Toyota Launches Completely Redesigned Estima Hybrid

There are more photos of the new Estima (not the hybrid, but it's essentially the same design.) I generally don't get too excited over minivans, but this is one I wouldn't mind driving, especially with HSD!

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t117846.html

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Angelus @ Jun 12 2006, 05:20 PM) [snapback]270144[/snapback]</div>

Hey, I meant no disrespect; I was just expressing my opinion that I personally do not think they are one of the more attractive looking vehicles on the road. If you like it, then that's all that matters. Similarly, I'm sure there are people who don't like the Prius styling, and that is their right to think so.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.

- Kevin

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ Jun 12 2006, 09:50 PM) [snapback]270277[/snapback]</div>

ok...so how do i import one from taiwan?

if i get this minivan, i probably dont want to be the driver:



http://spanish.autoblog.com/2006/03/07/toy...evia-en-taiwan/

 

they really should have brought the estima over here
IMO its alot better lookin than the sienna

 

Here's a link with better pictures
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2658285

 

Wow.... Toyoyta US... I hope you realize how well this car would do in US.
The camry compared to the prius makes no sense to me. The ugly and dated highlander and rx400 might have been good pr (i.e. hybrid rocketship) but not a car most people want. Same goes for the even more expensive and too fast gs.

This on the other hand makes sense. It's a logical car for people that need more space (read families) and yet provides FE as the camry. This car would def. end up on my list of cars to look a lot closer at!

Now make it a plug-in and I'm sold!

/Robert

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jun 12 2006, 02:52 PM) [snapback]270085[/snapback]</div>

Uh, no, simple physics proves you're wrong. If it has the same drivetrain as the Camry, but weighs much more and is much less aerodynamic, it will get much worse fuel economy than the Camry.

I would estimate (no pun intended!) it'd get around 30 mpg. For reference, the Camry is averaging 37 mpg in the GreenHybrid database, and my lifetime is 36.5 mpg over 2200 miles.

 

I said it before and I'll say it again, that mini-van will sell like hotcakes in the US. Loved the pics. but the steering wheel is on the wrong side! :blink:

 

Thanks very much for this link and the article, ken.

Timing for this announcement, hmmmm. Check the following link reported here previously.

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_st...ntent_id=128129

It appears that the future direction of both companies is clear now, except that Toyota also has a diesel option for all it's vehicles and Honda really only has a hybrid option for the small ones ( thus far ).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Jun 13 2006, 02:31 PM) [snapback]270641[/snapback]</div>

I wouldnt be surprised to see a whole new variety of hybrids soon. The Camry is going to be a raging success from initial reactions. The Prius will dramatically change in 18 mo's. The Tundra hybrid is next ( this is a real killer I think to the detroiters ). I think ken has just shown us the new Sienna hybrid ( TSH? ). The new Highlander ( also due for renewal this year ) hybrid will be essentially the same vehicle as the Sienna with a sportier body, using the same powertrain as the TCH / TSH.

However make the HH a 'V6' AWD hybrid such as described in the article by ken and make it the base model starting at say $29000 instead of $33000 - it too is off and running. If both the new TSH and revised HH have real world fuel economy in the 33-36 mpg range ( 50-60% better than any other similar ICE vehicle in their respective classes ) imagine the excitement ..... and at pricing starting under $30000!!!!

This is going to be one revelation after another I believe over the next 18 mo's until the Gen 3 Prius is unveiled. Then it will start all over again with the new technology into'd by the Prius.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jun 15 2006, 03:22 AM) [snapback]271553[/snapback]</div>

In the US most dealers have plenty of supply for the relatively small demand which when combined with an aging design is causing the HH's to be sold at or close to invoice, less regional rebates or severely subvented finance rates.

A typical transaction price now for a sharp buyer is likely in the $30-31K range for a 2WD standard model.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ken1784 @ Jun 15 2006, 09:59 AM) [snapback]271599[/snapback]</div>

Yes, but they only did it by going to the incentive well. The huge discounts (which would make even GM violently ill) combined with the low finance rates can move just about anything.

What's unfortunate is that they couldn't fit the 4 Cyl + HSD combo under the hood.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Jun 15 2006, 09:38 AM) [snapback]271613[/snapback]</div>

No, you are mixed up. Accord-Hybrid is the one with the space restriction.

Camry-Hybrid and Highlander-Hybrid share the same platform (frame structure). The traditional versions even share the same engine. So there's no reason why the hybrids can't too... eventually. Though right now, Toyota is obviously spending their time/resources on creating a minivan hybrid first. Patience.