New Previa Takes Toyota To The Top

Toyota is to launch an all-new version of the Previa, its flagship family MPV. The new Previa, debuted at Geneva Motor Show 2000, will build on the established reputation of its predecessor for space, comfort and advanced styling.

The new Previa is a striking, ultra-modern MPV that has been designed from the outset to carry six to eight adult passengers and their luggage in comfort. It offers flexible accommodation, excellent ride and handling and, thanks to ‘intelligent’ engineering, excellent levels of performance, handling, comfort and economy.

Toyota is confident that the new Previa, which will be launched in Europe in May, will set new standards in the family MPV segment and, once again, establish Toyota as the class leader in the market.

ADVANCED STYLING

New Previa has interior space and comfort as a priority without compromising drivability, handling or active safety. The ‘one wave’ design of the first Previa model has been sharpened and refined to create an ultra-modern vehicle that will attract customers ready for 21st century transport.

Unlike its predecessor new Previa adopts a front-engine, front wheel drive layout which has enabled the Toyota engineers to create an even more spacious interior – the best in the class – within the same overall length (4750mm).

The wheelbase has been increased by 40mm, to 2900mm, the seating positions lower and more natural, and the overall height slightly lower at 1765mm. The new Previa is also slightly narrower than its predecessor at 1790mm, enabling easier parking, with a reduced turning radius for better manoeuvrability. The flexibility and functionality of the interior design sets Previa apart from its competitors.

INTERIOR SPACE AND COMFORT

New Previa is available with a wide range of seating options to suit customer demand and vehicle function. It will be available as a six or seven seater with individual second and third row seats – or as an eight seater with second and third row bench seats. And in seven seater format the third seating row can be removed to become a capacious five seater.

The individual seats (6 and 7 seater) tumble and fold to create space or can be detached and removed from the vehicle entirely. The second row bench seat (8 seater) is split 60:40 and has a reclining back, while the third row bench tips, and can slide up to 825mm, to create extra luggage space.

Whatever seating configuration is chosen, Previa has outstanding luggage carrying capacity. There is ample space behind the third row of seats with a full sized ‘boot’ 780mm deep. Both second and third rows of seats slide to create optimum legroom and comfort for passengers.

NEW 2.4 LITRE VVT-i ENGINE

The new Previa is equipped with the latest development in Toyota’s VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) petrol engine range. This offers outstanding performance and fuel economy by using computer-controlled valve timing to boost mid-range torque.

Previa is fitted with a new 2.4-litre VVT-i engine (2AZ-FE), developing 115kW at 5,600rpm and maximum torque of 225Nm at 4,000rpm. The new Previa is front-engined, front wheel drive for greater vehicle control and road holding. It also gives maximum interior space and a low, flat floor. By mounting the new engine on a sub-frame at the front of the new platform Toyota has increased body rigidity, which in turn has improved stability and handling, as well as cutting engine noise and vibration to a minimum.

Previa will be equipped with a newly-developed five speed manual gearbox or a new generation automatic transaxle that is compact and lightweight. The automatic gearbox is equipped with an advanced control system, which actively responds to driver input and offers rapid, smooth gear changes.

VVT-i technology, plus intelligent engineering to create excellent aerodynamics and reduce overall weight, means new Previa will offer best-in-class fuel economy. Real on-road performance is excellent and new Previa is exceptionally quiet and comfortable for a vehicle in this class.

OUTSTANDING SAFETY

Safety is a key issue for MPVs and Toyota has an outstanding record in European and worldwide crash tests, plus substantial ‘real world’ experience.

The new Previa has anti-lock braking (ABS), fitted as standard across all models, with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) to control brake force on all four wheels and between the left and right and front and rear wheels in accordance with driving conditions. In the event of an accident, the brake pedal is designed to retreat away from the driver, reducing the risk of any lower leg injury.

New Previa is fully equipped to meet the latest passive safety requirements, with its passenger car handling and braking performance contributing to additional active safety or accident avoidance. Previa will be equipped with Safety Restraint System (SRS) airbags for driver and front seat passenger as standard.

Front seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters are also standard, and second and third row seats have 3-point seat belts fitted to the outer seats. The centre seats of the second and third row have a 2-point seat belt. All separate seats, including the second row centre seat, have headrests.

The interior is lined with head impact protection to reduce the impact of collision.

FULLY EQUIPPED

The ‘one wave’ exterior styling of new Previa is carried over to the interior where driver and passengers will find advanced functionality and comfort. Inside Previa the emphasis is on driver and passenger control with a strong focus on ergonomics. The centre cluster and main instruments have been designed to offer good visibility with minimal line of sight movement and the most important instruments feature ‘Optitron’ displays. By projecting the information on to the instrument panel reflections and glare are reduced during the daytime and night visibility is enhanced.

There are 18 different storage spaces and cup and bottle holders are placed throughout the cabin to reflect the likely leisure and family usage of new Previa. There are also personal roof lights for each individual seat (except centre seats).

Electric-powered front windows are standard on all vehicles, and powered rear windows will also be standard in many markets. The sliding side doors, designed for maximum visibility and easy passenger access, are equipped with several safety features to avoid the door being opened when the window is open – or keep the door open when the Previa is parked on a slope.

Cabin temperature is controlled by a manual heater as standard, with air conditioning as an option. Rear cabin temperature is regulated by a ceiling mounted unit and airflow throughout the cabin has been carefully controlled to ensure maximum driver and passenger comfort under all conditions.

A six-speaker system and an optional multi-display gives driver information in addition to the audio operation status.

FULLY SUPPORTED

A pan-European three-year, or 60,000 miles, mechanical warranty and a 12-year bodywork corrosion perforation warranty will back the new Previa. Bodywork is also protected with a three-year paint warranty against imperfections. Full aftersales support is available through Toyota’s extensive and highly trained European dealer network.

Fuel consumption figures are target data

ENDS