2021 Toyota Venza

Toyota has introduced its all-new 2021 Venza which comes equipped exclusively with the Toyota Hybrid System II powertrain and advanced Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. Along with comfortable urban and highway performance, Venza is expected to have impressive fuel efficiency, with a preliminary manufacturer-estimated 40 MPG combined fuel economy in LE trim.

The 2021 Venza, which arrives in Toyota dealerships this summer, is built around a version of the Toyota New Global Architecture K platform that underpins some of the company’s sedans and crossovers. As such, Venza delivers the best of both worlds: sedan-like driving comfort and CUV versatility.

The 2021 Venza offers ample room for five in a highly maneuverable package. A host of tech-focused features are available, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with nine JBL speakers, 7-inch multi-information display (MID), digital rear-view mirror, and 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Other available features include a Star GazeTM fixed panoramic glass roof, a first-ever for Toyota, and heated and ventilated front seats that set the stage for true, graceful grand touring.

Venza’s top innovation is literally found on top of the vehicle. In a first for Toyota, the 2021 Venza offers an available Star GazeTM fixed panoramic glass roof. The Star GazeTM electrochromic glass technology allows drivers to switch from transparent to frosted modes within one second using the ON/OFF button. In the frosted mode, Star GazeTM brightens the interior while reducing direct sunlight, giving the cabin an even more open, airy, and inviting feeling.

Visibility-enhancing technology surrounds the driver. The Venza LE grade features a 4.2-inch color MID, while XLE and Limited grades receive a 7-inch color MID.  In either display, a Hybrid System Indicator shows the driver system output and regeneration status to encourage eco-driving habits. As used on other Toyota hybrid models, the display suggests the optimal acceleration amount for eco driving and provides a game-like scoring function for the driver.

The 2021 Venza is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring periodically from Dallas - tosan@trendyafrica.com

covid-19 pandemic: Bugatti restarts production in the workshop

From today, Bugatti is once again producing its unique hyper sports cars in the workshop in Molsheim. Following the break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some employees are now returning to the main factory in Alsace. They will be able to work on the hyper sports cars; Chiron, and Divo subject to strict conditions.

A Bugatti task force has been working over recent weeks on specific rules of conduct for the restart, taking into consideration the legal requirements of the French government and recommendations from international experts.

Every employee will be given their own protective face mask on arrival at the Molsheim site. These must always be worn on the premises and in the work areas, even if a safety distance of 1.5 metres is also maintained and specified rules for washing hands are followed. In addition, employees will be required to clean their tools thoroughly before and after use.

Contactless processing of incoming and outgoing goods wherever possible, as well as reduction of deliveries and maintenance to a minimum, will be as much a part of the new normal in the coming weeks as continued meetings via Skype.

Tosan Aduayi reports on motoring from Dallas