New Mirai targets 10-fold sales increase 01 | 12 | 2020
TOYOTA HAS REVEALED its latest Mirai. The second-generation of the Japanese carmaker’s hydrogen-fuelled model is expected to see a 10-fold increase in global sales over its predecessor. Worth mentioning here, frustratingly there are currently only around a dozen or so hydrogen filling stations in the UK. (Related: New Toyota Yaris supermini starts at £19,910)
Bigger, more powerful and able to travel further than its predecessor, new Mirai is based on an all-new platform. While overall height has been reduced by 65 mm to 1470mm, there is a 140mm increase in the wheelbase (2920mm).
With the rear overhang extended by 85mm, overall vehicle length is now 4975mm. A 75mm increase in the track width and the use of larger, 19 and 20-inch wheels add to the lower and more dynamic stance and visual sense of the new Mirai’s lower centre of gravity. (Related: Land Cruiser gains more power)
It also has three three hydrogen tanks, giving an expected range of around 400 miles; that’s a 30% increase over the previous car. Adopting the GA-L platform has allowed the fuel cell stack and drivetrain components to be repackaged in a way that makes more efficient use of space. (Related: New 2020 Toyota Hilux)
The result is a more spacious, five-seat cabin and a better chassis balance. Most significantly, it has enabled those three high-pressure hydrogen tanks to be fitted.
The tanks are arranged in a “T” configuration, the longest running longitudinally and centrally beneath the vehicle floor, with two smaller tanks set laterally beneath the rear seats and luggage compartment. Together they can hold 5.6kg of hydrogen, compared to 4.6kg in the current Mirai’s two tanks. Their position contributes to the car’s lower centre of gravity and avoids compromising load space.
The reconfiguration of the powertrain layout has also resulted in a 50:50 weight distribution. There’s also more power, now up to 177bhp, while suspension changes have resulted in a more engaging driving experience, according to Toyota.
The company also believes the new saying has delivered a car which has “a stronger emotional appeal”, which Toyota hopes will result in more people being attracted to its looks — it’s now more aligned to the executive segment — and the way it drives, and not simply by its eco-performance. (Related: Toyota RAV4 Black Edition)
The environmental benefit of driving the Toyota Mirai go beyond zero emissions to “negative emissions”; the car effectively cleans the air as it moves.
A Toyota innovation, a catalyst-type filter is incorporated in the air intake. As air is drawn into the vehicle to supply the fuel cell, an electric charge on the non-woven fabric filter element captures microscopic particles of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx) and PM 2.5 particulates. The system is effective in removing 90% to 100%of particles between 0 and 2.5 microns in diameter from the air as it passes into the fuel cell system.
As for pricing? Expect the new Mirai to cost around £53,000 when it arrives in showrooms; that’s close to 20% lower than before.
Related: Toyota GR Yaris starts at £29,995
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Jim McGill