Design Review: Toyota S-FR concept

Getting to grips with the fundamentals behind one of the Tokyo show stars

Owen Ready

Published 3 December 2015 - 15:52 Modified 2 July 2025 - 15:37

Launched at last month’s Tokyo Motor Show, the Toyota S-FR concept is the latest in a new wave of small, affordable sports cars from Japan.

Closer in size to the Mazda MX-5 than the Daihatsu Copen and Honda S660 Kei cars, its focus is on driving pleasure, but does its design communicate its intent?

Proportions

1 All in proportion
Relatively small wheel package means this diminutive sports car stays in proportion with exactly half a wheel’s front overhang

2 More GT than sports car
Short front and longer rear overhang gives a more classic proportion than the traditional sports car’s long front, short rear

3 Big eyes
Large oval lamps overlap the wheels, adding to the compact feel of the front end

4 Power bulge
Very strong hood dome communicates the engine’s location, behind the front-wheel line

5 Dash-to-axle
A-pillar indexes with the rim of the front wheel, creating a long hood and cab-rearwards proportion

6 High top
2+2 seating requires relatively high roofline, cleverly disguised in black, while vibrant yellow places emphasis in the lower body

7 Low belt
Almost flat, low beltline gives visual length and creates light, airy cabin

8 Body section
Door shuts are almost the only bodyside detailing and neatly communicate the cross-section, emphasising the broad shoulder surface