First look: Czech mates revealed

THREE micro cars based on the same joint-venture platform have been revealed collaboratively by Citroen, Peugeot and Toyota ahead of their simultaneous Geneva motor show debut next March.

Due for launch in European markets next year, the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo are underpinned by the same structural components but feature unique sub-light bodystyles, each measuring about 3.4 metres long, 1.6 metres wide and 1.4 metres high.

Powered by PSA Peugeot Citroen-developed 1.0-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engines and built on a common Toyota-designed platform, all three cars will be manufactured at the joint-venture Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile (TPCA) plant in Kolin, Czech Republic, in 2005.

The plant will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles – 200,000 units for Peugeot and Citroen and 100,000 for Toyota – and has created 1500 jobs, with a further 1500 expected.

Peugeot-Citroen and Toyota say the total investment, including three years of research and development and production start-up costs, is estimated at 1.5 billion euros.

Said to offer "an engaging driving experience in the urban environment", each model is designed primarily for European markets, where demand for ultra-small, entry level vehicles is expected to increase.

Australian release is still to be determined.