Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/286290
43 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 MARCH 2014 MOTORING Toyota i-Road hits the streets in first public trials TOYOTA has launched the first pub- lic trials of its ultra-compact i-Road electric three-wheeled "personal mobility vehicle" to find out how it shapes up in the cut-and-thrust of real-world urban driving. Consumer testing in Tokyo began on 24 March and continues through to early June, with 10 of the single- seater vehicles taking to the city streets. The 20 people involved in the pro- gramme range from industry experts through to members of the general public, so that Toyota can gain a wide range of feedback on what i-Road is like to drive, how easy it is to use around town, how it affects people's decisions about what journeys to make and driver satisfaction. The vehicles are based on the con- cept versions shown at last year's Tokyo motor show, but also include adjustments to improve visibility, ease of use and manoeuvrability. Its compact, slim shape and 300kg kerb weight makes i-Road as nimble to handle in traffic as a scooter, but with car-like stability thanks to its two-at-the-front-one- at-the-rear wheel configuration and a clever, Toyota-engineered leaning attitude when cornering. More research into i-Road's poten- tial as a valuable addition to commu- nity-based transport networks is un- der way in Toyota City, where it has recently been introduced into the ex- perimental Ha:mo low carbon urban transport project. It is also coming to Europe this year with two-seater models set to take part in a vehicle- sharing programme that will operate in the French city of Grenoble over the next four years. For more information on Toyota and its products, visit the Toyota showroom situated in Mdina Road Zebbug log on the Toyota Malta Fa- cebook page or call on 2269 4000.