Toyota has launched the 3rd generation Sienta minivan in Japan, with prices starting at JPY 1,950,000 (INR 11.27 lakh or US$ 14,080). There are many options available, including FWD, hybrid AWD (E-Four), and models with factory-installed equipment for the disabled and elderly. Some of the ASEAN markets including Indonesia and Thailand are also expected to receive the new model.
The new gen Sienta is built around the TNGA (GA-B) platform, the same one that underpins the 4th gen Yaris hatchback, the Yaris Cross and the second-gen Aqua as well. The minivan retains the quirky styling, but this time around looks a lot cleaner. It apparently adopts a “Shikakumaru” circle and square styling philosophy, with rounded corners wherever possible. Notice that the beltline till the rear door is almost straight this time around unlike in the previous gen model where it droops down. The design overall is very Citroenish and don’t be surprised if this gets rebadged in Europe.
Toyota claims that the ingress and egress are a lot easier this time around, thanks to the wider opening of power sliding doors. The rear hatch door opening height has been increased by 15 mm, and luggage space height has also been increased by 20 mm compared with previous models.
The spacious cabin offers plenty of creature comforts and storage options as you can probably tell, including USB-C ports behind the front seats with smartphone pockets; armrest hook on the driver’s seat for hanging shopping bags; ceiling air circulator for rear seats; sunshades for rear seats, and more. The fabric upholstery is claimed to come with deodorizing and water/oil-repellent treatment.
Options include T-Connect services (Connected Navigation, in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot), front and rear dash cams, and an AC 100-volt/1,500-watt accessory power outlet. That wood flooring you see in the boot is a JPY 27,500 option.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS include Pre-collision Safety System, Proactive Driving Assist, and Advanced Park. The Proactive Driving Assist supports evasive steering maneuvers and deceleration to avoid getting too close to pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles by anticipating risks.
Moving on to the juicy bits of the story, the new Sienta offers petrol and petrol-electric hybrid powertrain options. The regular petrol is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated unit (M15A-FKS) with 88 kW (120 metric hp) and 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) of torque, paired with a CVT. The CVT offers a 10-speed simulated shifting experience.
As for the hybrid powertrain, it combines a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated unit (M15A-FXE), a CVT and two electric motors, forming an E-Four AWD system. The ICE produces 67 kW (91 metric hp) and 120 Nm (88.5 lb-ft), while the front e-motor develops 59 kW (80 metric hp) and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) and the rear motor 2.2 kW (3 metric hp) and 44 Nm (32.5 lb-ft). Download the brochure here. Toyota claims a fuel efficiency of 28.8 km/l for the hybrid powertrain under the WLTC protocols.
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