Toyota Unveils Century Ultra-Luxury SUV in Japan

MANILA: Toyota Motor Corporation has officially launched the new Toyota Century in Japan.

The Century was introduced in 1967 as Toyota's premium chauffeur-driven vehicle. Until then, Western luxury car manufacturers were ruling the Japanese chauffeur car market. Toyota was determined to develop a completely new luxury Japanese vehicle that could compete on the global arena in an effort to make a breakthrough.

The first-generation Toyota Century was made using the most advanced technology available in Japan at the time. The concept behind it was a prestigious design utilizing traditional Japanese aesthetics and a human-centered approach to achieve exceptional quietness and comfort. The Toyota Century has been the go-to chauffeur car in Japan for more than 50 years because it exudes an unmatched sense of omotenashi, or hospitality, which guarantees its valued passengers arrive at their destinations in luxury and comfort.

Under the concept of “The Chauffeur,” the new model has evolved into a chauffeur car that will continue to exceed customer expectations while preserving the elegance, quietness, and riding comfort befitting a Century.

The “stately grandeur” theme of the Toyota Century's exterior is presented with Japanese aesthetic elements. The delicately engraved phoenix emblem and the mirror finish, a glossy shine produced by meticulously polishing painted surfaces, serve as examples of the exterior's perfect finishing down to the finest detail by master craftspeople.

The headlights and taillights each have four set-back lamps, giving a stately look.

The new Toyota Century also offers a cozy interior with space and features that may be used in various stations. Rear passengers can unwind in the fully reclining seats with features like a refreshment function.

Easy entry and exit is provided by rear doors that open to a wide 75-degree angle and a sweeping cabin floor. Additionally, convenient automatic retractable power steps and easy-to-grasp C-pillar grips help rear-seat passengers do a natural and graceful entry and exit.

The audio system inside the new Toyota Century was developed using the top-notch methods and finely honed auditory sensibility of a musical instrument manufacturing master. This provides a cozy listening space that immerses passengers in the feeling of a live performance.

The cockpit has features and functions designed for professional drivers. Its enhanced ease of use also allows owners to concentrate on the driving when they are behind the wheel themselves.

Under the hood of the new Toyota Century is a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system, which allows the car to operate as a battery electric vehicle for daily driving and as a hybrid electric vehicle for long-distance trips.

The Dynamic Rear Steering four-wheel steering system offers easy control at low speeds and seamless natural handling at medium to high speeds.

There is also a Rear Comfort mode that assists the driver in controlling the car to guarantee a comfortable ride for rear passengers. Additionally, the Rear Comfort mode works with the braking control to lessen jolts when the car stops.

The body's torsional rigidity and ride comfort have been improved. Noise-reducing clear laminated glass is applied on the cabin side of the cargo space separator in order to properly separate the cabin from the cargo area and achieve the seclusion and remarkable quietness experienced in chauffeur-driven vehicles.

Toyota is now accepting orders for the new Toyota Century in Japan. This chauffeur-driven vehicle is priced at ¥25 million (approximately P9.7 million).

Photos from Toyota Motor Corporation

Also read:

Toyota surpasses 9.1-M global annual output target

Toyota’s new management team to put priority on electrification