Toyota has announced a variety of new engine and transmission technology, the core of which will see its next-generation hybrids offering all-wheel drive.

The new technology released by the company includes a 2.0-litre hybrid system, 2.0-litre petrol engine, two all-wheel drive systems and a new six-speed manual plus a more efficient and smaller continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The in-line four cylinder petrol engine and hybrid electric assisted versions are said to offer more torque than existing models, as well as thermal efficiency of 40% and 41% respectively – making them more economical and offering more torque.

An E-Four all-wheel drive system is described as offering up to 30% more torque at the rear wheels, as they are electrically driven and will be fitted to Toyota’s hybrid models.

In addition, Toyota has developed a non-electric all-wheel drive system that uses torque vectoring to achieve high off-road performance.

Toyota intends to expand the number of models equipped with the new powertrain units from spring 2018 onwards.

Toyota forecasts that 80% of Toyota/Lexus vehicles will be equipped with these units, which alone will reduce CO2 emissions from Toyota vehicles by more than 18%.