Toyota Bb

The Toyota bB is a small wagon produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation initially based on the Toyota Vitz. While the box-shaped car was initially targeted towards Japanese men in their twenties, it is also popular with women buyers as well. It was introduced in 2000, and in 2001, a model called bB "open deck" was released. It had an open deck that made it like a coupe utility, similar to the Subaru Baja.

The 2nd generation bB was introduced as the music player in Dec 2005 and is equipped with 109hp 1.5L (Z Model) 3SZ-VE VVT-i engine or 92hp 1.3L (S Model) K3-VE VVT-i engine. 4WD is optional.

A 3rd generation bB has been introduced. It uses the same engine, but has interior and exterior revisions, as well as side-curtain airbags.

Toyota calls the new bB "a car-shaped music player" with nine speakers strategically located throughout the vehicle to maximize the aural experience. It also carries over the element from the bB concept at Tokyo that we all thought was so cool -- lights that flash in time with the music to create a nightclub feel.

Toyota Press Release (excerpts)

The new bB retains the strengths of the previous bB and strives to embody the lifestyle of people who want to be surrounded by music everywhere they go, adopting the development theme of "A Car-shaped Music Player" to satisfy the preferences of the younger generation.

With an emphasis on "sound", "illumination", and "relaxation", the new bB seeks to create an interior space in which one can be completely immersed in music. To achieve this, the bB incorporates an audio system that uses the latest in acoustic technology and features interior lighting that flashes in rhythm to the music, while newly developed front seats help create a sense of privacy.

A Creative Interior, Equipped to Enhance the Joy of Music

• With an emphasis on "sound", "illumination" and "relaxation", the new bB nurtures an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and establishes a creative interior space for the enjoyment of music.

• The instrument panel employs a large and smooth, stadium-like shape with a subwoofer in the center console and tweeters on both sides, forming a space akin to an enclosed DJ booth.

Sound

• Nine speakers are optimally located around the interior—a subwoofer in the center console, and speakers and tweeters in the left and right front doors, instrument panel and front pillars—creating powerful bass tones and the feeling of being surrounded 360 degrees by music in a high-quality sound space.

• Four different audio modes, using surround DSP (digital signal processing) technology, accommodate listener preferences and the situation at hand.

• An input jack facilitates a direct connection with portable music players to input music from a variety of sources.

Illumination

• Illumination is installed in 11 locations, including around the speakers, and in the cup holders and door trim, and it flashes in rhythm to the music, creating an atmosphere akin to a nightclub or live music concert.

• Three kinds of illumination modes are available to choose from, to accommodate one's personal preferences and the surrounding environment.

Relaxation

• The newly developed "Mattari-mode seats" ("laid-back" mode seats) in the front not only recline, they sink about 80mm to create a couch-like feeling. This delivers an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and privacy.

Individualistic Styling that Appeals to Youthful Sensibilities

• Based on the Toyota-brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity," an all-new, three-dimensional structure and surface expression are adopted to craft an individualistic form.

• The door profile and front and rear of the vehicle feature contours that create distinctive shadows. The high character lines that form an arc from the front to the rear express a "sensually edgy attitude". The unique hatchback creates a "wild" atmosphere with a strong sense of presence to express the identity of the bB.

• Although the overall length has been shortened, the wheelbase is extended to create an interior space like that of the previous bB, and there are numerous, highly functional storage spaces.

Brisk Driving and Comfortable Ride

• Brisk and comfortable driving performance and fuel economy are achieved through the use of a newly developed 1.5-liter VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine or an improved-output 1.3-liter VVT-i engine and a smooth and responsive, super-intelligent, four-speed automatic transmission, or Super ECT.

• Despite a longer wheelbase, wider wheel tread and wide tires, the minimum turning radius is just 4.9 meters (0.6 meters less than the previous model), greatly improving maneuverability.

• Body rigidity has been increased and vibration-controlling and sound-blocking materials have been optimally installed in various parts of the body to reduce engine noise while driving and vibration while idling.