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Modern electronics and a hydraulic actuator compares and adjusts wheel speeds when braking to prevent wheel lock-up and hence a potential skid.
System developed to provide enhanced control and improved fuel economy. Toyota Active AWD is a compact system that controls torque distribution between the front and rear axles - using a newly developed electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential housing. Electronically controlled Active AWD system saves engine power and fuel by only driving the front wheels. It switches automatically to all-wheel drive when needed, for example if a loss of front-wheel traction is anticipated.
Active Braking with intelligence (AB-i) is a system designed to help stop quickly and safely in an emergency. The AB-i system uses continuous feedback from sensors in the wheels to ensure that brakeforce is applied as effectively as possible whatever the driving conditions.
Also known as Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control, this system uses radar to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. If, for any reason, the vehicle in front slows down, the system will register this and slow down, too. When the vehicle in front moves back up to speed, your car will return to its set speed.
Allows the driver to vary the ride height to suit off-road driving (increased height) and ease of entry (decreased height).
This system dynamically distributes the torque to each wheel as well as regulates brake pressure, eliminating wheel-spin and ensuring that the tyres with the best grip always help the driver to keep the vehicle in motion. The system automatically adjusts to the transfer range selected no matter what sort of driving conditions you tackle.
Some cars are fitted with acoustic glass windscreens.
These are constructed from specially laminated materials, which help to considerably reduce noise inside the car.
As a large percentage of the noise you experience inside a car, wind and traffic sounds, comes through the windscreen, acoustic glass can make journeys far more comfortable. And you won't need to pump up the sound system to maximum volume unless that's the way you like it.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) changes the headlamp beam direction in response to steering movements, helping with better visibility at intersections or on bends.
Electronically powered system to provide increased steering assistance and a quicker steering gear ratio at low speeds, as well as optimum driving feel. Also, when parking, its benefits also include reducing understeer and enhanced steering adjustment when cornering.
Car audio systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Some systems, such as Toyota's TECH® Entertainment and Communication Hub, will play music from CDs, USB devices (e.g. iPods®
They'll also play DivX™ video from USB devices, displayed on a large touchscreen on the dashboard, when the car is parked.
But that's not all. These systems will also pair with modern mobile phones, allowing you to make and receive hands-free calls on the move, with the other end of the conversation relayed over the car's speakers. It's as if family, friends and colleagues are in the car with you.
The aerodynamic performance of a car describes how well its shape cuts through the air. The more efficient the shape, the lower the co-efficient of drag (Cd) will be. That is, the less air resistance or drag it will meet as you drive. An efficient aerodynamic shape helps reduce fuel consumption and also means the car can go faster. The shape of the car – sometime with the addition of fins and spoilers – can also create air-flow patterns to improve stability and generate down-force for better handling.
Airbags are designed to inflate and absorb impact energy to help protect vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. They are usually activated by means of controlled pyrotechnics triggered by impact and are often described as SRS Airbags (Supplementary Restraint System). Dual-Stage (or Dual Deploy) technology are 'smart' airbags that can inflate partially, completely or not all, depending on the speed of impact or the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting in a seat.
Air conditioning basically uses engine power (or sometimes battery or even solar power) to cool the air in a car’s ventilation system. Where engine power is used, air conditioning increases fuel consumption.
Some models offer quite basic air conditioning while others are more sophisticated. More advanced systems include multi-zone Climate Control air conditioning, which allows two or more areas of the car to be maintained at different temperatures. This helps to ensure that everyone in the car can travel in comfort.
All-Wheel-Drive is an always on 4 wheel drive (4WD) system, which gives you more control on uneven and slippery surfaces
Beams placed in the side doors to protect the occupants in the event of a side impact to the vehicle.
One of the modern Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) features, it provides the ability to "read" the driver's intentions and to "read" hills, AI Shift Control is a transmission algorithm designed to manage the shift regime according to road conditions and driver behaviour. It uses data on accelerator pedal angle and rate of change, throttle angle and engine speed.
Sometimes known as 'smart beam' or 'high beam assist', this technology detects the head and tail lights of vehicles on the road in front of you, and automatically dips your lights so as not to dazzle other drivers. As soon as there is no longer any danger of dazzling other drivers, the system automatically switches back to full beam.
Audio Visual Navigation
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
Reversing Camera, Park Assist, Sonar Parking and Blind Spot Monitor are designed as driver assist devices only and should not be used as substitutes for skilled driving and/or safe parking practices. The area into which the vehicle is to be driven must be visually monitored by the driver.
Bluetooth™
The Bluetooth™
A system designed to assist the driver in emergency braking, where the driver cannot apply the high pedal force required to obtain the shortest possible braking distance. It supplements the braking power applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the brake pedal in an emergency braking situation - working in conjunction with ABS.
Central locking gives you the ability to lock and unlock all the doors of the car at once, ether by clicking the key fob or pressing a button inside the car.
These use catalysts to reduce the amount of harmful exhaust gases by converting them into non-harmful ones.
This is a figure which represents the aerodynamic efficiency of a car's shape. The lower the Cd, the less air resistance the car encounters as you drive.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a highly efficient transmission which has infinite gear ratios. In a non Hybrid vehicle it uses cones and pulleys to make continuous, seamless adjustments so that the ideal gear ratio is used at all times. Further benefits are a smoother and more efficient transmission.
Cruise control is a system that automatically assists to maintain the vehicle at a set, pre-determined speed. Mostly used for driving on open roads, it is easily disengaged by touching the brake pedal. Specification may vary across models.
Crumple zones are parts of the car, designed to collapse during a collision in order to absorb crash energy and minimise impact on people in the car.
Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB+) benefits from more channels than conventional radio. Information such as station name and music track can also be shown on the audio system display. Specification may vary across models.
Digital radio station availability and coverage is dependant on vehicle location.
DivX® is a video format that allows you to watch pre-recorded video from a USB memory stick. Not all vehicles will be compatible and functionality will depend on the device. This product supports the DivX format which can only be used when the vehicle is stationary.
Double overhead cams (DOHC) operate the engine's valves in a precise and controlled way. This helps increase power and efficiency.
Electronically controlled system designed to help prevent the vehicle slipping sideways during steep off-road hill descents. It provides "feet off" driving down a steep incline.
Driver Assist Technology (DAT) encapsulates Toyota's 4WD technology - effectively doing the thinking for you. This technology is designed to suit on and off-road applications. The DAT features can include Active 4WD, Downhill Assist Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS), electronically controlled rear air suspension Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Vehicle Stability Control, Torsen limited slip centre differential with locking function, ABS anti-skid brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist.
Dual-Stage (or Dual Deploy) technology airbags are 'smart' airbags that can inflate partially, completely or not all, depending on the speed of impact or the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting in a seat.
Dual VVT-i is an advanced form of VVTi. Where VVTi adjusts fuel intake timing to improve engine efficiency, Dual VVTi continuously adjusts both the exhaust valve timing and the fuel intake timing for even better fuel-efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
These systems take pressure off the engine as exhaust gases can be expelled with less effort. This enables the engine to put more power into driving the car.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is a driver assist technology and should not be used in place of safe driving practices. Driver should continue to monitor road ahead.
System in which an electric motor attached to the steering rack or shaft provides power assistance - in place of the conventional hydraulic assist system. The electric motor only consumes energy when power assistance is required (i.e. when the steering wheel is turned), thereby saving energy and fuel. The more straight-road driving, the greater the fuel saving. EPS eliminates the need for a hydraulic pump, hydraulic pipes, pulleys and belt, and power-steering fluid in the steering system. It therefore offers reduced service costs and environmental benefits, as well as saving fuel.
Electro Multi-Vision screen (EMV) gives the driver control over many of the car's features. These may include the audio system and, where equipped, the DVD-based Satellite Navigation systems, hands-free phone and feeds from cameras.
An electro-chromatic rear view mirror automatically adjusts to reduce glare from headights on cars that are following you at night.
A system which senses when an emergency stop is in progress and, if necessary, adds brake force to stop the car as quickly as possible.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is a system that maximises braking efficiency. It senses the weight distribution of the vehicle and redistributes the braking to each wheel so that the wheels with most weight on them receive the most brakeforce.
Also known as automatic climate control air-conditioning, this automatically maintains a pre-set temperature within the car. More advanced systems may be dual-zone, where driver and front passenger can set temperatures separately, or multi-zone, where several regions of the car can have individual temperature settings.
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) is a highly efficient transmission system. The electronically controlled system makes continuous, seamless adjustments so that the ideal gear ratio is used at all times.
Electronic control of the automatic transmission has created a raft of breakthroughs in driving comfort and vehicle efficiency. ECT helps to ensure optimal gear change timing according to throttle position with vehicle load and judges the most suitable time to initiate torque converter for increased fuel economy and networks with the engine’s computer.
Also known as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) this uses sensors to analyse cornering stability and selectively applies brake-force and engine power to each wheel. This helps to keep the car going where the driver wants it to go, and avoid skidding.
If the brakes are suddenly applied, the on-board computer engages the hazard lights (brake lights on some models) to rapidly flash. This helps draw the attention of the drivers behind which helps reduce the chance of a rear end collision.
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts are sensitive to the motion of the vehicle and automatically lock on sudden stop or collision, helping to keep driver and passengers safe.
Toyota steering columns have special sections that can compress, to absorb impact energy in a frontal collision. Current Toyota designs include features to absorb the energy of a secondary impact.
A record of all the services the car has had, as well as repair invoices and other relevant documents.
Like All-Wheel Drive (AWD) 4WD delivers engine power to all four wheels, which is useful in off-road conditions. Because 4WD can be expensive on fuel, most 4WD vehicles also have a 2WD (2 wheel Drive) setting for normal road use.
Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) is a stringent Toyota safety program. It incorporates extensive crash testing to help develop vehicles with safety features well above mandatory requirements.
Often used as another name for SatNav
A package of features designed to lessen the chance of head injury in an accident. Includes energy absorbing materials in the door trims, pillars, roof side-member, roof inner and roof side rails.
Head Up Display (HUD) is a system that may project information such as vehicle speed onto the windscreen where it can be seen at a glance, enabling the driver to stay as focussed on the road as possible.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights use an electrical arc rather than a conventional glowing incandescant bulb. They create a daylight-like beam of light which is brighter, allowing you to see further.
Automatic function that prevents the vehicle rolling downhill when starting off. It is particularly helpful on low-traction surfaces and when driving off road. Image shown for illustration purposes only.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive developed by Toyota integrates the desirable elements of a petrol engine and an electronic motor. It uses the instantaneous high torque from the electric motor from rest for starting. For cruising in the high-speed range. It utilises the efficient power of the petrol engine. The management system carefully selects the optimum combination of the petrol engine and electric motor in order to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
IRS stands for Independent rear Suspension. Each rear wheel is mounted and able to move in isolation from the other wheel. This can improve handling and comfort in comparison to cars with rear wheels linked to a common axle.
Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are brighter, more energy efficient and last longer than conventional incandesent lights.
A differential that limits the difference in rotation speed between the two wheels on the same axle to optimise traction. It prevents a wheel that has no grip from spinning excessively.
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) are versatile and easy to read displays. They have bright clear images to show many car functions.
Abbreviation of metallic paint. Metallic paint is also sometimes called polychromatic paint. The small metal flakes in the paint cause a sparkling effect and can accentuate the contours of a car's bodywork more than non-metallic, or 'solid' paint.
MP3
Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
Stands for Mega Pascal, a unit of measurement of tensile strength. High tensile automotive steel is anything over 400MPa. The stronger the steel used in the construction of a car’s frame, the less steel is required, which reduces weight and can help to improve fuel economy.
Toyota's Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS) technology effectively disperses the energy of frontal or side impacts through the body in order to divert it away from the passenger cell and minimise cabin deformation.
High levels of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) in a car can make driving stressful and tiring. New Toyota vehicles have multiple layers of sound insulation and sound barriers to help create a quiet, calm interior.
A feature of advanced airbag protection systems. In the event of an accident, if the system detects that no front passenger is on board, the airbag won't deploy. The system may also be able to detect the size and position of the passenger, meaning that the airbag can be deployed in a way that provides maximum protection. Also see Airbags.
Oversteering describes when the rear wheels lose grip and the tail begins to slide, turning the car more than you want. If not corrected, oversteer can develop into a skid. ABS brakes and Traction Control systems are designed to help correct oversteer and understeer.
With this, you can obtain estimated arrival times, fuel consumption, time to next service etc.
Some automatics are equipped with Paddle Shift technology. This allows the driver to make sporty, manual-like gear changes, using 'paddle shifters' (small paddle shaped controls on the steering wheel)
Park Assist
These will detect obstacles, or the cars at the front or rear as you park, and alert you when you are getting close to them.
This provides turning assistance, making heavier cars easier to steer, particularly at low speeds. Some automatic or electronically-controlled PAS systems vary the amount of assistance depending on speed, so that while you have plenty of assistance at low speed, you retain a good 'road feel' at higher speeds.
A rack and pinion is a type of linear actuator that comprises a pair of gears which convert rotational motion into linear motion. A circular gear called "the pinion" engages teeth on a linear "gear" bar called "the rack"; rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move, thereby translating the rotational motion of the pinion into the linear motion of the rack.
Reverse camera
SUNA™ Traffic Channel
Toyota's body design with crumple zones front and rear, and a high-integrity cabin section. The crumple zones are designed to progressively absorb impact energy. The cabin is designed to provide survival space for the occupants, including head and foot space.
Sat Nav or Satellite Navigation
Also known as 'keyless entry', this is a wireless system, which recognises your key fob (security token), as you approach the car, even if it's in a bag or your pocket, and unlocks itself when you take hold of the door handle.
Smart Start (or Push Button Start) provides push-button engine start and stop. It operates when the fob is within range of the internal antennae. Image shown for illustration purposes only.
Solar Ventilation Systems uses roof solar panels to power fans, helping to keep the vehicle cool inside in hot weather. It can be operated using a remote control.
Typically wagons, often with off road capabilities and 4-wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive technology.
These are buttons mounted on the steering wheel, which enable you to control some features of audio systems and hands-free mobile phone calls.
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is composed of multiple systems within a vehicle such as airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, which help restrain the occupants in the event of a collision in turn helping to minimise the chance of injury.
This describes the ability of a force to rotate something about an axis. In a car, it's a way of describing how effective engine power is at turning the axle and getting power you can use to the wheels.
Perhaps the best way to understand torque is to think about tightening or undoing a bolt or a nut with a spanner. The longer the spanner is, the more turning force you can achieve. Try undoing a stiff nut with a short handled spanner and see how much more effort it takes than with a long handled one.
A feature in the all-wheel drive system that automatically distributes power to the axles with the best traction.
Some cars are fitted with a touch screen display that can control features in the car such as the sound system, air-conditioning and hands-free calls. In systems such as Toyota's TECH® entertainment hub, the touch screen also controls SatNav
Touch Tracer allows easy control of many of the vehicle's functions, such as air-con, audio system etc. Buttons on the steering wheel allow the driver to touch step through various options and then select one by pressing firmly, with that function then displayed directly in front of the driver. Specifications may vary across models.
A semi-active system to improve ride and handling and enhance driving dynamics both on and off road. TEMS allows the driver to select a suspension setting for optimum ride comfort and handling depending on the road surface and driving conditions.
Toyota Entertainment Communications Hub (T.E.C.H.™) is an advanced suite of features based around a touch screen. It may include where applicable, Satellite Navigation
Connecting your vehicle to Toyota Link via compatible smartphone will give you access to a suite of applications to make your journey more enjoyable. Receive real-time advice with Fuel Finder, look up the local weather forecast or search for accommodation, restaurants and businesses in your area with Local Search - All through your touch screen display. Toyota Link is available on certain vehicle models and grades only. Toyota Australia reserves the right to add, remove or modify applications. Toyota Link services rely on data from the driver's compatible mobile phone and information provided by third parties. Availability is dependent on a number of factors, including the availability of third party information, mobile service, sufficient mobile data allowance and GPS satellite signal reception. Mobile usage is at the user's cost. Further information is provided at www.toyota.com.au/toyotalink.
The more grip the tyres have the more traction the car has.
System designed to maximise safety when accelerating on slippery road surfaces or when the available grip differs from one side of the vehicle to the other (such as when two wheels are on a gravel or grass verge). Operated by controlling the throttle and/or applying the brakes to any wheel that is slipping. Image shown for illustration purposes only.
Like oversteer, this is a term used to describe the sensitivity of a vehicle to steering. Understeer occurs when a car steers less than, or 'under' the amount commanded or expected by the driver. ABS brakes and Traction Control systems are designed to help correct oversteer and understeer.
UCSR stands for Used Car Safety Rating. As with ANCAP, a 5 Star rating is the best. Before settling on a used car model it's worth checking its UCSR rating. You can do this by visiting the UCSR website www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au.
Stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is a commonly used digital connecting device. Many cars now have USB ports to allow you to play MP3 music files and DivX™ video.
Toyota engine system that provides variations of the intake valve timing to provide optimal valve timing for the full range of driving conditions. It can improve driveability, performance, fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Dual VVT-I provides even greater improvement, by independently varying exhaust valve timing as well as intake timing.
Your vehicle’s Batch number may be found on the Retail Delivery Record. This could possibly be stored in your vehicle’s Service & Warranty Booklet.
This is a unique identifying code numbers given to every new vehicle. It is used by manufacturers, insurance companies and government agencies to identify individual vehicles. The vehicle's VIN can be etched into several parts of the car as a security safeguard.
System that ensures control in cornering situations the way ABS does under braking and TRC does under acceleration. The VSC system utilises electronic sensors in conjunction with the ABS and TRC hardware to help control any potential understeer or oversteer situations. Understeer is when the vehicle loses front-wheel traction and wants to push forward nose first. Oversteer is when the rear wheels lose traction and the tail begins to slide.
Voice control technology uses speech recognition technology to enable the driver to control the audio system.
Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seats are designed to reduce the likelihood of whiplash injury to occupants in the event of a collision.
Windows Media Audio (WMA) is an audio format commonly used on CDs.