Toyota unveiled the all-new Sienta in Japan, a TNGA-based compact minivan offering a spacious interior with up to three rows of seats, and the option of an efficient hybrid powertrain. This is the third generation of the Sienta following the original model that debuted in 2003 and the second-gen that followed in 2015. The new Sienta shares its TNGA-B bones with the Yaris, Yaris Cross, and Aqua, although it is longer and taller compared to its platform-siblings. More specifically, the Sienta measures 4,300 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall. These figures are very close to its predecessor, with a slightly increased height and length, but an identical wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
The Sienta’s design is a big departure
from its predecessor, adopting cleaner looks with a rounded boxy shape. The
front end is highlighted by cute LED headlights and a single bumper intake with
aluminum-style accents in higher grades. On the profile, the plastic cladding
on the front and rear wheelaches, along with the protective bar are a nice
touch, helping hide the fact that the 15-inch alloy wheels are rather small for
the vehicle’s size.
The low and flat beltline, large windows,
longer sliding doors for the rear passengers, and the massive tailgate with a
very low entry point show that functionality was the main priority for the
design team, as is the case for most MPVs. At the back, the taillights with
fancy LED graphics are vertically mounted on the sides of the windscreen,
connecting it with the side windows.
Inside, we find a simple yet modern
dashboard with a free-standing infotainment touchscreen measuring up to 10.2
inches in diameter, an optional digital instrument cluster, a high-mounted
center console, and a trio of cupholders. The cabin floor is flat and there are
plenty of storage compartments and USB ports for charging. There are also many
clever solutions like bag hooks on the armrests and smartphone pockets on the
seatbacks making everyday life easier for families.
According to Toyota, the interior height
has been increased by 20 mm, and the redesigned second-row seats
offer more legroom and headroom. There is also a roof-mounted air circulator
system helping the air-conditioning system work more efficiently throughout the
cabin. Depending on the trim, the color combinations range from black to
brighter shades of khaki or gray, with a special deodorizing and water/oil
repellent fabric upholstery for the seats.
In terms of powertrains, the Sienta is
available in ICE-only form with the 1.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine petrol
engine, or as a hybrid with the same combustion engine assisted by one or two
electric motors and a small lithium-ion battery. Power is transmitted either to
the front or all four wheels (E-Four) through a Direct Shift CVT with the
10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic system simulating gear changes.
The TNGA-B underpinnings brought
improvements in terms of rigidity, NVH, ride, and handling in combination with
the new suspension comprising MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam
at the rear. The new platform also brought advancements in the safety
department, with the latest Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite coming standard on
all trims. Among them, we find systems like the Advanced Park offering
semi-autonomous parking, and the ability to record footage from the front and
rear cameras in the built-in memory, similar to a dashcam.
The new Toyota Sienta is available to
order in the Japanese market. Prices start from ¥ 1,950,000 (US$ 14,193) for the
base-spec 2WD petrol-powered five-seater, and go all the way up to ¥ 3,108,000
(US$ 22,620) for the flagship E-Four hybrid seven-seater. Toyota also offers a
series of Welcab models that are accessible to wheelchair users. Rival models
in the compact minivan segment include the Honda Freed, while higher variants
of the Toyota Sienta could also face some internal competition from the larger
Noah and Voxy minivans.
