Just look at it. Arguably the prettiest Toyota in years after the poke-in-the-eye that was the supremely capable previous hatchback of the same name.
But Toyota Australia says no. Insane. End of story.
It’s not all Corollas, Camrys, RAV4s and HiLuxes.
Toyota makes a smorgasbord of models both big and small that we never get to see in Australia.
However, this isn’t yet another whinge about left-hand-drive-only North American SUVs, MPVs and utes like the Venza, Sienna, Tacoma or Sequoia, but actual right-hand-drive Toyotas that, in theory, could end up on our shores. But don’t.
Why? And what are they like? Read on…
Mitsuoka Buddy
Does it come any trippier than a RAV4 wearing a 1970s Chevrolet face and Ford LTD Squire wagon bottom?
Righto. This isn’t technically a Toyota, since the Buddy was created by the half-century-old Mitsuoka ‘coachbuilder’ company that’s most famous for restyling mainstream into mid-century retro homages with Swinging Sixties Jaguar faces.
But, given how crazy the concept sounds, this bizarre post-modern pastiche actually works.
Don’t be fooled by the K5 Blazer-like nose and 1970 Ford LTD Country Squire-esque tailgate treatment either, because beyond that, it’s all current RAV4 inside and underneath.
This includes the four-cylinder petrol and hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive choices, as well as the expansive, practical and very contemporary interior. The Easy Rider Americana feel is only reserved for the outside.
Speaking of reservations, the Mitsuoka’s been a hit in Japan, selling out within weeks of its late-2020 launch, with at least 200 examples accounted for to the end of last year. Even though it costs at least twice the price of a RAV4 equivalent. This Buddy doesn’t come cheap.
But it is entertaining. Here’s an actual excerpt from the press release, citing the car’s inspiration:
“Buddy. If you notice, you ‘re always smiling by your side. I can’t be a glorious man, but I feel like I’m a good Daddy. Because I was the best in my life. From now on, play with the children. Buddy Best. Buddy. Buddy. Come on, Buddy.”
If you feel you can’t quit this Buddy, Tokyo’s only a 10-hour flight away.
Toyota C+pod
If compactness is the mark of a great city car, then none is greater than the Toyota C+pod.
Surely the shortest and narrowest new car in production, this is a lot like a Smart ForTwo from two decades ago, in that it’s a 2.5-metre long two-seater rear-engined/rear-drive three-door hatchback, but that’s where the similarities end.
For starters, the Toyota is about 200mm skinnier at just 1.3m (a Yaris measures in at 1.7m), and uses a 9kW electric motor and 9kWh battery pack, for a claimed range of about 150km. Light for an EV at 670kg, it can hit 60km/h, while a full suite of safety systems is fitted, including AEB, rear cross-traffic alert and stability control. And the turning circle is under half that of a regular car’s, at 3.9m.
Best of all, unlike quadricycles like the funky Renault Twizy, the tiniest Toyota is classified under Japan’s Kei-car parameters, meaning it could be registered on Australian roads. Just like a Smart.
In production since 2021, the C+pod highlights its maker’s fascination with ultra-compact runabouts, replacing the bold but unsuccessful 2+1-seater Toyota iQ produced from 2008 to 2016.
As future mobility solutions go, this deserves a look in.
Mitsuoka Viewt Story
It’s another Mitsuoka, but this time we’re talking about the original, world-famous Viewt, a super-premium-priced supermini with a ’60s Jaguar face and tail grafted on.
Released 30 years ago in Japan, the series was based on each version of the corresponding Micra – excluding the Europe-only French-made Renault Clio-based K14 from 2016). Yet that somehow worked, because of the Nissan’s curvy styling, that blended in with the Jaguar Mk2’s rounded nose. More than 13,000 have been made since.
But with Asian Micra production winding down, Mitsuoka has switched to the current Toyota Yaris for its fourth-gen Viewt.
Just previewed and out later this year, it will boast a big step up in sophistication and modernity, including hybrid options, the latest driver-assist tech and a big list of standard features that’s commensurate with the big prices this bizarre supermini commands.
And why not? Like the aforementioned RAV4-derived Buddy, this is aimed at wealthy buyers seeking bygone-era nostalgia but without the fuss and hassle old British cars can invariably bring.
Toyota Agya
As the sub-$20,000 end of the new-car market dries up, it’s at least encouraging to know that Toyota is still building affordable and reliable yet modern entry-level runabouts for some markets. And here’s one of the latest, released just last month abroad.
Developed by Daihatsu, built in Indonesia and sold under various names including the Daihatsu Ayla, Toyota Agya and Perodua Axia, the Agya has transformed from basic transportation to an inexpensive yet spacious supermini, offering a host of safety and convenience features.
While the Agya might not quite manage a full five-star crash-test rating, it still performs well enough to score four stars, which is more than most tired older used cars that consumers would otherwise be forced to consider at its bargain-basement price point.
With sales booming, Toyota Australia neither wants nor needs such a cheap car in its local line-up.
But the Agya is a symbol of democratisation and accessibility that would be most welcome for the many of us who do not live in wealthy, middle-class Australia in 2023.
Don’t forget who made you a billion-dollar behemoth, Toyota.
Toyota Sienta
Toyota is really rolling the dice on design, as the latest Japanese-domestic-market Sienta reveals.
Bringing a big dose of Euro urban-car chic (think Fiat Panda or VW Up), this newcomer (it was unveiled mid last year) combines style and versatility effortlessly. Check out the tallboy proportions, spacious interior, available seven-seater packaging and nifty sliding side-door access.
Sienta’s a real beauty, as well as yet another variation of the GA-B platform that has sprouted such success stories as the Yaris Cross, meaning rorty three-cylinder petrol and hybrid engine choices, with very solid and sound engineering to boot.
Australians can’t seem to get enough of any Toyota at the moment, and one that looks as offbeat yet sorted as the Sienta would probably fly out of showrooms.
Toyota Century
Every couple of decades or so, Toyota introduces a new Century.
The G60 is only the third-generation version of the stately limo flagship since the series surfaced in 1967. Released in Japan during 2018, it employs a stirring V8 hybrid powertrain for smooth yet muscular performance, backed up by the serenity of airbag-enhanced suspension for its pampered, isolated occupants.
The choice of royalty, politicians and other “dignitaries” in its home market, the Century’s imposing style and sumptuously crafted cabin makes it an appealing alternative to more obvious symbols of importance from Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach.
This is one of the coolest sedans of its type on the planet.
Toyota Prius 5
Just look at it. Arguably the prettiest Toyota in years after the poke-in-the-eye that was the supremely capable previous hatchback of the same name.
But Toyota Australia says no. Insane. End of story.
Just look at it. Arguably the prettiest Toyota in years after the poke-in-the-eye that was the supremely capable previous hatchback of the same name.
But Toyota Australia says no. Insane. End of story.
Keyword: Toyota Australia rejects! The 2023 Toyota SUVs, hybrids and cheap city cars that are too freaky, funky or offbeat for Australians, but are they cooler than a RAV4 or Corolla?