Toyota Unveils Luxurious New Century SUV Dedicated For Chauffeurs

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the latest addition to its prestigious Century lineup. This all-new Century model is now open for orders, with plans to grace the streets in 2023. Importantly, Toyota has confirmed that this launch will not replace the existing Century sedan but rather expand the brand's offerings within the luxury vehicle segment. Additionally, Toyota has announced plans to produce 30 units of the new Century per month, specifically for the Japanese market.

With a heritage dating back to 1967, the Century was Toyota's strategic response to the dominance of Western luxury car brands in Japan's chauffeur car market. The original Century captured attention for its blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and state-of-the-art technology, placing an emphasis on comfort and tranquillity. Over the course of more than five decades, it has become the preferred choice for those seeking chauffeured luxury, embodying the essence of Japanese hospitality, known as "omotenashi," and ensuring passengers' utmost comfort during their journeys.

Considering shifting preferences and modern requirements, Toyota's development team embarked on a journey to create a new Century model. Dubbed "The Chauffeur," this endeavour aimed to not only meet but exceed contemporary customer expectations while preserving the core values of dignity, serenity, and ride comfort that have defined the Century brand.

The vehicle embodies "stately grandeur" through a harmonious fusion of Japanese aesthetic elements with horizontal and vertical design features. The exterior is a testament to master craftsmanship, boasting meticulously engraved phoenix emblems and a mirror-like finish achieved through meticulous polishing. The cabin is thoughtfully designed to prioritise passenger comfort and functionality. It features fully reclining rear seats equipped with a refreshment function and a top-tier audio system.

The new Century boasts wide-opening rear doors, automatic retractable power steps, and user-friendly C-pillar grips, ensuring graceful and convenient passenger entry and exit. The front cabin incorporates a range of functions and features tailored to professional drivers while allowing owners to immerse themselves in the driving experience.

A newly developed 3.5-litre V6 plug-in hybrid system combines power and tranquillity, making it ideal for a Century. This plug-in hybrid system switches between a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) for daily driving and a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) for long-distance travel, delivering robust acceleration for both chauffeur-driven and personal use. The introduction of a "Dynamic Rear Steering" four-wheel steering system guarantees easy maneuvering at low speeds and impeccable control at medium to high speeds.

The new Century introduces a "Rear Comfort mode" that elevates passenger comfort during braking and vehicle control, ensuring a smoother ride. Featuring a newly developed "luggage compartment separate structure," the vehicle's torsional rigidity and cabin isolation have been significantly improved. Noise-reducing clear laminated glass separates the cabin from the cargo area, creating the privacy and remarkable quietness synonymous with chauffeur-driven vehicles.