Toyota's Sai hybrid gets a nip and tuck
Monday September 02, 2013
Toyota's refreshed Sai
Image courtesy of Toyota
Toyota's Sai hybrid vehicle has come in for some mid-life rejuvenation. The Sai is very closely related to the Lexus HS and is only sold in Japan. Power is provided by a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.4 litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine driving the front wheels and auxiliary electric power with a nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery for storage. The petrol engine provides power of 150 kW (110 kW) at 6000 rpm and torque of 270 N·m (199 ft·lb) at 4400 rpm. The electric motor provides further output of 143 PS and 270 N·m. Power is transmitted through an electronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) gearbox.
The exterior changes are subtle, but aerodynamics have been improved, and the body is more rigid to provide a better driving experience. The aerodynamic enhancements are also said to provide more stable handling and greater ride comfort. The transmission and steering controls have also been tweaked to give better instantaneous acceleration and lighter, more responsive handling. The front detailing has also been overhauled, with the headlight treatment now more striking and bold, extending across almost the entire width of the front. The grille has been given something of the big brother Lexus' "spindle look".
Careful attention has been paid to comfort levels inside the cabin, in particular in the area of sound insulation. All the electronic gadgets receive upgrades, and the interior trim has also been given wood-grain and metal plate highlights.
The 2013 Toyota Sai is available in for trim levels: the S, S "C Package", the G and the G "C Package". Prices start at ¥3 210 000 for the base model S, and rise to ¥4 210 000 for the G with "C Package".
Disclaimer: Prices applicable to the Japanese market, and excludes some fees and taxes - please check with your Toyota dealer for the details. Prices and data supplied by the manufacturer and are correct at time of writing. Carfolio.com cannot be held liable for any claims arising from the use of data supplied through this website.
The exterior changes are subtle, but aerodynamics have been improved, and the body is more rigid to provide a better driving experience. The aerodynamic enhancements are also said to provide more stable handling and greater ride comfort. The transmission and steering controls have also been tweaked to give better instantaneous acceleration and lighter, more responsive handling. The front detailing has also been overhauled, with the headlight treatment now more striking and bold, extending across almost the entire width of the front. The grille has been given something of the big brother Lexus' "spindle look".
Careful attention has been paid to comfort levels inside the cabin, in particular in the area of sound insulation. All the electronic gadgets receive upgrades, and the interior trim has also been given wood-grain and metal plate highlights.
The 2013 Toyota Sai is available in for trim levels: the S, S "C Package", the G and the G "C Package". Prices start at ¥3 210 000 for the base model S, and rise to ¥4 210 000 for the G with "C Package".
Disclaimer: Prices applicable to the Japanese market, and excludes some fees and taxes - please check with your Toyota dealer for the details. Prices and data supplied by the manufacturer and are correct at time of writing. Carfolio.com cannot be held liable for any claims arising from the use of data supplied through this website.
