Toyota has confirmed that a new compact electric SUV will hit the Irish market by early 2025 and a hint at how it will look comes in the shape of the Urban SUV concept revealed at the firm's annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels last week.
Similar size to Toyota Yaris Cross
At 4,300mm long, 1,820mm wide and 1,620mm tall, the Urban SUV show car is 120mm longer, 55mm wider and 25mm taller than the Yaris Cross, though we're told that the final production model's vital stats will be closer to the existing hybrid crossover's when it is revealed in the first half of 2024. Either way, it's designed as a 'B-SUV' - i.e. one competing in the B-segment. Toyota believes that is set to become one of the largest markets for electric cars in Europe.
Versatile interior
While the concept vehicle doesn't have an interior for us to try out, we're told that the showroom model will have a high-set driving position and sliding rear seats to allow more boot space or more room for rear-seat passengers to stretch out as required.
Choice of batteries and electric motors
Two different battery capacities will be offered: a smaller and more affordable option with a shorter range and a larger unit for those that need - and can afford - a longer range. Toyota won't yet be drawn on how long those ranges are, nor the energy capacities of the batteries. It has confirmed, however, that the new B-SUV will be available with one or two electric motors, so either a front-wheel-drive layout or all-wheel drive.
One of five Toyota EVs expected by 2026
The showroom-bound version of the Urban SUV concept will be just one of five new Toyota electric cars promised for the European market by 2026. Another will be inspired by the bZ Sport Crossover concept revealed earlier this year at the Shanghai auto show (and brought along to Brussels painted silver and without the "bZ" part of its name). This is a large and dramatically-styled coupe-crossover that would conceivably sit at the top of Toyota range. It's promised to have lots of interior space to go with its standout design.
Three further SUV-like EVs are expected. The first is likely to be a production version of the bZ Compact SUV concept revealed this time last year and perhaps the eye-catching Land Cruiser Se concept might hold hints at another.
Beyond 2026
There's plenty more to come. Remember that stunning FT-Se sports car concept Toyota unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show? That's very likely to sire a little electric coupe you can buy, though not before Toyota introduces some new battery technology. It has plans to launch a trio of new batteries even before it puts solid-state batteries into production (that won't be until 2027 or 2028). The new units will balance high energy density, performance and low cost depending on the application, and already Toyota has made mention of considerable gains on all those metrics.
It bodes well for the chances of more affordable new electric cars from Toyota in the not-too-distant future.