Will Toyota ever put a foot wrong in the hybrid vehicle category?
Having already established itself as the market leader with the iconic Toyota Prius, the Japanese company is now enjoying further sales success with its latest model – the Sai hybrid-only luxury compact saloon car.
Just one month after its introduction, the vehicle has received around 14,000 orders with a monthly sales target for Japan now set at 3,000 units.
The Sai is based on the platform used for the Lexus HS250h and will go on sale in Japan from December 7. It includes a 2.4litre Atkinson four cylinder engine with variable valve timing with intelligence, as well as a 105kW motor and reduction gear. As the intake valve closure is delayed, the engine is capable of a high expansion ratio at low pressure, which in turn raises heat efficiency.
The Toyota Sai Hybrid has fuel efficiency of 54mpg on the 10-15 cycle, and under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism test cycle its fuel efficiency is rated at 46.6mpg.
