New Toyota Previa – The Next Generation

KEY POINTS

• All new engine, gearboxes and chassis.
• Now front-engined/front-wheel drive for car like driving and increased interior space (previous car was mid-engine – rear wheel drive).
• Seven and eight seat configurations.
• New 2.4 litre, four cylinder petrol engine with VVT-I (variable valve timing – intelligent) produces 156 PS@ 5,600rpm and 166lbft (225Nm)@4,000rpm.
• Class leading safety with ABS, twin air bags and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard on all models. Excellent results in Euro-NCAP expected.
• Same overall length, but longer wheelbase and increased interior room.
• Lower roof height, but more interior headroom, especially in the rear.
• Class leading flexibility and functionality of the interior.
• Seven-seater has seven individual seats; eight-seater has 2nd and 3rd row bench seats.
• Ample luggage capacity even with 3rd row seats in.
• Max speed 115mph (auto 112mph) with 0-62mph in 10.9 sec (auto 11.2sec). Combined consumption of 30.1mpg (auto 26.9mpg).
• 18 different ‘cubbie holes’ including cup and bottle holders.
• Individual overhead lights and air vents for six passengers (i.e. not central seats).
• Electric windows and remote central double-locking with immobiliser (transponder in key).
• Satellite navigation standard on CDX derivative, an option on all others.
• Easy entry/exit, especially for young and old, thanks to low seat hip points (40-50mm lower than previous car).
• Low weight and powerful brakes with EBD give shortest stopping distance in class.
• Balance shaft in engine for smoothness.
• Direct injection diesel available in 2001.
• On sale in the UK on 5th July.
• One engine, two gearboxes and three trim grades – GS, GLS and CDX – offering good value for money.

SECTION ONE – SHORT STORY

Espace, the final frontier. This is the story of Previa, the Next Generation large MPV from Toyota. Previa will make other MPVs seem like mere Voyagers as it boldly goes on a Galaxy Quest.

There are a worrying number of Star Trek puns associated with large MPVs. Perhaps Toyota should have renamed the new car Enterprise. Certainly, the striking design of the new car would make Jim, Bones, Uhura, Spock, Chekov, Sulu and Scottie feel right at home. Fortunately, Previa’s class leading safety features mean that even the unknown, red shirted security man would return safe. (And yes, that makes eight – more than a Galaxy, Voyager or Espace can accommodate.) There is, however, no guarantee that the Captain will keep his shirt on, although he won’t have lost it due to the price.

So here we go, hailing on all frequencies – the new Toyota Previa…

PREVIA – TRANSPORT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

• Spacious, modern design with flexible interior
• Five, six, seven or eight seat configuration
• Economical, powerful, 2.4-litre VVT-i petrol engine
• Outstanding safety features and high level of standard equipment

New Previa is a striking, large MPV that has been designed from the outset to carry up to eight adult passengers and their luggage in comfort. It offers flexible accommodation, excellent ride and handling and, thanks to ‘intelligent’ engineering, an unmatched balance of performance and economy.

The new Previa, engineered to be driven with all the ease and confidence of a saloon car, sets fresh standards in the large MPV segment.

DRAMATIC STYLING

New Previa has interior space and comfort as a priority, but without compromising driveability, handling or active safety. The ‘one-wave’ design of the first Previa model has been sharpened and refined to create a modern vehicle that will attract customers wanting 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 within the same overall length (15.7ft / 4750mm).

The wheelbase has been increased by 1.6in (40mm) to 114.2in (2900mm), the seating positions lowered and made more natural, and the overall height slightly lowered at 69.7in (1770mm). But headroom, particularly for rear seat passengers, is improved and Previa has lost none of its sense of interior space. Indeed the flexibility and functionality of the interior design sets Previa ahead of its competitors.

BEND THE SPACE-SEAT CONTINUUM

New Previa offers a flexible range of seating options from two to eight. It will be available as a seven seater with individual second and third row seats – or as an eight seater with second and third row bench seats.

The individual seats on the seven seater tumble and fold or can be detached and removed from the vehicle entirely – creating a capacious load carrier with two, three, four or five, six and seven seats in place depending on need.

In the eight seater the second row bench seat is split 60:40 and has a reclining back, while the third row bench tips 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’ 20.9in (530mm) long and at least 18.2cuft (0.515m3). Both second and third rows of seats slide to create optimum legroom and comfort for passengers.

THIS ENGINE CAN TAKE IT, CAPTAIN – THE NEW 2.4-LITRE VVT-i ENGINE

New Previa is fitted with an all-new 2.4-litre VVT-i engine, developing 156PS (115kW) at 5,600rpm and maximum torque of 166lbft (225Nm) at 4,000rpm. The Previa is front-engined, front wheel drive for saloon-like vehicle control and road holding with maximum interior space thanks to a low, flat floor.

New Previa comes with either a newly developed five-speed manual gearbox or a new four-speed automatic transmission that is compact and lightweight. The automatic gearbox is equipped with an advanced control system that actively responds to driver input and offers rapid, smooth gear changes.

VVT-i technology allied to excellent aerodynamics (Cd 0.29) and reduced overall weight, means new Previa offers excellent fuel economy. On the European standard combined cycle, new Previa achieves 30.1mpg (man) and 26.9mpg (auto).

Real, on-road performance is excellent with a top speed of 115mph (auto 112mph) and acceleration to 62mph in 10.9 seconds (auto 11.2).

BOLDLY GO THANKS TO PREVIA’S OUTSTANDING SAFETY

Safety is a key issue for families buying MPVs and Toyota has an outstanding record in European and worldwide crash tests, plus substantial ‘real world’ experience. The new Previa builds on this impressive heritage.

Anti-lock braking (ABS) is standard across all models, and so is electronic brake force distribution (EBD), which balances the braking forces between wheels in accordance with driving conditions.

New Previa is equipped with Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags for driver and front seat passenger as standard. Front seat belts with pretensioner and force limiters are standard.

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. The Previa is equipped with a fuel cut-off system that stops the fuel pumps if an airbag is deployed.

EASIER TO USE THAN CHEKOV’S CONSOLE

The ‘one-wave’ exterior styling of new Previa is carried over to the interior where driver and passengers will find advanced functionality and comfort. The design emphasis was on ergonomics.

The instrument panel has been placed slightly higher towards the centre, but angled to the driver, to offer excellent visibility with minimal line of sight movement. The main displays are ‘Optitron’ type, using a cold cathode lamp to project a clear, high contrast analogue image which is both easy to read and stylish.

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

Electric powered front and rear windows are standard for all models. Remote control central double locking and an engine immobiliser, triggered by a transponder chip in the ignition key, are standard equipment.

A six-speaker stereo system is standard on all derivatives. The GLS and CDX have CD/tuners with satellite navigation standard on the CDX. With this, the multi-display also gives driver information such as outside temperature, speed, and fuel consumption in addition to the audio operation status.

STAY AS CALM AS A VULCAN WITH TOYOTA’S WARRANTY

A pan-European three-year, or 60,000mile, mechanical warranty and a 12-year, corrosion perforation warranty will support the new Previa. Bodywork is also protected with a six-year paint warranty.

Full after sales support is available through Toyota’s extensive and highly trained dealer network.

ONE ENGINE, TWO TRANSMISSIONS AND THREE GRADES

New Previa will be available in three trim levels: GS, GLS and CDX. GS will be available with either manual or automatic transmission while GLS and CDX are automatic only. All will have the 2.4 litre VVT-i petrol engine. A common rail, direct injection diesel engine will be available from 2001.

The GS is only available as an eight seater and the CDX only as a seven seater. The GLS is available as either a seven or an eight seater at no extra cost.

On sale in the UK from 5th July 2000, the on-the-road prices will be: –

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