UMW Toyota Motors finally unveils the Toyota Previa (Toyota Estima) for the Malaysian market. Yes, the wait is finally over, and UMW Toyota Motors is hopeful to capture the large MPV market, largely dominated by grey importers. Comes together with this introduction is the premium MPV sibling, the Toyota Alphard.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Toyota Previa |
| Segment | MPV |
| Engine | 2,362cc In-line 4, 16-valve DOHC with VVT-i |
| Max Power | 170PS @ 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 224Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Price | 2.4GL Â RM 258,017.10 |
The 3rd generation Toyota Previa (also fondly known as Toyota Estima) is offered as CBU units, sourced directly from Toyota’s factories in Japan. According to UMW Toyota Motors, the Previa is streamlined to slice through air, thus helps increase fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. This is achieved via a new smooth underside floorplan to minimize turbulence. The new rear bumper design allows air to flow freely out from under the vehicle. Furthermore, spats are installed in front of each wheel to divert airflow outwards, thus enhancing straight line stability at high speed.
SPECIFICATIONS
INTERIOR
Interior space and comfort has always been a strong selling point of the Toyota Previa. The cabin has been expanded, together with revised door opening angles for driver and passenger. Both rear side doors are electrically-powered and can be operated with either a smart key, the driver’s door control or from door handle itself. For the uninitiated, Jam Protection comes standard for side doors to ensure safety during door closing operation. Interior comfort is further enhanced, no thanks to rear air-conditioning system. Yes, there is air-conditioning for every passenger.
Prospective customers of the new Toyota Previa will be pleased to know that nicely sewn leather upholstery comes standard. The driver’s seat has a 8-way power adjustment, while the 2nd row occupant is pampered with Captain and Ottoman seats. The 2nd and 3rd row can be adjusted in various ways to your hearts content, providing families with the option to transport cargo or occupant. The 3rd row meanwhile can be fully laid forward to provide a larger cargo space.
SAFETY
Being a Toyota, safety specification is not compromised. Active safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Sadly, there is no Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
On the other hand, there are loads of passive safety feature on the new Toyota Previa. First and foremost, there is the all important dual SRS airbags, ISOFIX to mount child seats, and Toyota’s own safety collision assessment known as Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA). If a collision is imminent, the GOA body ensures the impact force is distributed around the vehicle structure, thus reducing injury to occupants. Interior surfaces are made softer to reduce impact and injury to passenger’s head.
Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) Â headrest is available for the front seats in the event of a rear collision. Last but not the least, HID headlamp with auto-levelling and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is also available standard. What this system does is to help adjust the angle of your front headlamps whenever you turn the vehicle, thus illuminating the path that you are always heading towards.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the new Toyota Previa is the familiar 2.4 litre VVT-i  2AZ-FE engine, with a modest power output of 125 kW @ 6,000rpm and produces 224Nm of torque @ 4,000rpm. Power is delivered to two front wheels via Toyota’s famed 4-speed automatic Super ECT transmission.
WHAT ELSE..
The Toyota Previa can be yours for RM 258,017.10. There are 5 colour choices to choose from –Â Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, White Pearl CS, Black, Silky Gold Mica Metallic, and Silver Metallic. The Toyota Previa is backed by manufacturing warranty of 3 years or 10,000km (whichever comes first). To sweeten the deal even more, UMW Motors Toyota is offering an introductory package of 3 years free service, first year free road tax and insurance to the first 300 customers.
Read about the introduction of Toyota Alphard by UMW Toyota Motor here.
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