"Toyota-Estima": description, specifications, photos, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The modern minivan market is very oversaturated with various models of various manufacturers. Any automaker with a wide range of models does not leave this segment of the consumer market unattended. Model lines and configurations not only excite the mind, but also make you think about how the human brain could think of such innovations. However, do not forget that there are always so-called "pioneers". In this case, we mean the model that set the pace for the development of modern family cars - Toyota Estima.

It all started with him

The Estima minivan was built on a futuristic platform and had a central engine. It was this car that helped set a new trend and pace of development in the creation of cars of this class. In total, at the moment the minivan has three generations, the last of which is produced to this day.

In the familiar name "Toyota-Lucida-Estima" was produced and continues to be produced forJapanese market. For the US and European market, a modification was produced with the steering wheel on the left - Toyota Previa.

History of development and creation

The first generation minivan was designed back in 1987 by designers David Doyle and Tokyo Fukuichi. The car had a platform unique at that time and a mid-engine layout. As conceived by the designers, the four-cylinder in-line engine was located almost in a horizontal position at an angle of 70 degrees, lying on its side under the driver's and passenger's seats. The main goal of the developers was to use all kinds of non-standard experimental solutions, so that in the future they could be used in new models.

First Generation

The first Estima was released in 1990. Later, in 1992, Toyota-Estima-Emin and Lucida-Estima variants appeared, which differed in a slightly shortened body and equipment. The main innovation at that time was the installation of the engine at a certain angle, which gave a special practical meaning to the design. Of course, this arrangement had its negative consequences, namely the difficulty of access to the engine. But for minor maintenance, such as changing candles, a special hatch was made under the front row passenger seat.

For a more serious repair, the Toyota Estima was equipped with the SADS (Supplemental Accessory Drive System). It implied an unusual design solution, thanks to which the air conditioning compressor, generator and other attachmentslocated away from the engine. A special shaft with a pulley was used to drive the system.

Engine

As mentioned above, the mid-engined layout was a rather unusual solution, but it allowed for almost perfect weight distribution, thanks to which the minivan had excellent control. One of the disadvantages of this method of installing an internal combustion engine was the difficulty of replacing it with a more powerful and, accordingly, more bulky unit. To make this possible, the mechanics had to significantly change the body.

Due to the fact that the model was delivered to different parts of the world, Toyota Estima, the photo of which can be seen in the presented material, was equipped with different types of engines and drive systems. So, the American version was equipped only with gasoline engines paired with front-wheel drive. In Japan, it was possible to find an option with a 2.2-liter diesel engine and all-wheel drive with an All-Trac transmission.

Salon and layout

A huge plus of the Toyota Estima minivan was undoubtedly the salon, which was supposed to provide comfort to a large family in various situations that could arise during even the longest trips. Two cabin options were provided: for seven and eight passengers, respectively. Regardless of the chosen seating option, the driver and front passenger "looked" in the direction of travel, but the second row of seats was turned in the opposite direction.

Besides this, in the middle rowthe seats were separated from each other and consisted of two parts: for two and one passengers. This arrangement provided for a change in the configuration of free space in the passenger compartment. It was possible to fold one seat and turn the interior of the Toyota Estima car, the photo of which is presented above, into a dining area with a “banquette” table. The third row of seats included two full-fledged chairs with armrests in the version with a seven-seat interior layout. With an eight-seat layout, the rear row of seats was identical to the middle one. In this case, in any case, it was possible to fold all the seats and get a bed for the entire cabin, while not touching the trunk space.

The second and third generation of the Toyota Estima, reviews

The second generation was produced from 2000 to 2006, was created on the platform of the Toyota Camry model and received a slightly elongated body. Changing the base of the minivan made it possible to change the layout to a front-engine one and made it possible to install a new line of power units. So, the lineup includes a 3-liter hybrid V6 with an additional electric motor. There is also a second sliding door on the other side of the body.

The third generation of Toyota-Estima cars appeared in 2006 and is still being produced, having already undergone two restyling of the body. Compared to previous generations, the minivan is now equipped with a large set of functions and, as motorists note, a more comfortable interior. The main innovations were the computer assistance system for parking (normal and parallel -this is also counted as a plus by its owners), the Synergy Drive hybrid drive system, as well as the second-row seat suspension system with folding cushions. Thanks to the unified Camry-Highlander platform, the car also received a new line of engines, led by a 3.5-liter V6.

It is worth adding that the Toyota Estima has become an icon of minivans. It was this car that set and continues to set the pace for the development of modern family cars. On the territory of Russia, an excellent analogue is being sold - Toyota Alphard, which will be no less comfortable and enjoyable for family trips on vacation and on any long journeys. And all the amenities that the car is equipped with will make any trip simply unforgettable.