Toyota just keeps knocking them out of the ballpark. In Japan they just debuted a redesigned Estima hybrid minivan, which looks like a knockout. Not only is it a great looking minivan (no small feat!), but its also a hybrid—with electronic four-wheel drive, no less!
Snippet: The new Estima Hybrid features the THS II*1, optimized for use on a minivan. The THS II was designed to achieve even better environmental and driving performance based on the concept of Hybrid Synergy Drive, which seeks to realize high fuel efficiency, low emissions, outstanding driving performance and quiet operation...
As a result, the new Estima Hybrid boasts one of the world's highest fuel efficiency performances in its class*2, which is on par with a compact vehicle*3, and clean exhaust emissions. Furthermore, its dynamic performance surpasses that of other vehicles in its class, with high responsiveness characteristic of a hybrid vehicle, smooth, powerful acceleration and extremely quiet operation.
In addition, the adoption as standard of the E-Four system with high-output rear motor and the first use in a minivan of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), which integrates and optimally balances drive power, steering and braking, aims to take "fun to drive" to a higher level with greater maneuverability and cruising stability.
In addition, the adoption as standard of the E-Four system with high-output rear motor and the first use in a minivan of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), which integrates and optimally balances drive power, steering and braking, aims to take "fun to drive" to a higher level with greater maneuverability and cruising stability.
jerrywimer says:
05:13 AM, 06/13/06
This kinda makes me think of a modernized Previa in appearance. All the complicated electronic tech goodies sound great if they don't turn into problems.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
08:01 AM, 06/13/06
My guess is they modified the regenerative braking system to be more useful as propulsion as well as more efficient. As battery technology improves, this could be a very viable form of AWD without all the complexity of a Quattro or other mechanical systems.
rsholland says:
08:16 AM, 06/13/06
I agree. I think an electric AWD—that doesn't require a driveshaft—could be a huge "packaging" benefit, if nothing else.
trackwrex says:
09:25 AM, 06/13/06
BRING THE PREVIA BACK!!! LOL! Well heck, bring the "Estima Hybrid" over!!!
ateixeira says:
11:23 AM, 06/13/06
Very nice design. While I'm not crazy about the headlights and grille, the profile looks very sharp. Mazda5 proved there is a market for these...
carlisimo says:
11:51 AM, 06/13/06
The Toyota Previa was sold in Asia as the Estima, alongside shorter and narrower versions (to fit in a lesser sales tax bracket in Japan) that evolved into the current Estima. I love the new looks!
jeffmc says:
10:23 AM, 06/14/06
I think it's great. I'd love to see some interior photos. This'd be a great seller here if they could keep it $25-$30k.
juice: I kinda like the nose. It reminds me of a sleek version of the design direction Subaru's been taking, with the hawkeye headlights, and the grille somewhere between the new JDM Outback and the TPH concept.
rsholland says:
10:54 AM, 06/14/06
Here ya go... from the Toyota Japan site
http://toyota.jp/
omar_jesus says:
05:22 PM, 12/21/06
We need mmore hybrid cars in the us, like this one
mrkevindang says:
11:52 AM, 06/29/07
My friend (in Japan) has the 2006 Estima (non-hybrid version). The car is very nice. A little bit smaller than the Sienna, but looks sharper. The inside is awesome. The 3rd row seats folds down flat and the 2nd row can slide back, making space for the middle so that you can put up your feet on the recliner!
Here are some photos:
http://toyota.jp/estima/interior/index.html
I hope this car comes to USA.