2018 Toyota Corolla &
Levin Plug-in Hybrid
Two mass-market PHEVs based
on the Corolla and Levin models are due for the Chinese market in two years'
time.
The announcement was made at
the Beijing Motor Show, showing Toyota’s long-term local commitment after
selecting China as the first location outside Japan for the production of the
Prius.
The two plug-in hybrids will
complement the locally developed Corolla Hybrid and Levin Hybrid, which managed
to sell approximately 40,000 units since last year’s debut. Toyota said it will
also develop the plug-in hybrid powertrains for these models locally.
The Japanese company also
announced the introduction of their turbocharged 1.2-litre direct-injection
petrol engine, set to go on sale later this year across China, with models in
Europe and Japan already using it since April 2015.
Also new for China will be
the Toyota Safety Sense array of electronic safety systems. After its
successful introduction in Europe and USA, Toyota’s Safety Sense will become
available in local models, with the system specifically adapted for the Chinese
roads.
