Toyota to take aim at Smart's ForTwo
It looks like the diminutive urban commuter segment is about to get a little more crowded. Auto Express is reporting that Toyota will be releasing a small, high-mileage, city car based on the futuristic Endo concept that was first unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show.
With dimensions of 118 inches long and 66.5 inches wide, the little Toyota is clearly aimed at competing directly with the Smart ForTwo. The Japanese variant will supposedly be 12 inches longer and 3.5 inches wider than the new ForTwo, though, the Toyota will allow seating for four. Auto Express says it should hit U.K. dealers in 2007.
As for whether or not the Endo will follow the Smart ForTwo to American shores, your guess is as good as ours. The timing is certainly right. Perhaps, Toyota will let Smart do the heavy lifting in marketing super-small transportation to Americans and then start distributing the Endo through its Scion brand. And maybe we'll even see a hybrid version. Call me an optimist, but it could happen.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Devilstower 4:56PM (10/24/2006)
Now that is a cool little car. Pop a hybrid or clean diesel into that slick little guy and gimme.
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Joe Bensusen 2:17PM (10/26/2006)
Perfect!!. Now there's a great "second car" for running around town. Now, if the mileage is over 60 in town, we have a winner....and I'm a player!
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mj 2:22PM (10/26/2006)
I am a lifelong Toyota person. I've had pickups, Corollas and 2 Camrys. They are great cars, got fantastic mileage, and had a LOT of miles on them. This little car is totally cute. I love little cars anyway, so would buy this one in a minute. Sign me up, NOW>
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Stacey 2:25PM (10/26/2006)
It is so tiny...it looks like if you crash...you would die!
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LSD 2:31PM (10/26/2006)
Yikes! A death trap! (but it IS adorable)
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Steven Brown 2:38PM (10/26/2006)
It is small but as far as being a death trap, I ride a motorcycle. It's still safer then that. Also if you drive defensively you ought not to crash.
Steve
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John Hatzis 2:40PM (10/26/2006)
Another death trap, who in their right mind would rather get better gas mileage and risk dying.
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lillian wolfe 2:44PM (10/26/2006)
i loved it.....I JUST GOT RID OF A JAGUAR S MODEL AND IT HAD TO BE THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED IN MY LIFE........PITY THE GUY WHO BOUGHT IT.WHAT A LEMON.EVERY WEEK IT WAS IN THE GARAGE FOR HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF REPAIRS AND JAGUAR DIDNT GIVE A HOOT WHEN I CALLED THEM.......DONT EVER EVER BUY A JAGUAR.I HAVE PASSED THAT INFO AROUND TO EVERYONE......THE BALL JOINTS BROKE TWICE ON THE SAME WHEEL!!!THANK GOODNESS I WASNT ON THE FREEWAY AT THE TIME OR I WOULDNT BE ALIVE TODAY!!!!DO NOT BUY A JAGUAR!!!!1
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Lt 2:46PM (10/26/2006)
I also ride motorcycle and would buy that in a beat...
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Lynn 2:47PM (10/26/2006)
Our family 1992 Toyota MR2 is still going strong at 197,000 miles. It can't be that much bigger than this car. The MR2 started with my husband, was passed down to our son, and then to our daughter. Just brought it back from our trusted mechanic who says she's got another 200,000 miles left on her. Death Trap? I think when your number is called, you're outta here no matter what you drive.
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NEVERETT 2:56PM (10/26/2006)
I WANT ONE
OR MAYBE SOMETHING EVEN SMALLER WITH A ROOF AND A HEATER
I RIDE MY MOTORCYCLE EVERYDAY I CAN
BUT HERE IN NEW ENGLAND ITS JUST TOO COLD OR TO MUCH SNOW SOME MORNINGS
DEATH TRAP? HA ... ONLY IF YOU WANT IT TO BE
I HAVE RIDDEN 7800 MILES THIS YR ON MY BIKE
AND ITS NOT NOVEMBER YET
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Sandy 2:58PM (10/26/2006)
We need more "city" vehicles. Europe has had minis
for years. We need to do this for fuel conservation & all the polution etc. When will we know the price tag on these?
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Ellen Center 3:00PM (10/26/2006)
Any smaller and you could pack it in your briefcase. No need to park.
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Udo 3:03PM (10/26/2006)
What a beautiful alternative to Mercedes' For-Two. If it does land on U.S. shores I would forgo purchasing a scooter or motorcycle now and await its arrival. Hopefully with a two cylinder turbo diesel.
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gary 3:11PM (10/26/2006)
cute little piece of crap! how will anybody in a truck even see it! an accident waiting for a place to happen, here's an idea...let's get everyone in washington to park their limos and the fuel shortage will be half solved!
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Doug in CT 3:18PM (10/26/2006)
My new Mercury Grand Marquis (full frame, rear drive, V8) gets 24MPG in everday driving and 30MPG on trips and was well under 18 grand! With comfy seating for 6, I can move more people for less money than a mini car owner. No thanks. I like the feeling of sitting in my living room while I drive... and If I ever "get hit" (again)... I hope it's by someone driving a mini.
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Glenn 3:18PM (10/26/2006)
I had a Geo Metro some years back and loved it! Wish I would have never sold it. If these come to the U.S. - sign me up!
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Jibbie 3:23PM (10/26/2006)
For CITY driving? Why not just take the bus. I lived in Chicago and never owned a car.
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Rob 3:24PM (10/26/2006)
I SAW ONE OF THESE LAST WEEK!!! (Or something exactly like it). I was driving down I-270 here in St. Louis and noticed it 2 lanes over from me, I almost crashed as I couldn't stop staring. I thought to myself "WHAT IS THAT???". If these aren't in the USA yet, what did I see?
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Barbara Rubin 3:29PM (10/26/2006)
It's just as cute as can be. But I'd be a little afraid of getting squashed like a bug.
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