I'm a Previa fan myself (R50-R55 model)
My dad and I went and had a test drive sa Toyota Makati Bel-Air with him on the wheel of course. Here's what I can say:
-The ride is swift (first characteristic of a "ninja"). The revised 2AZ-FE engine (that replaces the older 2.4 engine) gives you up to 170hp of power with no sacrifice on torque AT ALL (compared to the older engine). We tested it on a stretch and decided to step hard sending it from 20 kmh to 80 kmh real quick. Definitely has enough power to overtake a similar Mitsubishi Grandis (despite the Toyota being heavier). Heck, there was one forumer in motioncars that said that the Previa at 170 km/h overtook him real fast on Skyway. It proves that it is capable when you're ready to push it hard.
-The car is silent (second characteristic of a "ninja"). As expected from a Corolla Altis (when it was launched in 2003), Toyota has done it again in this Previa. It's as quiet (if not even more silent) than a Corolla. But the best part about it is it has NO VIBRATION (unlike the danged Isuzu Crosswind Diesel that we have)
-Lots of tech gadgets. The Smart Key System, start/stop push button, manumatic transmission for the "slushbox" (instead of archaic P-R-N-D-2-L setup), power doors and power tailgate, four-corner SONAR sensors (this is one of my faves) among numerous other features
-First vehicle in the country to have the Plasmacluster Air Filtration system. A standard feature that comes with the dual-zone A/C system (triple-zone A/C for some markets), this allows for two modes : Ion and Clean. This leads to cleaner air within the vehicle by eliminating dust pollen, harmful allergens and other dirt and grime and discharges ions to keep it clean after elimating the bacteria. This is a true favorite feature of mine.
-Exterior design is lovely. I love it in all angles.
-LED tail lamps for the rear and HID Xenon headlamps with AFS on/off function for the front bring out the best in safety.
-combined with dual airbags, ABS w/EBD as standard and seatbelts for all occupants, this van offers high protection to each and everyone in the car.
To sum it all up, I definitely enjoyed the ride.
For 2.2 million, it defenitely screams for a higher price
. I'd defeinitely take this over the Grandis in a heartbeat. Surprisingly, I've seen more Toyota Previa units (new one) over the Grandis with a ratio of 20:8 favoring the Toyota. Of course you could wait for the 3.5 V6 version nito (just arrived in Taiwan last month) which comes with 6-speed. Pero if you're budget isn't enough for a V6 and/or can't wait that long for it to arrive, then the 2.4 version will really suffice
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I do recommend that you get one. And when you do, I'll be glad to join as the second Previa owner (R50-R55) here at tsikot. Kaso nga lang, parang kulang pa sa akin yung version na ibinebenta dito. Kaya for my graduation car, my family and I are going to apply for a visa to Japan and visit the Fujimatsu factory (where they make these vehicles). I'm gonna make my special intent order.
What does it include na wala sa version natin:
-2.2 liter D-4D 180 commonrail diesel engine (170hp with 400nm of torque)
-Electronic CVT with 8-speed manual mode (Toyota's top-of-the-line "slushbox")
-AWD (either based on Lexus IS 230 AWD or by electric motor)
-one-touch folding rear seats (for third row)
-TV screen for rear passengers
-the complete VDIM safety package (ie. ABS, EBD, BA, S-VSC, TRC, ETC......)
-Twin moonroof (like in the Japan and Taiwan variants)
-11 airbags (instead of the dual airbags sold here)
-11 speakers (instead of the standard issue 6 speakers for overseas models)
-Electronic touch screen monitor sa loob ng 2-DIN slot sa center dash.
-Intelligent Parking Assist (ala all-new Lexus LS)
-Piano black dash interior (parang sa Estima Aeras variant for JDM market)
-100% All black seats (leather or cloth may not matter)
-Multi-info display (would have to check though kasi baka Japanese-text only)
-controls for the right side of the steering (aside from the audio controls)
Guess that's about it. Should probably cost 3-4 million in the end.
That's why I have to work hard for it. I'm training my "mind" to envision my hate for our Toyota Innova and channel it into hard work so that I can become an honor student next year.
Once I've gotten academic honors, then I can finally get my Previa (visit to the factory) and join you as the second Toyota Previa owner.
I just hope though that there would be other tsikoteers aside from us (who have lots of cash to burn) that would consider buying the New Previa para we can have a Previa meet sometime next year
Any Toyota Previa owners?
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