Did you know that the Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling car?  It is, and for good reason.  Going forward into its eleventh generation, the newest Corolla offers the same legendary reliability in a more refined package – or so we think.  Revealed at a line-off ceremony at Toyota Motor Company’s newest state-of-the-art Central Motor manufacturing facility in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, the new Corolla boasts increased interior volume, vastly improved visibility, a more stylish appearance, and better fuel efficiency – thanks to a new CVT transmission and engine start/stop technology.

The Corolla is offered in two different versions in Japan – the Corolla Axio (sedan) and Corolla Fielder (wagon), with more sales volume anticipated for the Fielder (for the record, the last year the Toyota Corolla wagon was on sale in the U.S. was 1997).  The version we are most likely to receive here in the United States will be a reworked version of the sedan (most likely to with a new grille and halogen reflector-style headlamps, not HIDs), but since rumblings emerged about the likely discontinuation of the Toyota Matrix, we may receive a wagon after all.  On the technical side of things, the new Corolla will be available with a choice of two different inline-four-cylinder engines – a 1.5-liter or a 1.8-liter – and a choice of a CVT or 5-speed manual transmission.  While the 1.5-liter motor boasts better fuel economy, we’re likely to only see the 1.8-liter make it to our shores.

Inside, the Corolla’s interior looks like an updated, slightly smaller version of what we can expect from the upcoming Avalon, with hints of Scion FR-S, Camry, and Prius c – the latter of which is produced in the same factory as the new Corolla.  The Japanese model appears to come available with convenience features like automatic climate control and navigation, while boasting available luxury touches, like wooden trimmings around the power controls on each door, the shift gate, center stack, and the top section of the steering wheel – that’s right – you can be “wood-grain grippin’” in a JDM Corolla if you so desire.  The new Corolla also features a higher roofline than the previous model, and a lower belt line – which, along with an expanded cabin and thinner A-pillars – creates an unprecedented amount of all-around visibility for the driver.  All this comes in a package that is not visibly larger than the current model.

Will the Corolla we receive in the ‘States look like this?  We certainly hope so.

Source – Toyota Global Showroom
Image Credit – Toyota Global Showroom

Toyota’s back in the EV SUV game.  You may remember the RAV4 EV from the late 1990’s – they’re still around, decidedly less futuristic-looking than they once were.  The new RAV4 EV is much more stylish and tastefully executed than Toyota’s previous go-around with the all-electric SUV, and as a result of Toyota’s partnership with Tesla Motors, the battery technology behind this extraordinary vehicle is state-of-the-art.  The RAV4 EV has a range of approximately 100 miles while able to achieve a full charge in as little as 6 hours on a 240V charger, and reach speeds of up to 100 mph in Sport mode (and 85 mph in Normal mode).  The electric powertrain produces a healthy 154 HP and a mysterious amount of torque (Toyota hasn’t announced it yet, but seeing as how the RAV4 EV can sprint from 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, it’s probably somewhere in the mid-200 lb.ft. range).

Inside the RAV4 EV you’ll find an eight-inch touch screen that displays navigation, telematics, EV drive info and Toyota’s Entune system.  The interior is upholstered in a unique “Neutron” fabric that is woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent.  Interior volume is uncompromised by the vehicle’s EV componentry and retains the gasoline-powered RAV4’s 73 cubic-feet of space.  Outside, the RAV4 EV receives distinct styling cues to separate it from its gas-burning brethren by way of a re-worked front grille treatment that features the “EV” logo, and the halogen reflector headlights have been replaced by LED projector units.  Also a dead giveaway for the EV is the lack of a tail pipe or rear mounted spare tire.

Sale of the RAV4 EV will be restricted to four select major California markets that include Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles/Orange County, and San Diego with a price tag of $49,800.

Please browse the high-resolution image gallery below (Facebook gallery can be found here).  If there’s white space below, hit “refresh” on your browser.

Source – Toyota USA Newsroom
Image/Video Credit – Toyota USA Newsroom

The majority of the population in America takes for granted the simple things in life – being able to walk, tie one’s shoes, or even climb into the back seat of a car.  Not everyone can enjoy these simple things, but Toyota aims to change that. Introducing the Toyota Mobility Program.  Back in 2001, Toyota began providing solutions to serve customers and their families to enhance their quality of life.  The program is one of the most comprehensive available from an original equipment manufacturer, from the research, development, and installation of their own mobility assistance equipment, to offering financial assistance towards the installation of mobility assistance solutions provided by a third party onto a Toyota vehicle.  This includes equipment like wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, and hand controls designed Toyota’s most popular models.

Toyota currently offers one complete model that comes equipped from the factory with Toyota’s Auto Access Seat – The Sienna.  Available on LE or XLE trims, the Auto Access Seat offers 90-degrees of rotation with a lift capacity of 330 pounds, and lowers to within 19” of the ground with a minimal amount of 4” of side travel.  It also reclines up to 24 degrees for maximum maneuverability and comfort.

For more information on the Sienna equipped with the Auto Access seat, please visit http://www.toyotamobility.com.  Mungenast Alton Toyota will gladly assist you with ordering your Sienna with Auto Access, or any other mobility solutions-equipped vehicle to suit your specific needs.

To watch the Auto Access Seat in action, watch the video below:

Source: Toyota
Image Credit: Toyota

The 2013 Avalon strikes back at its competition with bold styling and a host of new luxury and technology features.   The Avalon is the largest sedan that Toyota makes under its own nameplate, although it’s not been the most successful in terms of sales volume.  Toyota hopes to change all that, and also change perceptions about who the Avalon is really aimed at.  For starters, let’s take a look at the front of the car – if it looks familiar, that’s because the headlights and grille are reminiscent of the 2012 Camry, but look closer.  Notice that there’s an LED accent surrounding each of the projectors.  Also you’ll see a large lower grille that emphasizes the 2013 Avalon’s new sporting nature.

Looking around the vehicle, you’ll notice several things about its dimensions.  The front and rear overhangs have been greatly reduced, and so have the visual gaps between the tires and the fender wells (not quite a “slammed” stance, but it’s a step in the right direction, so let’s call it “semiflush”), which is certainly a nice thing to see automakers paying attention to, especially in this segment.  Inside the Avalon, occupants will be surrounded by a very premium environment highlighted by stitched leather on the dash, warm wood accents, and a host of other luxurious features, like available heated and cooled front seats and the Toyota Entune system.

Pricing and availability have not yet been announced, so stay with us and we’ll post that information as soon as it becomes available.

Source – Toyota USA Newsroom

Image Credit – Toyota USA Newsroom

Hot on the heels of their NS4 concept, which debuted in Detroit in January, Toyota plans to debut a new U.S.-designed sedan they describe as “stunning”.  And we believe them.  If the design of this new sedan is half as good as the NS4’s, color us happy.   Although Toyota hasn’t dropped the skinny on what this vehicle might be, given the fact that it is being shown so close to the NS4 (not to mention the Avalon is getting old) may perhaps generate speculation that the two show cars might be tied together in some way.  Is this new vehicle a production version of the NS4?  A prototype of a replacement for the Toyota Avalon?  Who knows.  We’ll be watching from afar thanks to high fuel costs Toyota’s willingness to share and broadcast the official debut online, which is going down at 2 p.m. EDT on April 5, 2012 and hosted on Toyota’s Facebook page.

Source – Toyota

Sales of the all-new Toyota Prius c subcompact hybrid began on March 12^th.  Today is only March 16^th, and already Toyota is reporting that the company has sold 1,201 of them – in three days.  Undoubtedly, the major contributing factor to the Prius c’s overwhelming popularity is the ascent of fuel prices.  With the average price of regular unleaded hovering between $3.89 in St. Louis (it’s around $4.09 here in Alton, though), combined with the Prius c’s starting price of just under $19,000, it’s hard not to talk yourself into purchasing one of these.  We had one in Magnetic Gray Metallic, but it sold very quickly – just as we expected.

Given the sales velocity of the 2012 Toyota Prius c, we don’t expect them to last very long on our lot.  If you are looking for something affordable that gets a combined 50 mpg figure, you should seriously consider a Prius c.  We urge you to come into Mungenast Alton Toyota-Scion to reserve yours as soon as possible.

Source - Toyota USA Newsroom

Amidst the escalation of fuel prices comes a sparkle of hope – it’s the new 2012 Toyota Prius c.  And while we’ve known about this vehicle for some time now, we weren’t exactly sure of what option packages would be available for each trim level, or what a Prius c with everything on it (hold the onions) would cost.  That all changes today, because Toyota USA just rolled out their online configuration tool for the Prius c.

While admittedly not quite as cool as the configurator for the Lexus LFA (which is notorious for giving users the capability to create hilariously grotesque color combinations even a wealthy Sheikh wouldn’t order, by the way) it’s very insightful for illustrating what your desired Prius c would look like and then show you an MSRP for it.  For starters, there are four different trim levels from which to begin: Prius c One, Two Three or Four.  With a base MSRP of $18,950 (before $760 destination charge) the Prius c One model comes equipped with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, a 3.5-inch TFT Multi-Information-Display, nine airbags, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information-Display and Bluetooth hands-free phone controls, remote keyless entry, and LED tail lights.  Likewise, a fully-loaded Prius c Four with navigation and all the trimmings will still set you back a reasonable $26,287.

Head on over to Toyota’s Prius c website so that you can see what you can come up with.  Remember, if there’s a certain combination you’re looking for, please contact us at Mungenast Alton Toyota directly so that we can further assist you in ordering the perfect vehicle!

Source – Toyota USA

Image Credit – Toyota USA

Can you lick your elbow?  No, you can’t… but can you really get over 100mpg in a non-plug-in hybrid?  That’s the $60,000 question of the day.  Everyone knows that gas prices are on the rise, and they won’t be dropping anytime soon.  Besides getting a new car (insert plug for being a dealership here, wink-wink), there are techniques that you can do to lower your overall fuel consumption over the course of time, and the word hypermiling refers to the practice of using such techniques to an extreme degree, even for sport.  For example, there was this guy in a Prius who got 138 mpg on a closed course during a hypermiling event in Indiana a couple years ago.  While events like these can be fun, not everything that goes on is necessarily safe, or even road legal.

First rule of hypermiling: Never burn gas unless you have to.  Although next to impossible while driving a motor vehicle of any kind, this task is easier in a hybrid than it is in anything else, especially in a Prius.  With the EV mode engaged, when a light turns green, just get a rolling start.  Literally, roll.  When you accelerate at a decently respectable rate, you’re unnecessarily burning refined, 87-octane dino-juice that costs you too much money to waste like that (shame on you and your decency).  Once you’re at hypermiling speed, oh… call it 30mph, you can back off the throttle.  Maybe in a mile or two you’ll be at 35, who knows.  If you’re going downhill, through it in neutral, or if able, cut the motor (granted, this will also cut your power steering and braking ability, so this is not recommended).  The only time we would recommend cutting the motor would be in a drive through – considering you’re spending the majority of your time stopped anyway.  Rule of thumb – if you know you’re going to be stopped for anywhere over 30 seconds to a minute, or even longer – it’s probably ok to turn the engine off.  With fuel injection and other technologies, it takes less fuel to get started back up again than if you had spent that time idling your engine.

Once you’re at cruising speed, this is where things can go either really well or really badly.  For starters, roll up your windows and put the top up (if applicable).  Second, turn the A/C off.  Most importantly – slow your roll.  If you do the speed limit, or just under (magic speed is somewhere in the vicinity of 50-55 for most cars), you’ll get insane mileage compared to what you’d otherwise get at 65mph, 75mph, or even faster.

Yeah, and that stop sign?  Second rule: True hypermilers don’t stop.  Stopping requires getting going again, and that kills the planet faster.  If you have to stop, just roll out slow when you get started again.  And in most traffic situations, not only is stopping mandatory to thwart the 5-0, personal injury, or perhaps death – it’s just common courtesy.  Stopping on an incline is even worse, because you have to use even more gas getting up that hill.

Third rule: It doesn’t matter what you drive. Ok, so it’s not really a rule, but it’s worth mentioning that anyone can be smart about how much fuel they use.  Fundamentally speaking though, your fuel economy capabilities are a direct function of the vehicle you drive.  It’s also worth mentioning that we have a variety of vehicles in stock that can achieve 30 mpg, 40 mpg 50 mpg, or even more.  Interested?  Go to www.mungenast.com and search by fuel economy category.

When Toyota began selling vans in the United States in 1983, it entered into one of the most competitive segments, and some may argue that it was Toyota that brought a pocket-knife to a gun fight.  The Toyota Van debuted in 1983 (as a 1984 model) and allowed Toyota to offer the same comfort, convenience, and utility to Americans that the company’s Japanese buyers had already been enjoying.  What’s more, there were no small vans in the U.S. during the time, as even the original Caravan was larger.  However, the Japanese had been making minivans for much longer, and the Toyota Van was sold globally with much success.

Although not all minivan makers have been successful over the years, Toyota is still a major player in America’s most taboo automotive segment.  Nowadays, it seems like people are all but abandoning minivans altogether, but the sales numbers suggest something different.  Although everyone you know might have said to you at some point “I wouldn’t be caught dead driving one of those,” there comes a time when most of us had been in a situation in which we wish we had a minivan available.  But seriously, who wants to drive a minivan every day?  Toyota knows how you feel, so they stepped up their game and not only brought us the sexiest minivan on the market, they went and gave the SE model a ‘tude.   Seriously, we’re not kidding.  Toyota makes one killer minivan. Killer, as in husbands will steal their wives’ minivans.

Not every van out there can claim that it has been positively referenced with the words “performance” and “handling” in the same sentence.  Fact of it is, when Motor Trend compared the Sienna against two of its rivals, the reviewers praised the Sienna for both its solid performance and sporty handling.  Not only that, but the Sienna looks good.  It’s bold, sporty lines are ones you’d never expect to see on a minivan, and the plush, quiet interior is second-to-none.  The overall fit and finish is the best offered in this segment and Toyota hit the ball out of the park by pairing the Sienna’s good looks with solid performance to match.  Offering up your choice of either a 187 hp 2.7 liter inline-four, or a 3.5 liter V6 with 266 hp, the Sienna’s standard six-speed transmission with manual mode is the best transmission available in the minivan segment.  Don’t forget about Toyota Care – the manufacturer has your back for the first 2 years/25,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Its sporty looks, surprising performance, uncompromising utility, and competitive price make the Sienna the perfect fit for any active family.  Stop by Mungenast Alton Toyota/Scion today and see why the Sienna (especially the SE model) is the driving enthusiast’s choice among minivans.

Source – Toyota

Image Credit – Toyota USA Newsroom

Next time when you’re driving around town, and look at all the SUVs out there, think of all those poor kids in the second row who have to deal with each other fighting over who’s taking up more room.  Sure, having a full second row bench has its merits – among them, being able to actually carry three people in back.  But kids will be kids, so that’s why Toyota offers a removable center section in the second row, effectively creating captain’s chairs – so the peace can be kept among those who require separate spaces.  Oh, and there’s other cool stuff the Highlander does, too.

For those of you who don’t know, the Toyota Highlander has been the brand’s highly successful, midsized CUV, and it slots above the compact RAV-4 and larger, more capable 4Runner.  Where the Highlander shines is in versatility and family-friendliness.  The Highlander seats up to seven passengers, and unlike most vehicles with a third row, accessing the Highlander’s back row is relatively simple and doesn’t require a lot of movement of the second row seats.  Instead of folding the seat halfway up, it just folds forward and slides very easily.  Once you’re back there, just pull the seat back into position.  It’s that easy.

Toyota offers the Highlander in a number of trims and variations so that you can pretty much get what you want on it without having to go all-out.  And heck, if you want to go all-out and check all the boxes, you’ll wind up having one of the most luxurious, capable, and fuel-efficient midsize CUV’s on the road.  The base Highlander comes standard with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 2WD (or optional 3.5-liter V6 in either 2WD or 4WD), projector headlights, a 50/50 split third row, 17-inch alloy wheels, and seven airbags.  Step up to the SE, and the first and second row passengers will be treated to leather-trimmed seats, a power liftgate, power tilt/slide moonroof, and multi-stage heated front seats.  Adding to the SE, the Limited trim gives you wood-grain style interior trim, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, three-zone automatic climate control, and a Smart Key System for push-button start and lock/unlock functionality on the door handles.  The 3.5-liter V6 is the only available engine on the Limited, and you still have your choice of 2WD or 4WD.

And then, there’s the Highlander Hybrid, which uses the 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor strapped to it for a total engine output figure of 280 horsepower, and comes in a 4WD configuration only. The Highlander Hybrid is available in a Hybrid trim level the Hybrid Limited trim, and the main differences between them content-wise is the same as the difference between the non-hybrid SE and Limited models.

For more information on the Highlander, please visit our website.  We invite you to visit our dealership in beautiful, historic Alton, IL to see the Highlander for yourself.  Until then, enjoy the high-resolution gallery below.

Source: Toyota

Image Credit – Toyota USA Newsroom