What is it?
Toyota says its FT-Bh concept is a 'total vehicle' solution to reducing emissions in an affordable city car. In layman's terms it means that the FT-Bh has been designed, from the outset, to be both cost effective and economical. By avoiding exotic materials and complicated manufacturing processes the FT-Bh supermini (which is marginally bigger than a Yaris) is not only cost effective but light, tipping the scales at less than 800kg. The latest evolution of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive mates the usual electric motor with a 1.0-litre two-cylinder petrol engine that the Japanese manufacturer claims can achieve 134.5mpg (2.1 litres/100km) and emit a lowly 49g/km CO2.
Why's it here?
Having launched the Prius way back in 1997 Toyota is at the forefront of hybrid technologies like those in the FT-Bh. This concept may not make it to production as is, but the processes and technologies used in the car will undoubtedly make it into future Toyota models.
Show stopper or floor filler?
The looks alone probably mean the FT-Bh will attract more attention than the Yaris Hybrid that was unveiled alongside it, especially when show goers stop to read the fact sheet and see the headline grabbing fuel economy. In the grand scheme of things though it is yet another hyper efficient hybrid from Toyota and we have seen them before. Floor filler.
