Discussion
Some would say a bit late to the party, but this looks interesting
https://newsroom.toyota.eu/world-premiere-of-the-t...
Cue lots of guffawing at the steering yoke but when you start to scratch the surface of Steer by wire (the idea still gives me the willies) you start to understand the logic.
https://newsroom.toyota.eu/world-premiere-of-the-t...
Cue lots of guffawing at the steering yoke but when you start to scratch the surface of Steer by wire (the idea still gives me the willies) you start to understand the logic.
Toyota sold 430,000 Rav4's in the US last year! Its a surprisingly popular model with an ideal size, blend of practicality and price. Couple that with Toyota's reputation, you can see why they sell in that particular form factor. They also sold the Prime version (plug-in hybrid) but limited imports to around 5000. Sold the lot almost straight away and they actually ended, what was left, going for a premium! Deliveries will be substantially more this year, but lets see what happens (not forgetting that Suzuki is rebranding it in Europe too).
I suspect that Toyota will probably shift around 15% of those sales to EV only models and that makes the new model shown here as a very interesting direction. Sure, Tesla will sell a lot of Model Y models in the meantime, but dont forget that Toyota makes a lot of money on something that they shift 430,000 units of already (and sales are already up for 2021!). Not the most interesting, most attractive or most desirable - but its a Toyota and there are a lot of buyers who want something practical, reliable and that comes from a trusted brand. Lets see what happens, but its cars like these that will sell and drive a lot of the shift to EV.
I suspect that Toyota will probably shift around 15% of those sales to EV only models and that makes the new model shown here as a very interesting direction. Sure, Tesla will sell a lot of Model Y models in the meantime, but dont forget that Toyota makes a lot of money on something that they shift 430,000 units of already (and sales are already up for 2021!). Not the most interesting, most attractive or most desirable - but its a Toyota and there are a lot of buyers who want something practical, reliable and that comes from a trusted brand. Lets see what happens, but its cars like these that will sell and drive a lot of the shift to EV.
Question - what is the legality of "steer by wire" in the UK and EU? I seem to remember that the steering wheel has to have a mechanical connection to the wheels, and I seem to remember (years ago) Infiniti falling foul of this and having to install a mechanical connection as backup.
Did I get this totally wrong? Or did the rules change? Or is it still an issue?
Did I get this totally wrong? Or did the rules change? Or is it still an issue?
Early reviews seem neutral to positive. Autocar accusing anyone considering a Toyota of being "beige" seemed unnecessarily harsh 
Anyone here tried one, or got an order in? Any word on lead times?
Presumably given supply vs demand, it'll be a case of list price and not a penny less? (Even with the recent news about the wheels falling off!)
Anyone here tried one, or got an order in? Any word on lead times?
Presumably given supply vs demand, it'll be a case of list price and not a penny less? (Even with the recent news about the wheels falling off!)
AmitG said:
Question - what is the legality of "steer by wire" in the UK and EU? I seem to remember that the steering wheel has to have a mechanical connection to the wheels, and I seem to remember (years ago) Infiniti falling foul of this and having to install a mechanical connection as backup.
Did I get this totally wrong? Or did the rules change? Or is it still an issue?
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-...Did I get this totally wrong? Or did the rules change? Or is it still an issue?
Seems it's legal, it'll pass an MOT.
With the redundant safety features these systems have, I imagine after another decade of stats it could well be proven it's actually less likely to fail than a mechanical connection. Same as fly by wire in planes.
ajap1979 said:
These sort of fundamental errors always remind me of this..Toyota statement:
t, Sherlock!
Toyota said:
After low-mileage use, all of the hub bolts on the wheel can loosen to the point where the wheel can detach from the vehicle. If a wheel detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The cause of the issue and the driving patterns under which this issue could occur are still under investigation.
No st, Sherlock!Teppic said:
Toyota statement:
t, Sherlock!
Toyota said:
After low-mileage use, all of the hub bolts on the wheel can loosen to the point where the wheel can detach from the vehicle. If a wheel detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The cause of the issue and the driving patterns under which this issue could occur are still under investigation.
No st, Sherlock!
I like the design of this car, except the large quantity of black plastic on the exterior - I saw a 2 year old Rav 4 with this with stress marks all over it recently and it's a lot harder to have repaired if you get small scuffs. I think it really cheapens it and the Lexus brand are doing very similar things.
I'm one of those who's first choice would be Toyota (I've a GT86 
).
I'm driving a PHEV presently so I was very interested in this full EV as my next daily. However, I sat in one at Goodwood and with a normal round steering wheel that will be UK standard (or so I was told), it's simply impossible to see the dash!! How on earth can the launch a car where you can't see how fast you are going!
).I'm driving a PHEV presently so I was very interested in this full EV as my next daily. However, I sat in one at Goodwood and with a normal round steering wheel that will be UK standard (or so I was told), it's simply impossible to see the dash!! How on earth can the launch a car where you can't see how fast you are going!
Kateg28 said:
We have been looking at electric cars at the 40/45k mark and narrowed it down to this in mid spec Motion trim and a Kia Niro 4 which has slightly more toys. My partner prefers the Toyota, but for me the Kia just edges it.
Has anyone here got the Toyota and have any comments?
Have you actually see both in the flesh and driven them? Has anyone here got the Toyota and have any comments?
FWIW, the Toyota is the better-built car. That's the one I'd choose, but only as I usually keep cars for 5-10 years.
Yes, we spent considerable time in the dealerships yesterday and took them both out (in the configuration we are looking at) on test drives.
We also keep our cars long term, our ‘new’ car is 13 years old and have had it ourselves for 10.
I also have a 35 year old Toyota so know they can last.
The Niro and the BZ4X have different pros and cons, the Toyota is a big car which I am reluctant about, the Niro has more toys, the Niro has a longer standard warranty but I do like Toyotas. Just wondered if anyone had one and their thoughts.
We also keep our cars long term, our ‘new’ car is 13 years old and have had it ourselves for 10.
I also have a 35 year old Toyota so know they can last.
The Niro and the BZ4X have different pros and cons, the Toyota is a big car which I am reluctant about, the Niro has more toys, the Niro has a longer standard warranty but I do like Toyotas. Just wondered if anyone had one and their thoughts.
It is a company purchase so not using our private money directly.
But my question is not about how to get one, it is about if anyone has any experience of owning one (or leasing). Do they like driving it? Anything they don’t like? It is quite a big car although plenty of cameras to help it.
But my question is not about how to get one, it is about if anyone has any experience of owning one (or leasing). Do they like driving it? Anything they don’t like? It is quite a big car although plenty of cameras to help it.
Kia may have a longer standard warranty but the Toyota one will go up to 10 years if you get it serviced annually.
For spending your own cash and keeping long term that makes a lot of sense.
The BZ4X isn't the best EV (range isn't great and charging speed could be better) but it's a decent enough car.
For spending your own cash and keeping long term that makes a lot of sense.
The BZ4X isn't the best EV (range isn't great and charging speed could be better) but it's a decent enough car.
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