While the US Big 3 are struggling with their product lines and even while Toyota posts its first lost in decades, the auto industry is moving ahead with new models and new features for those are in the market for a new car or updating with a more gas efficient model. New for 2009 from Toyota is the new crossover Venza.

Toyota press release:

Toyota's all-new 2009 Venza crossover vehicle, featuring a unique blend of sedan refinement and SUV functionality, was recently unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, MI, designed at Toyota's Calty facilities in Newport Beach, CA, and Ann Arbor, and to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the Venza will be sold exclusively in North America.

"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. "This winning combination will be ideal for active ‘boomers' and young couples with small families."

The focus of the Venza design team was to create a crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior while also sporting key SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.

The five-passenger Venza combines:

• Lower rocker design to allow passengers to more easily step in and out than is available on a typical sedan
  
• Higher ride height and hip points to provide significantly better driver visibility than most sedans and easier ingress and egress than most SUVs
  
• A spacious interior with ample room for occupants and SUV-like cargo space.
  
• An array of comfort and convenience features that provides Venza with a refined look and feel commonly reserved for a luxury sedan.
  

All Venza models are equipped with standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, Optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza comes standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Among other Toyota firsts being offered are:

• Available panoramic roof featuring separate glass panels over the front and rear seats, with the front glass panel having a power tilt/slide function.
  
• Automatic High Beam headlight system with sensors to detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low-beam, and return to high-beam mode when oncoming traffic is no longer detected.
  

Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Power is generated by an available 3.5-litre V6 that produces 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds (1587.6 kg). Standard power comes from an all-new 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers solid performance, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines are mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

Among the standard safety features:

• Seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and side and curtain airbags for both rows of seats.
  
• The first sedan with Toyota's 5 prong safety system: anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control.
  
• Active head restraints.

"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Wearing. "It will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."

Visit www.toyota.ca for more information.