Toyota Motor Corporation has pulled the wraps off the all-new 2016 Toyota Passo. This new model is developed by TMC’s sister company, Daihatsu. The new compact is already on sale in Japanese dealerships nationwide.
Available in two variants, namely X grade and Moda grade, the 2016 Toyota Passo is powered by a 1.0-litre engine that produces 68 hp at 6,000 rpm and 92 Nm at 4,800 rpm. All variants of the Toyota Passo comes with a CVT which drives the front wheels, or all four wheels, depending on variant. Toyota says that front-wheel drive models can achieve 28.0 km/L, while 4WD variants can manage 24.4 km/L, both of which are under the JC08 test cycle.
Inside, the X grade gets a more conventional dual tone interior, with a central floating console that houses the gear shifter and digital air conditioning controls. The Moda grade on the other hand, gets red highlights on the centre and side air con vents. Other features include all-round power windows, seat belt reminder, powered side mirrors, 60:40 split folding rear seats and front bench seats.
The body panels of the new Toyota Passo is made out of high tensile steel, while parts of the front fenders and back door are made of resin to keep weight down. Stabilizers have been utilized on the front-wheel drive models for both the front and rear suspension, which minimize vehicle roll and improve handling stability. The increased wheelbase, coupled with widened tyres and optimized front steering angle enables the Passo to manage a turning circle just 9.2 m in diameter.
In terms of safety, the Passo is equipped with Daihatsu’s Smart Assist II collision avoidance assist system, including forward collision warning, collision avoidance brake assist, false start control function for forward and backward starts, lane departure warning and a warning system for the driver when the vehicle ahead moves forward.
The 2016 Toyota Passo is priced from 1,150,200 JPY (RM41,345) for the base X grade front-wheel drive model, all the way to 1,830,600 JPY (RM65,787) for the range-topping 4WD Mode G package.
Could the new Toyota Passo preview our next-generation Perodua Myvi? Our sources have said that it is very likely, and a new Myvi could be expected later this year. Watch this space.
2016 Toyota Passo Photo Gallery
