Toyota has taken the wraps off the all-new fourth-generation Noah and Voxy in Japan. The family-oriented minivan siblings are based on a stretched version of the TNGA (GA-C) platform, bringing modern design features and Toyota’s latest technology.
Despite sharing the same underpinnings,
interior, and the majority of their body panels, the Noah and Voxy are sold as
different models aimed at different target groups. Both feature a massive
grille covering most of the front end, following the latest trends in the
minivan segment. The Noah has a more conventional look while the Voxy adopts a
dual headlight design with more complex intakes and LEDs.
The profile is identical with large
windows and rear sliding doors for easy access to the cabin. Similarly, changes
are minimal at the back where Noah gets red LED taillights versus a clear
design for the Voxy with additional decorative chrome strips. The vehicles are
4,695 mm long, 1,730 mm wide, and 1,895-1,925 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm.
The cabin can be arranged with a
seven-seat, or an eight-seat three-row layout with foldable seats. As you would
imagine, there is heaps of space for passengers and their luggage, with a cabin
height of 1,405 mm, and additional underfloor storage at the
boot. The dashboard is fairly modern with an 8-inch or 10.5-inch display for
the infotainment system, a high-mounted center console, beautifully designed
cupholders, and a practical storage tray. Optional features like a roof-mounted
screen and a premium sound system make traveling more pleasant for the rear
passengers. Equipment also includes the Toyota Safety Sense suite with all of the
latest ADAS systems.
For easier entry from the wide-opening
sliding doors, there is an electronically retractable step and a grip handle,
while the rear hatch is free-stop thanks to a mechanism called “karakuri”.
Toyota is also offering wheelchair-accessible “Welcab” variants with
rear-mounted ramps. Additionally, they can be combined with the “Weljoin” seats
featuring a side lift-up tilt mechanism and extra deployable steps designed for
people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
In terms of powertrains, the minivans are
available with the 2.0-liter Dynamic Force petrol engine, sending power to
either the front (FWD) or to all four wheels (4WD) through a Direct Shift-CVT
transmission with 10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic. Alternatively, there is
also a new generation hybrid powertrain, combining a naturally aspirated
1.8-liter engine with a more powerful electric motor and a higher capacity
battery. This one is also available in 4WD using the E-Four system with an
extra electric motor.
Both the Noah and the Voxy are already
available to order in Japan starting from this month. The Noah is priced
between ¥ 2,670,000-3,890,000 (US$ 23,307-33,957), while the Voxy is a little bit
more expensive with a price range between ¥ 3,090,000-3,960,000 (US$ 26,975-34,570).
Toyota plans on selling 8,100 units of the Noah and 5,400 units of the Voxy per
month.
This will be the fourth generation of the
duo, with the first introduced in 2001, the second in 2007, and the third in
2014, with Toyota staying true to their six-year product circle. Despite the
impressive roominess, the Noah / Voxy are sitting below the larger Alphard /
Vellfire and the flagship Granace in Toyota’s Japanese minivan range. Rivals
include the brand-new Honda Step WGN, and the Nissan Serena.
