New Top-of-the-Line Toyota Aygo Black

Unless Aston Martin's Ulrich Bez gets a wackier idea than the Cygnet in his head, the new Aygo Black is the range-topping version of Toyota's smallest European model. Available to order now in the UK, the 'Black' builds on the specification of the Aygo+ model.

Additional features include Alcantara and leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, leather gear shift knob (manual models), 14-inch alloy wheels and Tempest Black metallic exterior paint finish.

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Toyota Announces Details on Recalled European Models, Says up to 1.8 Million Vehicles May Be Affected by Sticky Accelerator

Less than 24 hours after Toyota Motor Europe announced that it would be investigating potential accelerator pedal issues on its European models, the Japanese automaker released details on the affected vehicles. The recall involves a total of eight models. These are listed below:

-AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
-iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
-Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
-Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
-Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
-RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

The company said that precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to a total of 1.8 million vehicles in the Old Continent, adding that no Lexus or other Toyota models are affected by the recall to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.

"Toyota's policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances", said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.

"We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The announced action is a preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."

According to Toyota, there is a chance that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms on the affected models may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position

Toyota said that the issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.

The Japanese automaker added that only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and that the company is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.

Earlier this week, Toyota suspended sales of eight vehicles in the U.S. due to the sticky accelerator problem while the firm also added another 1.1 million vehicles to last fall's recall of 4.3 million vehicles in the USA.

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Toyota Aygo Platinum: New Top-Of-The-Line Model for UK Market

A new range topping model that goes by the name Platinum has been added to the Aygo's UK line-up. Building on the specification of the Aygo+ model, the Platinum trim adds 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Crystal Silver metallic paint, six-speaker audio system, Alcantara and leather seats and gear knob trim.

Buyers may also opt for the Xtra Protected pack which is priced at £380 adding rear parking sensors and additional side and rear protection mouldings while Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control can also be specified as an option, at £340.

The Aygo Platinum is offered in both three and five-door models, both of which are powered by Toyota's 1.0-litre VVT-I petrol engine matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox or optionally, the firm's Multimode automated manual transmission.

On-the-road prices for the Aygo Platinum start from £8,995.

9:02 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Toyota Aygo Platinum: New Top-Of-The-Line Model for UK Market

A new range topping model that goes by the name Platinum has been added to the Aygo's UK line-up. Building on the specification of the Aygo+ model, the Platinum trim adds 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Crystal Silver metallic paint, six-speaker audio system, Alcantara and leather seats and gear knob trim.

Buyers may also opt for the Xtra Protected pack which is priced at £380 adding rear parking sensors and additional side and rear protection mouldings while Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control can also be specified as an option, at £340.

The Aygo Platinum is offered in both three and five-door models, both of which are powered by Toyota's 1.0-litre VVT-I petrol engine matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox or optionally, the firm's Multimode automated manual transmission.

On-the-road prices for the Aygo Platinum start from £8,995.

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Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

At next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from July 3 to 5, Toyota plans to bring a variety of race cars led by the Lexus LF-A that will be making its first appearance on British soil. The V10-powered supercar will be joined by another competition Lexus, the racing IS F that competed along with the LF-A at this year's Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Panasonic Toyota Racing will be back at Goodwood with the TF108, the last F1 Toyota to be designed before FIA introduced its current restrictions on wing sizes and additional aerodynamic elements. Toyota's F1 driver Timo Glock will be present at the event to drive the TF108.

The Toyota Sprint Series will be represented for the first time on the hill climb with the 700HP Fensport Celica GT4-X AWD. Other Toyota cars that will be on show (but won't compete) at the Goodwood event include Alain Prost's Andros Trophy Auris that features a carbon fibre bodywork and a tuned version of the Lexus RX 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Aygo Crazy and iQ Gazoo plus various rally cars such as the Group B Celica Twin-cam Turbo, Celica ST185, Celica GT4 ST205 and the WRC Corolla.

10:54 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Peugeot - Citroen and Toyota Produce One Millionth Mini

PSA Peugeot Citroen and Toyota are celebrating the production of their one-millionth, co-developed minicar at their joint-venture manufacturing plant in Kolin, the Czech Republic. The Peugeot 107, Citroën C1 and Toyota AYGO, where introduced into the European market in the first half of 2005 having all received a minor facelift in 2008. The three tiny, A-Class vehicles are available in either a 3- or 5-door version and with either a petrol or diesel engine.

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Toyota Aygo Xposed: Special Edition Version with Faux Carbon Fibre Kit

Toyota has launched a special edition version of its Aygo minicar packed with “Toyota Motorsports” goodies for The Netherlands market. Available exclusively in white, the Aygo Xposed gets a faux carbon-fibre exterior pack that includes bumper add-ons, mirror caps, door handles and a blacked out roof, combined with side skirts, a front and rear spoiler, a sport exhaust, a roof spoilier and 15-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubber. Inside the Aygo Xposed features a leather sport steering wheel with white stitching and white interior accents. –More pics after the jump

3:07 PM | 0 comments | Read More