Sep. 24, 1998

Toyota Markets New Compact Five-Door "Duet"

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) today announced the launch of the "Duet," a new compact five-door, two-box automobile. The Duet is manufactured by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. for TMC on an OEM^* basis.

Featuring individualistic styling, the Duet is mounted with a high-torque 1.0-liter engine that also boasts low fuel consumption and clean emissions. Based on Daihatsu's popular "Storia," Toyota's new model comes with ABS and other features as standard equipment.

^*Original Equipment Manufacturing

Major Features

Package

The Duet has a minimum turning radius of only 4.3m thanks to its easy-to-handle compact body of only 3,660mm (L) x 1,600mm (W) x 1,450mm (H). Despite its compact size, the Duet provides roomy cabin space of 1,725mm (L) x 1,330mm (W) x 1,165mm (H).

The seating point for the front seats is set at a high 555mm to allow greater ease of access and egress and to provide a clear line of sight.

Exterior

The unique exterior design of the Duet is recognizable at a glance. Major equipment includes multi-reflector head lamps, specially plated front bumper moldings and side protection moldings, all of which contribute to the quality feel of the Duet.

Interior

The design of the instrument panel uses abundant curves, metallic-painted meters, and a center cluster that together also contribute to the Duet's feel of quality. "Passenger-friendly" features include front door windows made of UV-cut glass, and a steering wheel, shift lever knob, assist grips, and other components with antibacterial surfaces.

Power Train

The Duet is equipped with the EJ-DE model 3-cylinder twin-cam 1.0-liter gasoline engine. The engine provides high torque, together with low fuel consumption and clean emissions.

The 4WD version is equipped with a "Flex Full-Time" mechanism, which produces torque close to that available from front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) configuration models when the car is running straight and under normal conditions, and also provides the rear wheels with optimum torque when running on slippery or curved road surfaces.

Safety

Active safety technologies include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and mechanical two-stage assist braking. Passive safety features include a body construction that assures superior collision safety, and dual supplemental restraint system (SRS) air bags as standard items on all Duet models.

Sales Outline

Monthly sales target: 3,000 units

Showroom announcements: October 3 (Sat.) and October 4 (Sun.), 1998

Main Engine SpecificationsDuet

Note: Figures in brackets < > are for models with automatic transmissions.

Downloads (Images)

Duet