ev-motoring.com
TACHnet Exclusives
2009 Tokyo Motor Show - Toyota Sai
Talent and Sophistication
From The Auto Channel
Support for environmentally considerate driving
A Hybrid System Indicator that shows real-time driving status and an Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient vehicle operation provide visual support to the driver.
The ESPO(1) system, which encourages and rewards environmentally considerate driving, enables drivers to gain extra enjoyment.
- G-BOOK mX, TMC's advanced telematics service, assesses environmentally considerate driving and awards points to driver; mastery of eco-driving can be determined according to rate of points gained each month
- Programs that allow drivers to make donations to charities using points received, that rank fuel efficiency of nationwide Sai ESPO users, and other fun incentives to encourage drivers to drive in environmentally considerate ways, are available
Environmental impact reduction
To limit CO2 emissions through achieving carbon neutrality(2) and to minimize use of Earth's limited fossil fuels, plant-based Ecological Plastic has been used for approximately 60% of the interior surface area - by far the greatest use of such plastic by TMC in any vehicle to date.
- Ecological Plastic used for first time in ceiling and pillar garnishes and sun visor surfaces in mass-production vehicle; plastic also adopted in injection-molded parts such as scuff plates and luggage trays, as well as for luggage-space trim surfaces and foam in seat cushions
- Required heat resistance, shock resistance and mass production capabilities have been ensured by employing advanced compounding technologies to combine plastic's plant-derived and petroleum-derived raw materials
- Logo and surface patterns indicate parts made of Ecological Plastic
- Recycled materials are also used in parts such as undercover to further reduce environmental impact
TMC employed its Eco-Vehicle Assessment System (Eco-VAS) - its in-house-developed system to comprehensively assess environmental impact - in designing the Sai.
- Eco-VAS includes setting targets at start of vehicle development to help reduce environmentally harmful factors by such means as balanced reduction of CO2 emissions
- Life-cycle assessment carried out to reduce CO2 and air contaminants throughout vehicle's lifecycle
Review of materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction of volatile organic compounds and sometimes-unpleasant interior odors to levels compliant with voluntary industry standards.
High-efficiency package limits length while increasing interior space
The Sai adopts a high-efficiency package that balances superb maneuverability and comfort with attractive, refined sedan styling and aerodynamic performance.
- Body size offers excellent maneuverability and minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters (when fitted with 16-inch wheels)
- Slightly elevated hip point enhances forward visibility and positioning of door openings and seat height optimized to ease ingress and egress
- Telescopic, tilt-function steering wheel and eight-way adjustable power seat enable driver to easily set optimal driving position
- Slimmer front seatbacks allow more legroom at knee height for increased rear comfort and ease of ingress and egress
- Optimal positioning of hybrid-system battery secures enough luggage space to accommodate four golf bags(3)
(1) Abbreviation derived from "eco" and "passport"
(2) Refers to zero net CO2 emissions over entire product life cycle
(3) Depending on the size and shape of golf bag, stowage may differ
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