Toyota at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

The presentation of Toyota in Geneva was quite substantial. The Japanese brand always has interesting models to see, with its very characteristic stamp applied to the abundant technology it equips its vehicles with. On our tour we highlighted the new RAV4, represented by the Premium and Adventure variants, plus the Auris Touring Sports Black and the FT-86 Open Concept, alongside the surprising i-ROAD concept.

We begin with the RAV4 variants, new design exercises on the well-known SUV. The RAV4 Premium enhances the original design with refined ornamentation and improved finishes. The front is distinguished by a central grille with horizontal lines and air intakes, accentuated by LED lights underlined by an elegant chrome spoiler. At the rear, the redesigned bumper incorporates a chrome insert, polished aluminium protective plates and an integrated exhaust tip, all combined with 20-inch wheels.

The RAV4 Adventure design study places the emphasis on an alternative dimension, with a more energetic image to reinforce the RAV4’s genuine off-road capabilities, with larger wheel arches designed to accommodate 20-inch alloy wheels. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and finished in matt paint. At the front, the new bumper design incorporates a new lower guard. At the rear, the bumper has been modified so that it fully integrates a twin exhaust and a new protective plate.

Close to the RAV4 sits the Auris Touring Sports Black, another design exercise showing that a family-style bodywork can be much more than simply a functional vehicle. The exterior design is accentuated by a new Night Sky metallic colour, combined with red 19″ alloy wheels, red inserts on the front and rear bumpers and a distinctive red detail on the V-shaped front grille. The sporty character is enhanced by a chrome twin exhaust, front light units with red and black details and darkened LED rear lights, darkened windows and piano black roof rails. Inside we find more racing finishes, if you like, very well executed with red inserts.

The FT-86 Open Concept is nothing more than the convertible version of the revered GT-86. We already saw it in earlier leaks and it keeps the simple yet effective lines of its coupé sibling. The roof is canvas and the interior has a pleasant combination of white and blue colours. As an additional detail, the centre console features three new gauges: oil pressure, oil temperature and coolant.

Three-wheeled concepts are vehicles that immediately attract attention at any show. Specifically the i-ROAD, a two-seater electric, with a tilting technology for cornering that, at least for me, has been surprising. It fulfils its role perfectly, keeping the vehicle level, even on straight lines, when the road surface is very potholed. I don’t know what future this model will have, but I highlight the amount of technology it has, which isn’t solely aimed at connectivity and technological gizmos. I receive this kind of concept with certain reservations, but in the case of the i-ROAD, I must say it is more than interesting.

Via | Equipo Highmotor