AUTOS CARS CUSTOM

A glut of new models unveiled by Toyota at the Shanghai motor show include a local version of the Yaris and a funky six-seater compact crossover concept designed to appeal to younger Chinese buyers.

The Yaris five-door hatchback – and a saloon version called Vios – are production versions of concepts shown by Toyota at last year's Beijing motor show.

Despite the Yaris name for the hatchback, both models are unique for the Chinese market and they will enter production there later this year. Versions localised for other emerging markets could also be produced.

The six-seater concept called FT-HT Yuejia gets a hybrid powertrain, a dramatic pillarless scissor door design and a simple, elegant cabin with three rows of two individual seats. Although it is a concept, Toyota has hinted that it "will be sold exclusively in China" as a production car.

Other Toyota concepts on the stand include the Yungdong Shauangqing II, a model with a new "hybrid system currently under development", and the EV concept, a squat compact crossover with an all-electric drivetrain.

Completing the new models on Toyota's stand is a Corolla-based electric saloon called Danz, a model that has been born out of its joint venture with FAW.

Thanks to: Autocar