TOYOTA unveiled the first small hybrid car at the Detroit show – a futuristic five door supermini about the size of a Yaris.
And the company claimed that the concept, which looked well on the way to production, was the first of eight new hybrid models in the not too distant future, including all-new dedicated hybrids, or new hybrid versions of existing petrol models.
Called the FT-CH – catchy isn’t it – the concept aims to be a nimble, responsive and manoeuvrable smaller alternative to the Prius.
Styled at the company’s European Design and Development centre in France it is 22 inches shorter than the Prius but only an inch narrower.
The idea is to produce a hybrid that is strong on style and driver appeal but cheaper to buy, so that it will be more affordable for younger buyers.
The devil will come in the driving, but if it achieves anything like the claims, it looks like a winner to me.
Interior
The FT-CH was designed for maximum passenger comfort and interior space, with “an imaginative sense of style”.
Other details are sketchy at the moment, but expect a pretty futuristic dash layout with information about battery charge and charging.
FAST FACTS
Toyota FT-CH concept (all figures estimated)
Price: £18,000
Mechanical: 130bhp, 1.8 litre, 4-cylinder petrol/electric driving the front wheels via a CVT auto gearbox
Max speed: 100+ mph
0-62mph: 11 seconds.
Combined mpg: 85
Insurance group: N/A
CO2 emissions: under 90g/km
BIK rating: 10%
Warranty: 5 years/ 99,000 miles
Marks:9/10.
Main rival: VW Polo Bluemotion