CITY EXTRA SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA
SEPTEMBER 2026
THE (CAR) RACE THAT STOPS A NATION ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEMAND – A BLIP, OR A TREND?
A COROLLA BUILT FOR THE NÜRBURGRING
GR YARIS AERO: A MINI SUPERCAR
THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC TOYOTA bZ4X TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS Drive smarter with a novated lease* on the New Toyota bZ4X The New bZ4X offers a smooth, confident driving experience, thanks to Toyota’s trusted reliability and advanced EV technology. Enjoy electric upgrades where it matters most – longer range, quieter interior and new Safety Sense features compared with first generation bZ4X models. Right now, you can explore the potential financial and lifestyle advantages of taking out a novated lease on an EV: •
Use pre-tax income to pay for your car and running costs.
•
Bundle expenses like maintenance, insurance, and charging into one simple payment.
•
Tailor your lease term to your needs with flexible lease term options.
Make the switch to electric with the New Toyota bZ4X on a novated lease with Toyota for Business. Go electric. Drive smarter. Drive Toyota. To find out more, visit Sydney City Toyota or call 1800 679 247.
Sydney City Toyota
Sydney City Toyota
824 Bourke Street, Waterloo T: 02 9690 9999, MD053160 sydneycitytoyota.com.au
36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe T: 02 9160 0349, MD053160 sydneycitytoyota.com.au
*
Terms, conditions, fees, charges & lending criteria may apply, depending on your choice of provider. For more information about novated lease options on Toyota vehicles, speak to your Toyota Dealer, call 1800 679 247 or visit: toyota.com.au/car-finance/novated-lease. Novated leases are provided by a provider that is either Toyota Fleet Management (TFM) , a division of Toyota Finance Australia Limited ABN 48 002 435 181, Australian Credit Licence No 392536, or a third party fleet and novated lease provider, and not by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited ABN 64 009 686 097. See your preferred provider for eligibility, approval criteria and terms and conditions. Must be an Australian resident and employed on a permanent or fixed-term basis by an employer that offers novated lease salary packaging arrangements. Availability of vehicles subject to salary packaging conditions specified by employer and your preferred provider. It is recommended that you seek appropriate advice from a taxation consultant or financial advisor.
Before making a decision about any product or service featured in this Press Ad, Toyota for Business recommends that you seek independent professional advice about that product or service, such as from your accountant, taxation or financial adviser or lawyer, who can advise you about your personal circumstances and what would be suitable for you.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEMAND – A BLIP, OR A TREND? Full service has been resumed. That’s the good news for the closing months of 2026. By December back orders should be fulfilled, and customers should be able to walk on our showroom floors expecting a normal delivery pattern. And all that in a record year. Toyota expects to deliver more than 230,000 vehicles nationally, and our deliveries should be at record levels too. It’s taken since Covid to get back to the supply our customers should reasonably expect – not least because of the midyear surge in fuel prices. Soaring petrol costs resulted in anyone who’d ever considered buying an EV going out and buying one. Our entire stock of the all-electric Toyota bZ4x sold out in two days. Media covered it as if petrol and hybrid had suddenly been overtaken, instead of treating it an anomaly. At Sydney City Toyota we’re perfectly placed to spot trends. Toyota has one of each power source in almost every configuration, so we know what our customers want. Midyear, the people who bought EVs were those already considering them. Those who weren’t didn’t switch camps. We were overwhelmed with people set on hybrid, especially plug-in hybrid, wanting one sooner rather than later. In July our new plug-in hybrid Toyota RAV4 arrived and shot to number one in national sales. Plug-in hybrid will end the year as the most in-demand energy source. It makes so much sense. In Sydney the average driver covers 55km a day. The PHEV RAV4 has an electric range of 80 to 90km before the petrol engine kicks in, so most Sydney drivers will seldom use it.
It’s the best of both worlds. We’re fans of EVs, and the midyear anomaly has heightened public awareness. Happily, Toyota’s response is measured rather than opportunistic – we were arguably late into the segment because we wanted to get it right. The influx of stand-alone EVs into Australia looks opportunistic. Trade barriers in the USA have pushed manufacturers into other markets, and our stringent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) laws make us attractive. To avoid huge fines,car companies that can’t attain the required level buy credits from those that can. So every EV sitting at grass – unsold in a holding yard – earns its manufacturer money through its favourable efficiency rating. It’s a ploy, and not one that’s helping market stability, the environment, or for that matter our customers. When you buy a new car you have every right to expect service for life, not the uncertainty of waiting to see what happens next – especially when it’s your money on the line.
JOHN ROCA Dealer Principal
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 3
THE (CAR) RACE THAT STOPS A NATION The Repco Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s biggest and most important domestic motor race, equal in stature to the international Australian F1 Grand Prix. For the first time in the 63-year history of the car race that stops a nation, Toyota will be fighting for first place. On October 11, five Toyota Supra supercars will face the Bathurst starter, their toughest challenge yet in their first year competing in the Supercars Championship. Two Supras have been entered by Melbourne super team Walkinshaw TWG, one driven by Australian Supercars champion Chaz Mostert. The other three come from an outfit that has a special place in motorsport and enjoys the enthusiastic, proud support of Sydney City Toyota. Brad Jones Racing, the only rural Supercars team in the championship, based in Albury, is the ‘team that could.’
4 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
The proudly family-owned team punches above its weight in a series that is increasingly backed by international money and corporate investors. Team principal Brad Jones is a Supercars legend and a local hero. As a racing driver before he became a team owner, he won multiple national titles in other categories from his regional base, and he’s been a role model and benefactor in his community, providing opportunities to many young people.
FIVE TOYOTA SUPRA SUPERCARS WILL FACE THE BATHURST STARTER
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 5
Winning Bathurst has been Brad’s life dream. He’s been so close. His team has come second on two occasions and third on another. BJR has finished in the top ten 20 times in the 26 years since it first entered the Great Race in its own name. The team has been on the Bathurst podium with both Ford and Holden. Twenty-five years ago, Brad was lead driver in the car that came second by a margin of just seconds after fighting its way up from a lowly twenty-first starting position. That earned him the Drive of the Day award. Brad never gives up. His special role as one of two homologation (development) teams to lead Toyota’s charge into the Supercars Championship has given him exceptional hope for the future. Already, one of his Supras, driven by Andre Heimgartner, has won a round of the title. That’s a remarkable outcome in such a short time against established rivals. Brad has also embarked on a massive rebranding and refresh of his workshop and business premises, investing in his Toyota future. Sydney City Toyota has been given the opportunity to partner with Brad in his NSW races. Other Toyota dealerships support him in other states, a case of sharing the passion. “BJR stands for everything we stand for,” SCT principal John Roca said. “Tenacity, grit, and he’s steadfastly determined to back himself. “He cares about people and the brands he represents. Nothing would give us greater pleasure than to see him on the top step of the Bathurst podium.” And the driver we’d most like to see there? BJR drivers Andre Heimgartner and Canberra’s Cameron Hill both deserve to win. But so does Brad’s son Macauley, driver of one of the team’s three Supras. Macauley has earned his place in the squad on his own merits, like most sons, perhaps under even greater pressure because of his family name. Although Brad plays it down, a family victory would be a great feeling. The Repco Bathurst 1000 runs from 8–11 October, with wall-to-wall coverage on Fox Sports and Network Seven.
6 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
“ BJR STANDS FOR EVERYTHING WE STAND FOR” SCT PRINCIPAL JOHN ROCCA
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 7
A COROLLA BUILT FOR THE NÜRBURGRING Toyota has unveiled the ultimate Corolla: a two-seat, partially carbon-fibre-bodied, four-door hatch which has been super-tuned at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit under the personal supervision of chairman Akio Toyoda.
It is the latest in a series of performance-based cars that go to the heart of a new DNA being created for the company by the chairman. Sydney City Toyota is on the very limited roster of dealerships which will receive the special model when it is launched in Australia in 2027. The new model is called the Corolla GRMN, for Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nürburgring.
This special edition takes the Corolla’s high-performance credentials to a new level. Front and rear suspension use dedicated monotube shocks, and 40kg has been taken out of the Corolla’s weight, largely through the use of lightweight panels. The rear seats have been removed. “This is one of the purest expressions yet of the GR brand,” John Roca, dealer principal, said.
“THIS IS ONE OF THE PUREST EXPRESSIONS YET OF THE GR BRAND” Gazoo Racing is our fast-expanding performance brand. Meister of the Nürburgring reflects Akio Toyoda’s philosophy that his performance vehicles should be developed on the 14km, 180-plus-corner circuit. The Corolla delivers 221kW and a remarkable 408Nm of torque, with power delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s already a GR Corolla available in Australia. 8 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
“Its development has created an astonishing, highperformance driver’s car that is as at home on the track as it is on the road.” The Corolla GRMN will be available in two colours, matte black and a new khaki that is exclusive to Australia and North America. Sydney City Toyota is open to discussion about forward ordering.
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 9
GR YARIS AERO: A MINI SUPERCAR “What would you prefer to own? A $400,000 Porsche or a $60,000 Toyota GR Yaris?”
10 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
That was the question posed in all seriousness by a leading motoring journalist in the national Australian newspaper. He came down on the side of the GR Yaris. More bang for the buck, and a lot more opportunity to use it. Toyota launched the GR Yaris Rallye, a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder six-speed rocket ship, as a strictly limited edition in 2021. The purpose was to put just enough on the road to enable the car to be homologated to compete in the World Rally Championship. It’s dominated since, with five world titles in a row and another three in the Australian championship, with a fourth on the way. I bought number 324, not as a track car but as the best, most fun you can have sitting down, point-to-point road car that puts a smile on your face on every corner, even when you’re street legal. I had it for four years, longer than I’ve ever owned a car, and thought it was a keeper. Then Toyota let me down. There’d been so much demand that they released a second series with 21kW more power and 30Nm more torque, that’s 221kW and 400Nm (!). So much for my exclusive Rallye. But I just had to have the new one. Sydney City Toyota found it for me: the GTS with BBS forged alloys, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, Torsen Limited Slip Differential AND the aero kit, all in the new Liquid Mercury colour, which is the best-looking paint job ever. The aero kit is not subtle. There’s an adjustable rear wing that hovers over the car like a stealth bomber. There are vents, ducts, spoilers and splitters to improve performance and attract attention. I’m a disappointment for car spotters when they pull alongside and see someone at the wheel who is not of the demographic they were expecting. More so when I won’t indulge in a traffic-light dash. Those days are long gone.
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 11
The GR Yaris, like the Porsche, I suspect, is very personal. It looks great in the garage, and that’s a good feeling. On the road its six-speed manual gearbox is an absolute joy (I passed on the eight-speed torque-converter auto, even though people say it’s quicker), and the torque makes every corner a satisfying adventure. The track mode sharpens everything up without requiring you to race. It simply tells the ECU to try harder. There’s an ECO mode too, but seriously? The new car is less harsh than the Rallye, but it’s still a sports car. The driving position is lower, which SCT says is in response to owners wanting more headroom for their crash helmets on track days, but that’s not going to happen. That’s what other people’s cars are for. More pertinent is that with the back seats down there’s ample room for golf clubs and a buggy. Try that in your Porsche. GR ownership is something of a discreet club. We owners wave to each other as we pass, just one finger raised from the wheel, nothing flashy. We’re defiantly ‘combustion’. There’s not an electric motor in sight. And yet, there’s a rumour that Toyota may be considering a performance hybrid version, not this year or next, but sometime. The Japanese car mags are teasing 294kW and 500Nm (!!). Toyota has won the Le Mans 24-hour race six of the last nine times with their LMP1 and Hypercar hybrids. They clearly know what they’re doing.
12 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
IT LOOKS GREAT IN THE GARAGE, AND THAT’S A GOOD FEELING.
TOYOTA ACCESS FINANCE YOUR DRIVE GUARANTEED FUTURE VALUE Drive the Toyota you want today, with confidence for tomorrow.
PERSONALISED REPAYMENTS Tailored payment plans that fit your budget and lifestyle.
FLEXIBLE END OF LOAN OPTIONS Choose to Trade, Keep, or Return at the end of your term.
TRADE | KEEP | RETURN
Sydney City Toyota 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe 2037 02 9565 6313 MD053160 MVRL51539 sydneycitytoyota.com.au
824 Bourke Street, Waterloo, 2017 02 9690 9999 MD053160 MVRL51539 sydneycitytoyota.com.au
A DOCTOR’S PRECISION MEETS TOYOTA INNOVATION Dr. Michael Scarf, recently retired anaesthesiologist from Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, has taken delivery of the first new plug-in hybrid electric Toyota RAV4 sold from Sydney City Toyota. Dr. Michael Scarf, recently retired anaesthesiologist from Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, has taken delivery of the first new plug-in hybrid electric Toyota RAV4 sold from Sydney City Toyota. It’s a vehicle that very much suits his appreciation of the part modern electronics play in safety and functionality. “I’m still learning them,” he says, several weeks into his ownership. “My son-in-law just sent me a YouTube video called The Seven Things You Don’t Know About Your RAV4, and I already knew five of them.” The RAV4’s systems appeal to his professional brain. “In the operating theatre we are increasingly aided by electronics, and we abide by a strict protocol of using them. Procedures have come a long way because of them. We’re selective in how we apply their assistance. We’re still in charge.” It turns out to be the same with his new RAV4. 14 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
“I neglected to lock it the other day and did it remotely with the Toyota app,” he said. “But I stop short of starting it remotely. I’d rather be with the car.” Michael monitors and utilises the plug-in hybrid system in the same disciplined manner. “I’m currently at 758km total range and 37km EV range,” he said, consulting his app. “Tonight at 10pm, I’ll plug in the type 2 connector to my 240-volt power socket in the garage and by morning I’ll be back up to maximum 101km EV range,” he said. Why 10pm? “Because that’s when my off-peak electricity is least expensive.” Rising energy prices caused Michael to change his order at SCT from a combustion-powered RAV4 to the PHEV. We were happy to oblige.
But in the eight weeks of his ownership, bowser-shock has not been an issue. “My tank is still three-quarters full of your delivery fuel,” he said. “I know I should run some petrol through the system just to keep it fresh – but not yet.” Michael selects EV mode for his local driving. When we spoke, he and his wife Christine were anticipating their longest trip yet from their home in the Eastern suburbs to the Northern Beaches, at about the limit of EV range. He was particularly keen to see if it would make it. “I suffer from range anxiety and wouldn’t contemplate a battery electric vehicle,” he said. “But this one provides certainty.” The RAV4, a special edition GR Sport AWD, is giving Michael a lot of pleasure as he explores its capabilities. Like most new car owners in the age of electronics, he acknowledges there’s a lot to learn, but he’s made it a challenge rather than a frustration. “We’ve been experimenting with satellite navigation, the built-in Toyota system versus Apple CarPlay,” he said.
“MY TANK IS STILL THREE QUARTERS FULL OF YOUR DELIVERY FUEL” “It’s been interesting to see which adapts better to the continuing changes in traffic conditions in Sydney, like on the Harbour Bridge’s northern approaches.” Which does? “Don’t know,” he said. “We had both working at once and couldn’t work out how to switch one off.” The basics work fine. Steering, acceleration (especially with the continuously variable transmission) and braking are all to his satisfaction. He was particularly pleased to hear his brake system has a redundancy fail-safe. Redundancy has long been part of his operating theatre protocol. “We keep a log of all that goes wrong or could be improved and we share that throughout the network,” he said. Well, what about the RAV4? For transparency we’re happy to share his comments: “The owner’s manual could be more precise. It’s difficult to navigate,” he said. “And the in-ceiling switches, interior lights, moonroof toggle, and the SOS button (part of the Safety Connect function) could be more precisely identified for easy use.” We’re happy to pass his comments on. Toyota’s success is built on the concept of Kaizen, continuous improvement.
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 15
CELEBRATING A LEGEND. A FIVE-YEAR MILESTONE In 2001, Mark Hughes, playing centre for the Newcastle Knights, won the NRL Grand Final. It was the high point in the 25-year-old’s life. Thirteen years later he hit the low point, diagnosed with brain cancer, stage three, high-grade oligoastrocytoma, to be precise. “Every time you got a head knock, you’d rush to the physio and do anything you could to get back on the paddock,” he said.
To date they’ve raised $30 million and still call themselves a small organisation, trying hard. Sydney City Toyota learned of them through the National Rugby League five years ago, and we’ve been an enthusiastic supporter ever since.
After surgery, 33 bouts of radiation and six months of oral chemotherapy, he was cleared. He still has a health check every four months.
One of Mark’s big fundraising drives is Beanies for Brain Cancer. Each year the NRL devotes one round to the cause, just as cricket supports the Jane McGrath Foundation for breast cancer.
Mark took it as a life warning and calling. Mates of his, footballers, were dying.
This year, Beanies for Brain Cancer raised $3.8 million in a single day.
He and wife Kirralee started the Mark Hughes Foundation to fund research, create awareness and support patients and their families.
We were proud to be part of it. Every team member at Sydney City Toyota proudly donated and even more proudly wore their beanie.
A person is diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours. Men under 40 are particularly susceptible. More children die of brain cancer than any other illness.
We’re committed to ongoing support.
In 2022, Mark, Kirralee and their Foundation opened a $25 million brain cancer research centre in Newcastle.
16 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
If you’d like to learn more, contact www.markhughesfoundation.com.au.
THE BUTCHER GOES BIG Craig Cook, our favourite butcher, owner of The Natural Butcher, has gone big. He’s taken delivery of a gunmetal-grey Toyota Tundra with the works, the largest pickup he’s ever owned. But instead of sending his running costs up, in the middle of a fluctuating but mainly rising fuel-price saga, it’s saving him heaps. “I reckon I’m paying $300 less a week for petrol,” the 2,000km-a-week man claims. The Tundra is a hybrid, powered by a 3.5-litre twinturbocharged V6 in parallel with a battery-electric system. “It’s a huge electric motor,” Craig says. “When I get on the expressway from Sydney to my farm in the Southern Highlands, it just takes over and I ride most of the way in perfect electric silence. “It’s only when I get off the main road that the motor kicks in again.” Craig handed back his 4.5-litre turbodiesel off-roader to trial the Tundra, converted by Toyota to right-hand drive in Melbourne under a strict factory protocol.
Craig is one of Australia’s foremost team owners in the unlimited speedboat and drag boat classes. His K-class racer just set an Australian record at Dargle on the Hawkesbury River at 157mph (251km/h). “The Tundra tows like the boats aren’t on the back, and on the boat ramp it’s effortless,” he said. Craig’s Tundra has become an all-purpose vehicle, call it a utility. “I drove four business associates to the farm, and it was like they were in a limousine,” he said. “The trick is the Tundra has coil rear springs, not leaf springs, and it provides a perfect ride.” Yet when he got there, he was able to throw boxes of meat, hay, chaff and tools in the tray, all protected by the Tundra’s folding metal tonneau cover. “The tray liner is something special too,” he said.
He’s been more than surprised, shocked even, by the difference, and fuel costs are just part of his discovery.
Craig bought his Tundra with all the bells and whistles. It cost him about $50,000 less than another brand he was considering. The only thing missing is a gun rack and a kennel for the dogs.
The Tundra develops 790Nm of torque, so although it’s fitted with low-range reduction gears, he never has to use them.
“I don’t use either,” he said. “We don’t use dogs as part of our animal welfare policy of caring for our stock, and we gave up shooting years ago.
“The torque does it all. I can tow 2.5 tonnes of hay across paddocks and creeks on the farm and never get out of high range,” he said. The same goes for the boat ramp.
“There is a hook for my cowboy hat, though.”
SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA | 17
INTRODUCING OUR NEW 200-YEAR-OLD AMBASSADOR Two hundred years ago this year, the businesspeople of the thriving city of Sydney formed their first Chamber of Commerce. It had its finger on the city’s pulse and actively sought ways to make the lives and the lifestyles of our citizens better. It’s never ceased to do that. It’s now called Business Sydney, and Paul Nicolaou, its chief executive, has made Sydney City Toyota a partner in his quest to advocate for growth. There’s urgent need for planning. By 2045, our population will have grown to 6.5 million. Our metropolitan economy will be increasingly structured around multiple centres rather than one CBD alone. “Transport and mobility are fundamental to Sydney’s economic success,” Paul said.
“Working with an organisation with deep expertise in transport, movement and infrastructure gives us access to specialist thinking that strengthens our policy work. “It helps us understand the practical consequences of planning and transport decisions for business, workers and communities.” It’s a two-way street. For Sydney City, our new Business Sydney relationship provides a direct connection to the business community, especially to people who use, invest in and are affected by Sydney’s transport system. “That’s exactly the type of collaboration Sydney needs,” Paul said. “Business, government and experts working together instead of operating in silos. “Our shared objective should be a Sydney that moves people and goods efficiently, supports investment and remains one of the world’s great cities.” Paul’s take on the future of Sydney is an invaluable insight we can bring to our Sydney City Toyota City Extra readers. Each issue we’ll ask him a question pertinent to the future of our community. Stand by. It’s another value-added service from Sydney City Toyota.
GROW WITH US
ADVERTISE IN OUR NEWSLETTER!
Do you have a business, organisation, product or story that our community would love? We are excited to open up exclusive advertising spots in our upcoming editions. Our newsletter reaches a highly engaged audience of more than 10,000, passionate about automotive updates, lifestyle, great products, and unique stories. By partnering with us, you can share your message directly with readers who value quality and community. We offer flexible, cost-effective options to help your brand stand out. Spaces are limited for each edition to ensure our readers get the best experience. Want to get your business in front of our community? Reply directly to this email or contact us at marketing@sydneycitytoyota.com.au to receive our media kit and pricing details and let’s grow together!
18 | SYDNEY CITY TOYOTA | CITY EXTRA
Discover Your Dream Car
Book your test drive today SCAN TO CONNECT, OR CALL/ TEXT US DIRECTLY! Glebe: 0480 018 298 Waterloo: 0488 846 871 Sydney City Toyota 36-38 Parramatta Road, Glebe 2037 02 9565 6313 MD053160 MVRL51539 sydneycitytoyota.com.au
824 Bourke Street, Waterloo, 2017 02 9690 9999 MD053160 MVRL51539 sydneycitytoyota.com.au
Sydney City Toyota GLEBE 36-38 Parramatta Road Glebe, NSW 2037 T 02 9565 6313
Sydney City Toyota WATERLOO 824 Bourke Street Waterloo, NSW 2017 T 02 9690 9999
Sydney City Toyota GLEBE
Sydney City Toyota WATERLOO
www.sydneycitytoyota.com.au