TOYOTA CITY: Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled last Friday its Crown Sport Hybrid (HEV) SUV model in Japan, set to launch in November for 5.9 million yen (RM187,000).

A plug-in hybrid version will roll out in December.

The Sport SUV is part of the Crown series, which includes four models tailored to individual customer values and diversity.

The Sport SUV features a package that is easy to enter, exit, and drive. It offers an agile and sporty driving experience through a balance of high-quality, flexible suspension with agile driving performance.

The interior design is asymmetrically coordinated, with the driver's side uniformly black and the passenger side featuring a special material and colour scheme.



Meter displays are grouped horizontally to minimise eye movement, creating a space for the driver to concentrate on the fun of driving without confusing operations.

The Sport SUV has an appealing exterior that allows occupants to enter and exit the car with grace, thanks to the high hip point enabled by large-diameter tyres.

The Sport SUV also features Toyota's first sound-regulating ceiling, reflecting sounds within the cabin to create a space for direct communication between occupants.

Thrust comes from a 2.5-litre engine-motor hybrid setup.

The Sport SUV offers fun-oriented driving performance, with excellent road holding and vibration suppression, Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), a high-efficiency hybrid system, a high-output density drive motor, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.



The PHEV comes with a newly developed large-capacity lithium-ion battery, providing an extended EV-mode cruising range.

The Sport SUV boasts the latest advanced safety and driving support systems, including a traction control system, a rearview camera, and a rearview camera. The Sport SUV is designed to be a powerful and efficient vehicle, offering a unique driving experience that is both enjoyable and safe.

Other safety features are Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), Toyota Teammate Advanced Drive, Advanced Park, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist.

The Sport SUV is specified with a high-definition 12.3-inch wide display and has Connected Navigation support, which connects with the Toyota Smart Centre and uses centre-acquired data.

A total of six monotone body colours and five duotone body colours are available.

Apart from direct sales, the Sport SUV is also available through Kinto subscription services, which include automobile insurance, taxes, maintenance, and other car-related costs for a fixed monthly fee.

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