Toyota has started Japanese sales of its redesigned Estima minivan – exported as the Previa or Tarago – through Toyota, Osaka Toyopet and Toyota Corolla dealers.
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The Estima line was first launched in 1990 and monthly sales target in Japan for the new model is 7,000 units.
The new model has all pillars “blacked out” so the roof seems to float in the air. Wheelbase is increased 50mm, with the front overhang only 5mm longer and rear overhang 40mm shorter, so that the wheels are as close to the four corners of the vehicle as possible. In addition, the height has been decreased by 40mm to create a lower centre of gravity.
The seven-seat version features second-row seats with a long sliding range of 800mm and built-in leg rests. Third-row seats can be folded into the floor.
The eight-seat vehicle has second-row seats that tip up and third-row seats that fold into the floor.
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By GlobalDataThe HDD (hard disc drive) navigation system with wide, eight-inch liquid crystal display, features a sound library that can hold up to 2,000 songs and is compatible with the Japanese G-book Alpha telematics service for the access of detailed information.
A “panoramic super-live sound system” features speakers with a new structure that uses the roof panel as a diaphragm, producing a dramatic expansion of the sound field.
A new, wide-view front monitor with a 190-degree field of view simultaneously displays the ground in front of the vehicle and left and right frontal areas. Also, a new side monitor displays views on the left side of the vehicle to aid in eliminating blind spots.
An intelligent parking assist system automatically steers the vehicle when backing into a garage or during parallel parking. The lane-keeping assist system corrects the driver’s steering to keep the vehicle within its own lane. This is the first time either of these systems has been used on a minivan.
Newly available on the Estima is a high-performance, V6 3.5-litre 2GR-FE engine, combined with the newly developed 6 Super ECT Sequential Shiftmatic automatic transmission.
The improved-output, 2.4-litre, four-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine employs a Super CVT-i transmission (with seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic) to eliminate shift shock and “provide the feeling of pleasure associated with manual transmissions”
Models with the 3.5-litre V6 engine feature S-VSC (steering-assisted vehicle stability control) to enhance vehicle stability, another first in a minivan.
A new platform was developed for the redesigned model with MacPherson strut suspension in front and a torsion beam in the rear.
New shock absorbers with excellent responsiveness are combined in a body with higher torsional rigidity to provide manoeuvrability and cruising stability claimed to be at the top levels of the minivan class — and giving a comfortable ride as well.
New impact-absorbing structures have been adopted for the bonnet, fenders and cowl to reduce injury to pedestrians.
The latest Estima has a pre-crash safety system (a radar-based system), newly developed SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) curtain shield airbags that cover from the front-row seats to the third-row seats, SRS knee airbags and SRS side airbags.
All models achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles and boast fuel efficiency that exceeds by 5% the level called for by the Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards, thus qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government’s Green Taxation System.
