Toyota Venza. Click image to enlarge |
Combines car-like refinement, SUV functionality
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Toyota Venza
Detroit, Michigan - Toyota unveiled its all-new 2009 Venza, a mid-size crossover vehicle based on the Camry platform that combines the virtues of a sedan and SUV, according to the company.
"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. "This winning combination will be ideal for active 'boomers' and young couples with small families."
The Venza is targeted specifically at the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan and designed at Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Kentucky.
The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.
The Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for five passengers and generous SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
The Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features: a total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and side and curtain airbags for both rows of seats. It will also be the first sedan with Toyota's "5 prong" safety system, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. The Venza will also feature active head restraints as standard equipment.
The standard engine will be an all-new 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine while Toyota's familiar 3.5-litre V6 will be optional. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission. The Venza will be available with front- and all-wheel-drive.
"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Wearing. "It will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."
The Venza goes on sale in late 2008.
