The Japanese automotive market is unlike any other in the world, with small cars designed to fit the country’s narrow roads dominating. Toyota’s new generation of a seven-seat model, which has been on the market since September 2003, has joined the rather colourful local car scene. The Sienta is a cute-looking crossover that looks like a cross between a minivan, a light commercial vehicle, and a minivan. It is currently in production in Japan.
The vehicle’s development team took customer feedback into account when making decisions about the overall concept of the new Sienta, and they eventually decided to keep the high roof length while keeping the model’s low price. The recipe was enhanced with new safety features, improved fuel economy, and a more refined interior with new convenient features.
As a result, the vehicle’s length and width remain unchanged, but the cabin height has been increased, and Toyota claims there is now enough room in the cabin for seven adults to sit comfortably. This may be a little optimistic given the Sienta’s dimensions, but the company also claims that the legroom and headroom on the second row of seats have been improved thanks to a new seat design.
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If you take the wheel, you’ll notice a modern dashboard with a digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system with a centre console display. There are physical climate control buttons as well as cupholders and small item sockets. Backseat passengers will appreciate the newly designed air circulation system with air vents integrated into the ceiling. Sunshades on the rear sliding doors make sleeping more comfortable on long journeys.
The 1.5-liter hybrid engine is paired with a CVT with simulated gears for “fun shift changes with the feel of a manual.” Toyota claims the electrified powertrain achieves an impressive WLTP cycle fuel economy of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres (43 miles per gallon). There’s also a base 1.5-liter gas engine and an all-wheel drive hybrid variant.
The new Sienta will be available at Japanese dealers early next month, and the automaker expects to sell approximately 8,300 units per month. Prices range from $14,190 for the base FWD model to $22,615 for the top-of-the-line AWD hybrid model.
Gallery: Toyota Sienta
