And the interior; it’s just revolting! The fabric lined door armrest’s are so hard and uncomfortable. And the rear vision is terrible with what my Mum call’s the “handbag rack” cutting through the glass.

I’d take one of the VW/Audi diesel’s any day… More than enough room in the boot to swallow a Prius, and ample torque to haul ass up a hill at freeway speeds.

What’s your favourite colour cardigan BTW?

You ruined the article yourself with that post buddy.

Why incite a flame war?

(Credit: Toyota Motor)Toyota Motor plans to recall 1.4 million cars throughout the world for minor defects.

About 830,000 cars in Europe, North America, and other regions are being recalled, and another 536,000 in Japan. The defective models include the Yaris (called the Vitz in Japan), Belta, and Ractis models built between January 2005 and April 2008.

The recall concerns the tensioner on seat belts that may melt or catch fire in some collision situations. On some models, there’s also concern that the exhaust pipe will crack under extreme heat.

An official safety recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. will include about 134,900 Yaris vehicles, according to Toyota.

The recall is more bad news for Toyota.

Despite surpassing General Motors as the world’s top-selling automaker and winning market share in past years with its energy-saving Prius, the Japanese company has been bumping up against bad press for a series of recalls.

Earlier this month, Toyota recalled over 200,000 Lexus 2006-2008 models to replace fuel pipes that were corroding when used with certain types of ethanol fuels. In April 2008, the company recalled 540,000 Corolla and Matrix 2003-2004 models in the U.S. over concerns that power windows were separating from their door’s control frames due to loosening bolts.

On Wednesday, Toyota also reported the company’s first overseas production decrease in 17 years, which the company attributed to decreased production mainly in North America and Europe.

Toyota announced decreased sales and production for all its markets and sectors on Wednesday except for one. The company’s Daihatsu Motor subsidiary saw its second year of production increase, which Toyota attributed to interest from the Indonesian market.

The recall involves all BF Series II and III and the new FG Falcon sedan, wagon and utility fitted with the factory-fitted LPG system, called E-Gas, which are popular with fleets and tradies.

The cars affected were built from January 16, 2007 to August 22, 2008.

The defect involves the brake booster check valve, which may develop a vacuum leak.
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Ford spokesman, Justin Lacy, said the valve can develop a leak, leading to reduced power assistance for the brakes.

Details of the latest recall surfaced on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website last Friday, ahead of the holiday weekend but have, until now, slipped under the radar.

Worried owners should contact their local Ford dealer or Ford’s customer relations line on 1800 503 672.

In recent months Ford has been hit with a range of glitches that are damaging its hard-fought reputation.

In March it was forced to recall 83,000 SX and SY Territorys to replace front brake hoses after widespread consumer reports of brake failures.

The Herald Sun’s Carsguide has uncovered a raft of quality problems at Broadmeadows after months of consumer complaints covering everything from brakes to rust and paint.

The most recent concerns relate to front balljoint failures on high-mileage Territorys.

In addition, Ford last month recalled its Focus and Mondeos to check problem with brake vacuum pumps.

The recall for the LV Focus and MA Mondeo, built since last year, only affects those with a diesel engine.

Ford says under certain conditions the supply of vacuum to the brake booster may be reduced causing a hard brake pedal and increase stopping distances.

Ford is contacting known owners by mail.

In March, Ford recalled more than 83,000 Territorys to fix a brake hose defect which was uncovered by Carsguide after complaints from readers.

Prius is NOT a big car. It’s much closer in size to a Corolla than a Camry (which shares it’s body with the Aurion).

I’d love to see 5 people, a dog and some luggage in a Prius, none of ‘em would make it out alive!

Mini diesel would be my choice…

Try an over simple calculation. :D They produce 50000 cars a month, working 24hrs a day, everyday of the week. If you work it out, Toyota produces roughly 1 Prius/minute. Reality is not that simple like this calculation, but you’ll get the idea :D

No doubt what you mean is, “Every 57 seconds a car rolls off the production line”. Say what you mean for goodness sake.