BODY STRUCTURE GENERAL

OUTLINE
1. Light Weight and Highly Rigid Body
  1. Using high strength sheet steel, ultra high strength sheet steel and extensive aluminum both reduces weight and ensures rigidity by optimizing the frame joint structure and the positioning of the reinforcement members.
2. Safety Features
  1. The body has a structure that can distribute energy to many members to increase absorption of the collision energy and a high strength framework that can control the deformation of the cabin and help secure sufficient survival space.
3. Rust-resistant Body
  1. Rust-resistance performance is enhanced due to extensive use of anti-corrosion sheet steel, as well as anti-corrosion treatments which include the application of anti-rust wax, sealer and anti-chipping paint to easily corroded parts such as the hood and rocker panels.
4. Low Vibration and Low Noise Body
  1. By connecting braces and reinforcements to the body panels, panel vibration has been reduced. Changes in the structure of body panels also reduced panel vibration. A body structure which reduces body panel frame movement ensures low noise levels.
  2. Effective application of vibration damping and noise suppressant materials reduces engine, wind and road noise.
5. Aerodynamics
  1. Leveling off the surface where the front pillar meets the windshield and smoothing the shape around the doors and rocker reduced flow separation effectively.
  2. Various types of airflow routing parts which control airflow are provided under the floor, and an under cover is provided to make the under body flat in order to ensure excellent aerodynamic performance.
6. Parts with Low Repair Cost
  1. Front end and rear end parts are connected by bolts, ensuring ease of repair.
  2. The strong rear under body frame and its connection rigidity ensure low repair costs after low-speed collisions.

MAIN FEATURES

Exterior Design (Front View)
1. The bumper intake has a profiled shape, creating a design that emphasizes the under grille.
2. Vertically oriented turn signal lights are used, creating a unique front design.
3. The front bumper corners utilize a sharp shape that smoothes airflow and contributes to reduced wind drag.
4. The front bumper moulding is plating, which is a special parts for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Exterior Design (Side View)
1. The front pillar has been brought forward and the visual balance of the cabin has been shifted rearward. This creates a shape that simultaneously improves rear seat comfort and gives the whole body a sense of dynamism and forward momentum.
2. To help ensure handling stability a distinct character line runs across the doors.
3. Character lines are used on a side areas and a side panel emblem is used on the battery charger lid. The outer rear view mirrors and outside door handles are painted with high brightness silver metallic paint, which is a special color for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Exterior Design (Rear View)
1. The rear bumper corners utilize a shape that smoothes airflow and contributes to reduced wind drag.
2. The rear bumper corners have a volumetric profile that changes smoothly, as well as a sharp, edged shape. The contrast achieves an expression combining elegant curved surfaces with a geometric modern feel.
3. The back door garnish is painted with high brightness silver metallic paint, which is a special color for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Ecological Plastic

Plastic parts in and around the floor use ecological plastic*, which has excellent environmental and recycling qualities.

Tech Tips

*: Ecological plastic is a bioplastic (plants are the source material) with improved heat and impact resistance for automotive use. For details, refer to the Introduction.

Text in Illustration
*1	Cowl Side Trim Board LH	*2	Front Door Scuff Plate Outside LH
*3	Front Door Scuff Plate LH	*4	Rear Door Scuff Plate Outside LH
*5	Rear Door Scuff Plate LH	*6	Cowl Side Trim Board RH
*7	Front Door Scuff Plate Outside RH	*8	Front Door Scuff Plate RH
*9	Rear Door Scuff Plate Outside RH	*10	Rear Door Scuff Plate RH