By Steve & Tamami Laser
Since their debut in 2001, Toyota has sold more than 1 million units of its popular Noah and Voxy family minivans. To continue the success of this dynamic duo, Toyota has launched the fourth-generation Noah and Voxy models in Japan.
When we had the opportunity to test drive a third generation Voxy Hybrid in Nagoya, we said it was easy to see why families love it: “It’s a cool-looking, remarkably refined, sophisticated, efficient and flexible van.” And now, Toyota has made it even better.
Up front, Noah gains a majestically styled grille with a sharp headlight design. Noah S-Z, S-G and Aero models are rewarded with a plated grille. Voxy sports an even bolder look, with a uniquely styled front structure that’s accented at night with lights that glow “mysteriously.”
Riding on Toyota’s TNGA (GA-C) platform, the new Noah and Voxy offer greater comfort and convenience. Toyota says the Noah is built on the concepts of “majestic, modern, and high quality” combined with “mainstream and aggressive.” While the Voxy adds “leading edge and unique” to its roster of attributes.
Toyota says that successive generations of Noah and Voxy have expanded upon a powerful boxlike structure with maximization of cabin space. The new models are said to be “reborn as everybody’s minivans,” to “provoke a deeper sense of happiness that only minivans can offer.”
Toyota’s projected base sales volume calls for 8,100 units per month for the Noah, and 5,400 units per month for the Voxy. The new models are manufactured at the Fujimatsu Plant, Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., and the Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corp.
Noah and Voxy are offered with a new generation series-parallel hybrid powertrain with front- or new E-Four all-wheel drive, featuring a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, with increased motor and battery output, and improved efficiency.
E-Four expands operating range, transferring more torque to the rear wheels. Also available is a non-hybrid 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine with Direct-Shift CVT and 10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic.
Available second-row captain’s chairs enhance comfort and convenience for seven-passenger models, with ottoman footrests, heated seats, and folding side tables. Low-profile third-row seats include ultra-long straight-sliding capability for increased flexibility. Eight-passenger models feature a three-passenger 60/40-split tip-up second row.
Models with power sliding doors provide easier access with a universal step on the passenger’s side that automatically extends and retracts below the door, while hand grips have been mounted to the B-pillars on both sides of the van. Available handsfree dual-power sliding doors let users open and close the doors by placing a foot under the sensors. Meanwhile, the new free-stop tailgate can be stopped at any angle by pushing on the gate.
Advanced Drive is among the new functions in a suite of advanced driving support technologies within Toyota Teammate. This supports detection, judgement, and operation, helping to reduce driver fatigue in traffic congestion under certain conditions, on motor-vehicle-only roadways, when Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing assist are activated.
Advanced Park, with remote function, expands support during parallel parking. Hybrid models allow drivers who are carrying a smart key to remotely park the vehicle, or leave a parking space, from outside the vehicle, using a smartphone with a special app installed.
Display Audio systems include an 8-inch display with Connected Navigation support, and a 10.5-inch display with onboard navigation and available T-Connect services. An in-vehicle WiFi hotspot with DCM enables data transfer for smartphones, game devices, and other devices connected to the internet.
Available Toyota Safety Sense features include a Pre-collision Safety System, Proactive Driving Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist, and Plus Support.
Note: Features, specifications and prices for Japan market models are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp.
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