I don't have an issue, other than what you're saying is just not accurate. The change in platform to TNGA is not the cause of these issues you are seeing. Thats not saying these issues don't exist, its just that they aren't there because of the new platform. TNGA is a modular unibody platform...thats all it is. It doesn't necessitate changes to vehicle size. Toyota has ALWAYS shared many items like gearshift levers, steering wheels, many, many controls, even door handles, rearview mirrors, it goes on and on. They didn't just start doing that now. Toyota has also always used modular unibody platforms. Yes, this is an expansion of that in a huge way, but the concept is the same. Yes their new manufacturing facilities are very adaptable and the TNGA platform helps them accomplish that, but that doesn't change anything that I've said.

Yes Toyota is making cars lower, and tighter inside. No denying that, but thats a design choice not a limitation of what they can do with the TNGA platform as you imply.

Also...I don't know why you have to react in such a way as you do towards me. I have no issue, I'm not angry, you always react to me half-cocked and it just doesn't make any sense. If you want to disagree with me, then by all means...but you always try and make it personal and its not.

 

Just a chassis, then a platform?

Will be used for the body on frame vehicles as well.

That is your opinion.

So let's just move on from one another in this thread, I look forward to other members discussion.

 

I've read this article. There are 5 seat heights, not one. All they're saying is they have predetermined seat heights based on vehicle application and mission, and that predetermines placement of the steering wheels and shift *****, etc. All that means is they don't re-invent the seat height every time they design a specific model. It doesn't mean that the seat heights are made lower BECAUSE of the TNGA platform. Toyota can make a decision to raise seat heights. In concert with the new TNGA architecture Toyota has ALSO decided to lower vehicle and seat heights. There are two forces at work here, one force to simplify and standardize platforms and manufacturing to reduce costs, and another design force that is making cars lower, shorter, and tighter inside for styling and dynamic feel and handling. These things are independent of each other. Your beef isn't with the platform, its with the designers.

 

I actually commend Toyota for downsizing or imo, rightsizing their new offerings. I am tired of seeing cars get bigger each generation. I am not getting bigger each generation. But yes, it can be tight inside for taller people in a compact car. Hence why it is a compact car and the taller people are not compact.

 

not sure which models you’re referring to. New camry’s about 4” longer than previous. New rav4 is 2’” taller and 2” longer. New corolla is same although an inch less tall though...

 

Yea I'm not sure what her problem is, she does take things personally as if only her opinion counts and be careful or she will threaten to report you to the mods. . She seems to be confused by the difference between architecture and vehicle design. TNGA is just the bones and if Toyota can make a RAV4 and a new Highlander out of it, I'm certain they could have made the LS, Corolla or whatevers into a bigger car if they choose to.

 

What exactly does this comment do? It sure does not promote a sense of discussion or community.

I suggest you read up on TNGA. It’s not just the bare bones. It’s more than that. Parts, manufacturing facilities, provides, chassis, design, simplification, engines etc etc. I have not been thrilled with the new TNGA sedans.

I barely have seen your posts in the past. But what is your take on the new models coming out from the new TNGA platform?

 

Must be the 2019 Corolla hatch and now the 2020 Corolla sedan. People complain that the hatch's "trunk" space is too small compared to the competition. Compact space for a compact car. But yeah, I don't expect cars to actually shrink from one generation to another.

 

Does your car have better CarPlay functionality than new Avalon?

 

Unfortunately I do not have Car Play, fingers crossed Toyota will do an retro upgrade like Mazda does with their Mazda 3.. The issue with Car Play comes is that it has a mind of its own and would compete with cars infotaiment system, for example. Suppose you are driving and use car play nav wit the radio on, the radio volume will compete with the navigation volume, suppose you are wearing an Apple Watch and you had an alarm on, the watch will ring, so will the Car Play volume, so will the radio of the car, so will Siri navigation, in other words all hell breaks lose.

The trunk space is too small. The Rav4 hatch space decreased as well.

 

that is how CarPlay and Android Auto work... they put your phone on the display in car, so everything you get on phone, will be alerted in the car.

So basically for you, CarPlay is an TNGA issue but you also want to bring this TNGA issue to other older Toyota vehicles? Nice.

 

Interestingly enough, it actually increased in Europe... and I have been in Rav4, trunk is pretty big, i dont think you will have complainers.
Only real problem is 250h powertrain trunk size, as regular battery is in the back and takes up space, but that is for Europe only.

 

Steve & Mr Sulu correctly pointed out that Modular Global Architecture Platforms have nothing to do with making the new Corolla smaller inside; it is actually the dimensions & styling of the new Corolla that makes it more compact inside.

In the diagram below, notice how as the roof line is lowered, the waist line is also lowered, resulting in a lower seating position relative to the rear wheel arches.
However, as the rear seats are lowered relative to the rear wheel arches, notice how the cabin becomes shorter, but the trunk also necessarily becomes longer.
This is why Highlanders have longer cabins at the expense to trunk length.






The old 2012-18 Corolla was always sold as a 2012-18 Auris Hatch in Europe, and a 2012-18 Corolla Sedan.



Now, the new 2018-24 Corolla comes in either sedan or hatch.
The sedan and hatch have different wheelbase lengths, different heights, and different styling, with the hatch's tail much swoopier.
Hence it is NOT the modular global architecture platform that makes new Corolla more compact inside.





However, we can understand where Jill is coming from.

TNGA in C, K, N and L is just the name of the platform.
C replaces the old "New MC" platform used in Corolla etc.
K replaces the old K platform used in Camry etc.
N replaces the old "New N" platform used in IS/Crown/GS etc.
While L replaces the old N platform used in old LS.

TNGA-C/K/N/L is only a name.
TGNGA uses Modular Global Architecture so that more parts can be shared to speed up design/manufacture, and to lower costs, such that more different vehicles can be assembled on the same line.

In the Toyota website below, we can understand why Jill has come to think that TNGA Modular Global Architecture is also responsible for:
- Hot stamping
- Laser screw welding
- Enhanced visibility and legroom
- Promotes more athletic/aggressive styling
- Lower and wider stance
- Enhanced ride
- Reduced side to side rolling etc etc.

It is the way the marketing department's staff type the script on the website that can mislead the reader...

 

Great post peteharvey.

 

It seems to me that it is mmarshall who is the only person who understands (or maybe accepts) how Toyota has cost-cut their design of their new vehicles coming off of TNGA. Note: my use of cost-cut does not necessarily mean bad.

And lets make sure, we are on the record in that TNGA is not just a platform it as it is in fact much more.

Toyota takes the concept of platform sharing to a high level with TNGA by standardising components and their lay-out across different vehicle segments, and fully integrating both its manufacturing operations and its suppliers in the new concept at a very early stage.

For example, the driving components – items such as the pedals, steering column and driver’s seat – will conform to one of five different lay-outs according to vehicle type and platform. Previously much time was spent on millimetre-adjustment to define the most suitable design and arrangement of these components to achieve the optimum driving position in every new model. The TNGA solution will provide an ergonomically ideal combination to suit the vehicle, in line with the floor height provided by the platform. Each lay-out can be further refined with detailed adjustment to the pedal and pedal operation angles and the position and angle of the steering column.

If the bold above does not sound like cost-cutting, thus the poorly designed steering wheel set up in the new Corolla, I am not sure what will convince you otherwise. The North American Matrix was vastly different in size and interior design than the world market Auris, at that time there was not limited on of interior set up unlike today where models must control to 1 or 5 scalable set ups.
Anyways, as I mentioned this before, this is not a bash of TNGA, it is a criticism. Since the roll out of models designed/built by the TNGA design, I have found myself to be more critical than ever before of where Toyota is headed.