Toyota Parallel Import Cars: 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Toyota Sienta

The Toyota Sienta is a small five-door minivan with sliding doors sold only in Japan. Introduced in September 2003, it seats seven despite its very small size. The word Sienta came from the Spanish word siete which means 7, combined with the English word entertainment. It is powered by the 1NZ-FE 1.5 liter VVT-i engine, producing 110 PS at 6,000rpm and 141Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. It is mated to a CVT transmission. It features avant-garde styling that is very similar to the Renault Twingo.

The Toyota Sienta is a three-row, seven seater compact MPV based on the popular Vitz subcompact. Built as a fun family vehicle, the Sienta comes with a distinctly front and a lavish interior. The rear uses sliding doors instead of normal doors, and the rear hatch is top-hinged.

Powered by a 1.5 liter petrol VVT-i engine capable of 110 bhp (82 kW) at 6000 rpm, the Sienta comes equipped with CVT transmission for smooth effortless cruising. ABS and EBD are standard safety features.

The interior is highly flexible with the seats able to be knocked down in various configurations to accommodate varying luggage sizes. Multi compartments are available in convenient areas of the cabin for easy storage of small useful items. Large sliding doors at the rear ensures ease of entry for passengers.

This is a car commonly seen in Japan, due to its easy maintenance, low FC for MPVs ranging from 12km/l to 16km/l, and its great sliding doors. The car can also be found easily in Singapore through parallel importers.

Toyota Sienta received a facelift in Year 2006, 3 years since its first production. Newer colors were added, such as Apple Green, Gun-Metal Grey, and Metallic Blue. And the facelifted models also contain double electric-powered sliding doors feature.

The Sienta MPV has a 2,700mm wheelbase, which is rather short for an MPV. But judging by the photos above, it does seem that there is a decent amount of interior space.

(More pictures after the jump)

The Toyota Wish is a Compact MPV produced by Japanese automaker Toyota since 2003. It is available as a six and seven-seater, equipped with either a 1.8 or 2.0-litre gasoline engine. It is positioned below the Ipsum and above the Spacio in Toyota's minivan range.

The Wish was developed under code name "760N" by the team, lead by Chief engineer named Takeshi Yoshida and was introduced to the public for the first time at Tokyo Motor Show in October 2002 (Commercial vehicles & welcab show) and then launched in Japan in January,20th 2003, under a massive publicity campaign with Japanese singer Hikaru Utada. The TV commercial features her song Colors, which coincides with the launch of her new CD-single. The car was marketed under the "Wish Comes True" slogan.

Codenamed ZNE10G (FWD) and ZNE14G (4WD), it uses a 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE engine, producing (JIS) 132 PS and 170 N·m (125 lb·ft). It is only available with four-speed automatic. A 2.0 L version (codenamed ANE11W for the six-seater version and ANE10G for the seven-seater version) was launched in April 2003. Equipped with the 1AZ-FSE direct-injection engine, it has (JIS) 155 PS (114 kW) and 192 N·m (142 ft·lbf). Variants with the 2.0 D-4 engine are only available with a CVT gearbox.

The WISH was extremely successful in its home market, and is frequently seen on the Top 5 on the 30 bestseller list each months. It has also made shockwave to its competitors, such as the Honda Stream & Madza Premacy or Mazda 5 to changing its market positioning. The Toyota Wish was also launched as a locally assembled model in Thailand towards the end of 2003, which happens to be the one Borneo Motors Singapore is bringing in. The parallel imported Japan Wish and the Borneo Motors Thailand Wish are similar except the following differences:

Models across the range get the 2.0Z fenders.
Standard 17 inch wheels across the range (Same design as the one used on the 2.0Z)
Same 2.0 1AZ-FE engine as the ASEAN Camry instead of the 1AZ-FSE
No privacy glass (excluding the grey-import variants)
Leather upholstery as standard on the 2.0Q

(no Torsion beam rear suspension in Thai version).

The car was a huge success in Japan, and featured in the best sellers chart regularly, no mean feat for an MPV. The Toyota Wish was updated at the end of 2005 with the introduction of a facelifted model. The original car was fundamentally well designed and that meant that few changes were necessary. Cosmetic changes to the headlights, bumpers, LED tail-lights and dashboard were made, together with revised switchgear for the climate control and automatic transmission (The 2.0Z received a seven-gear transmission.) As the changes were minor the fuel consumption figures, which are the best in the compact MPV class, remain the same. The 2005 Wish was also the third model to be sold exclusively through Toyota's NETZ dealer network, hence the replacement of the Wish's signature "W" front emblem with a generic NETZ oval (As seen on the 2005 Vitz & Ist.). Feedback on the electronic throttle control has been mixed, with claims that the original throttle system used in the 2003 car is quicker off the mark. The drivetrain and engines remained the same.

The Toyota bB is a small wagon produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation initially based on the Toyota Vitz. While the box-shaped car was initially targeted towards Japanese men in their twenties, it is also popular with women buyers as well. It was introduced in 2000, and in 2001, a model called bB "open deck" was released. It had an open deck that made it like a coupe utility, similar to the Subaru Baja.

The 2nd generation bB was introduced as the music player in Dec 2005 and is equipped with 109hp 1.5L (Z Model) 3SZ-VE VVT-i engine or 92hp 1.3L (S Model) K3-VE VVT-i engine. 4WD is optional.

A 3rd generation bB has been introduced. It uses the same engine, but has interior and exterior revisions, as well as side-curtain airbags.

Toyota calls the new bB "a car-shaped music player" with nine speakers strategically located throughout the vehicle to maximize the aural experience. It also carries over the element from the bB concept at Tokyo that we all thought was so cool -- lights that flash in time with the music to create a nightclub feel.

Toyota Press Release (excerpts)

The new bB retains the strengths of the previous bB and strives to embody the lifestyle of people who want to be surrounded by music everywhere they go, adopting the development theme of "A Car-shaped Music Player" to satisfy the preferences of the younger generation.

With an emphasis on "sound", "illumination", and "relaxation", the new bB seeks to create an interior space in which one can be completely immersed in music. To achieve this, the bB incorporates an audio system that uses the latest in acoustic technology and features interior lighting that flashes in rhythm to the music, while newly developed front seats help create a sense of privacy.

A Creative Interior, Equipped to Enhance the Joy of Music

With an emphasis on "sound", "illumination" and "relaxation", the new bB nurtures an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and establishes a creative interior space for the enjoyment of music.
The instrument panel employs a large and smooth, stadium-like shape with a subwoofer in the center console and tweeters on both sides, forming a space akin to an enclosed DJ booth.

Sound

Nine speakers are optimally located around the interior—a subwoofer in the center console, and speakers and tweeters in the left and right front doors, instrument panel and front pillars—creating powerful bass tones and the feeling of being surrounded 360 degrees by music in a high-quality sound space.
Four different audio modes, using surround DSP (digital signal processing) technology, accommodate listener preferences and the situation at hand.
An input jack facilitates a direct connection with portable music players to input music from a variety of sources.

Illumination

Illumination is installed in 11 locations, including around the speakers, and in the cup holders and door trim, and it flashes in rhythm to the music, creating an atmosphere akin to a nightclub or live music concert.
Three kinds of illumination modes are available to choose from, to accommodate one's personal preferences and the surrounding environment.

Relaxation

The newly developed "Mattari-mode seats" ("laid-back" mode seats) in the front not only recline, they sink about 80mm to create a couch-like feeling. This delivers an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and privacy.

Individualistic Styling that Appeals to Youthful Sensibilities

Based on the Toyota-brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity," an all-new, three-dimensional structure and surface expression are adopted to craft an individualistic form.
The door profile and front and rear of the vehicle feature contours that create distinctive shadows. The high character lines that form an arc from the front to the rear express a "sensually edgy attitude". The unique hatchback creates a "wild" atmosphere with a strong sense of presence to express the identity of the bB.
Although the overall length has been shortened, the wheelbase is extended to create an interior space like that of the previous bB, and there are numerous, highly functional storage spaces.

Brisk Driving and Comfortable Ride

Brisk and comfortable driving performance and fuel economy are achieved through the use of a newly developed 1.5-liter VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine or an improved-output 1.3-liter VVT-i engine and a smooth and responsive, super-intelligent, four-speed automatic transmission, or Super ECT.
Despite a longer wheelbase, wider wheel tread and wide tires, the minimum turning radius is just 4.9 meters (0.6 meters less than the previous model), greatly improving maneuverability.
Body rigidity has been increased and vibration-controlling and sound-blocking materials have been optimally installed in various parts of the body to reduce engine noise while driving and vibration while idling.

The Toyota Alphard is a luxury MPV produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is primarily sold in Japan but managed to make it to our shores thanks to Parallel Importers. It is powered by a 2.4L 167HP engine.

Toyota also launched a Alphard Variant called the Vellfire (the purple car in the last picture) only differentiated by an uglier nose and an uglier rear lights (subjective).

Toyota states its "E-Four electric 4WD system that regulates a rear-mounted, rear-wheel-propelling electric motor and coordinates electric power distribution to all four wheels. An ECB (Electrically Controlled Brake system) provides efficient wheel-by-wheel brake control."

The full-size Alphard Hybrid MPV qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving levels 75% lower emissions than the Japanese government's 2000 benchmark. The 2.4-litre gasoline engine has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's hybrid systems and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction.

The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power.

The Alphard Hybrid Minivan can generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with standard 100-volt AC power outlets, allowing a wide range of appliances to be used, such as laptops and emergency lights. The electrical outlets can also be used to recharge items such as power-assisted bicycles and electric carts, adding a new dimension to leisure activities.

The Alphard Hybrid also offers some advanced safety features not seen on other hybrids. In fact, standard on the "G edition" and optional on standard grades are ( with a G-BOOK compatible DVD voice navigation system):

Blind Corner Monitor, which indicates the approach of other vehicles or pedestrians from the left and right
Back Guide Monitor with a color CCD camera and voice-guidance function, which uses signals from a steering sensor to calculate the likely reverse path during reversing and display it on the monitor screen
Lane-monitoring system that uses images from the Back Guide Monitor camera to measure the lateral distance to white or yellow lines on major highways and triggers an alarm when the distance falls below a pre-set level
Radar Cruise Control, which uses laser radar sensors and steering sensors to keep track of the vehicle's lane and any preceding vehicle and ensures that a safe distance is maintained in accordance with vehicle speed

(More pictures after the jump)

The Toyota Allion is a compact sedan sold in Japan by Toyota. It is parallel imported into Singapore and can be found on our roads.

Its name is created based on the phrase "all-in-one".

The first-generation Premio and Allion, launched in December 2001, were "five number"[1] sedans that appealed to customers with their styling that evoked class-surpassing quality, roomy interior, user-friendliness and outstanding driving performance. The redesigned, second generation models unveiled today were designed to further enhance the appeal of these products, to the extent that they become all that a "five-number" sedan can possibly be.

The Allion has a emphasis towards younger buyers in comparison to the Toyota Premio sedan, which has a more elegant approach, and both were launched at the same time. The Premio and the Allion share the same engines and interior. The Allion is a younger, more edgy counterpart to the Toyota Premio sedan, launched at the same time.. The Premio and the Allion shares the same engines. The Allion has a much sharper look and is considered a sporty type car.The Allion can be customized with front spoilers and rear mounted trunk wings, as well as ground effect body parts to enhance the vehicles appearance specially designed and sold by Toyota. The Allion continues the Toyota tradition by being made for taxi usage, driving school and law enforcement versions.

The Allion is available in Singapore with a 109 horsepower 1NZ-FE 1.5 liter configurations. The most fuel efficient Toyota Allion can go 18 km per liter of fuel, which is comparable to the smaller, cheaper Toyota Corolla Axio. The engines are mated to Super CVT-i transmissions. Considering it's fuel efficiency, and the small price difference to the Axio, the Allion is a value for money proposition if you're seeking for a bigger family car but much cheaper than the Camry.

(More pictures after the jump)