New Toyota Passo
This is the Daihatsu Sirion’s twin
brother, the new Japan-only Toyota Passo city car. Paradoxically for such a
small car, it will be available in front- and all-wheel drive versions, with
customers also able to choose between two faces, the standard and the more
stylish Moda grade.
All models will be powered by a 69PS
1.0-litre 1KR-FE petrol engine mated to a standard CVT gearbox, a combo that
gives the Passo the title of the most frugal model with a petrol engine sold in
Japan. Fuel efficiency is rated under the JC08 test cycle at 3.57 lt/100km for the FWD models and 4.1 lt/100km for the 4WD.
Compared to the previous model, Toyota
claims the rear legroom is now increased by 75mm, while the chassis now offers
a more stable driving experience thanks to the addition of stabilizers on both
front and rear suspension and the increase in the torsional rigidity of the
rear suspension’s torsion beam among other measures.
The new Passo also comes with the Smart
Assist II collision avoidance system with includes features like brake assist
when necessary and lane departure warning. Its palette includes 12 colors, with
the Moda grade offering seven two-toned paint options.
Prices start at 1,150,200 yen for the
standard FWD model and 1,431,000 yen for the Moda.