades, tougher tires, skid plates, and tow hooks combined with an upgraded audio system, Bluetooth, sport seats and more for $4,690), daytime running lights for $40, the towing package ($650), floor mats ($199) and a VIP security system ($479). With delivery charges, it came to $32,498, but there's a $950 discount for the extra value package, so the real bottom line was $31,548.

Dump the off-road package, the towing package, the daytime running lights and pick up some floormats from the aftermarket and this would come in just over $26,000...which is a terrific deal for a right-size truck that wins you over with its basic goodness, not a bunch of add-ons.

With $45,000 monster Tundras fuzzing up the image the past few years, the Tacoma is a great way to remind yourself just what a Toyota pickup is all about.

Lexus ES350 Review

Okay, so the Lexus ES was the butt of the joke in Audi's Super Bowl commercial "Chase" this weekend.




But that was a 90s ES. A lot has changed.

No, this is still not the car you'd want to take up autocross with, but the ES has grown well beyond its gussied-up Toyota Camry roots.

Buying an ES 350 now gets you 272 horsepower from a 3.5 liter, four-cam, 24-valve V6, a six-speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, a four-wheel independent suspension with gas pressurized shocks and front and rear stabilizer bars.

Drive an ES and a Camry back to back now and you'll be convinced you're driving two different vehicles...and really, you are.

Beyond performance, the Lexus luxury quotient is in full force, making the $34,320 base price seem like a real bargain. Even loaded with options as the tester I drove was (including a $4,250 Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package), $41,340 seems within walking distance of reasonable for this car.

And then there's economy...thanks to the six-cylinder and six-speed, the EPA says the ES 350 is good for 19 city/27 highway miles per gallon.

If you're looking for luxury that whispers rather than shouts and brings its own types of economy (price and fuel economy) to the party, this is a good place to start.

Lexus is250 Review

If your image of Lexus is one of a maker of perfect but boring luxury automobiles, then it's time for a test drive of an is250.

This has been Lexus' sport model for six or seven years now...and while it's been on the receiving end of the "relentless pursuit of perfection", it is still a different kind of Lexus.

The 250 (there's a 350 and the F version as well) looks a little underpowered on paper (204 horsepower from a 2.5 liter V6), but it's by no means slow.

The standard six-speed automatic transmission keeps the EPA mileage numbers up (21 city/29 highway), and it's a complete, well-equipped package at the base price of $32,325.

Lexus loaded up the tester I drove for a week, adding the Luxury Package (adaptive front lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, a perforated leather seat upgrade, wood interior trim, power tilt & telescoping steering wheel, driver and passenger memory seats, illuminated scuff plates, a power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers) which puts nearly $3500 worth of options together for $2380, upgrading the audio system to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium rig and adding Lexus Pre-Collision Dynamic Radar Cruise (which senses when vehicles slow in front of you and applies the brakes.

Total price: $39,320. Whether you'd rather have a BMW 3-series (or a loaded 1-series) or a Mercedes C-Class is a personal choice...but I'd drive all three.

Toyota Yaris 5-door Review

If you haven't already read my post from last fall about the 2009 Toyota Yaris Sedan, now'd be a good time.

The 5-door? All the good stuff you get with the four-door minus the trunk, but plus the convenience of a hatch.

The price? Would you believe exactly ten dollars more than the as-tested price of the four-door...with the same EPA estimated 29 city/35 highway miles per gallon.

As with the four-door, there are the questions about what else $16,700 and change could buy you...but the Yaris in either configuration is well worth a look and a test drive.

Toyota Land Cruiser Review

Even before the economy turned to jello and gas prices went bipolar, the idea of a new Toyota Land Cruiser...a new, bigger, Toyota Land Cruiser...seemed like a pretty iffy proposition. The writing's been on the wall for a couple of years now: This is a time of change. Smaller, more economical approaches are the future.

So I got behind the wheel of this $64,000 behemoth ($72,000 and change as equipped) with reservations.

I ended up loving it.

Look: The Toyota Land Cruiser (along with the Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon XL and the Range Rover) have a right to survivor status. They were here, doing what real sport-utility vehicles are supposed to do, long before the amateurs (suburbanites steering with their knees, texting with one hand and sipping a latte' with the other) got involved. When used as intended, by someone who understands, respects and hopefully needs their capabilities, they are exceptionally good vehicles. All Toyota has done here is make it better.

No question the tester was loaded to American tastes...with upgraded audio system, DVD for the people in the (heated) back seats, and all that. But not once could I convince myself that this was a frivolous vehicle. Driving it inspired confidence every inch of the way.

No, the gas mileage isn't awesome, but it's not bad either...the EPA estimated 13 city/18 highway is about right for this market segment...helped by Toyota's inclusion of a six-speed automatic as standard equipment.

As the amateurs leave the true sport-utes for crossovers and whatever the next fad might be, the remaining true SUVs may get serious. If so, the Land Cruiser would be a fine template to follow.