First look: Toyota's tricky 2+2

TOYOTA reveals the CS&S sports car at the Frankfurt motor show this week.

CS&S stands for Compact Sports & Specialty, a 2+2 open-top sports car which, in terms of size, falls between the current Celica and MR2 models.

The car is powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, combining a mid-mounted 1.5-litre petrol unit that drives the rear wheels with an electric motor to drive the front wheels.

CS&S is an attempt to prove that hybrid technology is not just eco-friendly, but that it can also provide a dynamic and highly enjoyable driving experience.

Styling of the concept is courtesy of Toyota’s ED2 studio in the south of France. European media outlets are speculating the look could be a guide to the next generation MR2, Celica and sports cars.

At first glance, CS&S looks like a two-seater but removable rear canopies conceal a further two seats. The front passenger seat has been designed in such a way that it can be adapted to form a cover for the cockpit area, providing further security.

CS&S incorporates a new IT concept – Toyota Space Touch. This is an integrated multi-function system operated by means of a series of holographic projections that the driver "touches" to make a selection.

Toyota says spheres appear to float in space, but when touched they allow the user to control the air-conditioning, audio, satellite navigation or even internet connections.