Toyota has come up with a variant of its Mark X, the ZiO, alias 4+Free concept, which reveals a flexible interior that can transform to suit a variety of requirements. The vehicle exemplifies the concern of Japanese automakers when it comes to cabin arrangements that can shift quickly.
The new version comes with a ‘three mode cabin’ which facilitates four to seven passengers. In Personal Sedan Mode, a tonneau board with dual tonneau covers creates a sedan-like vehicle. Put away the tonneau board and covers, and a large cargo space in the rear is formed for the Active Wagon Mode. The Friendly Minivan Mode puts in more sitting capacity by raising third-row seats in the cargo space.
Technologically advanced Mark X ZiO includes a wide-view front monitor with a 190-degree field of view that shows the ground in front of the vehicle and left and right frontal areas. Pre-crash safety system uses a radar for activating the pre-crash seatbelts and brake assist functions.
Mark X ZiO comes in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Engine choices comprise a 2.4-liter mated to a constantly variable transmission or a 3.5-liter mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Prices vary from the equivalent of $22,140 for the 240 model to $28,800 for the 350G model.
Currently, the vehicle will be sold only in Japan, it may enter Chinese market but the company has ruled out any chance of the vehicle reaching US shores.
[Courtesy: Edmunds]
