New Spacio will be sold in
Europe as well as Japan. It's substantially bigger than the
outgoing model but crams in fewer seats.
Top-rated model in the range
is the S Tourer. The standard price of Y1.887 million can be
bumped up by optional body kit and numerous other dealer
options.
New seating configuration
only leaves vestigial third row of seats. The new Spacio is
effectively a five-seater with plenty of luggage
space.
Dash architecture is
predictable but ergonomically sound. The black trim is
exclusive to the S Tourer
grade.
The new Spacio is the latest weapon in Toyota's battle to regain
leadership of the MPV market in Japan.
The domestic sales target
is 3,500 units per month but total volumes will be higher than that
as the Spacio will be exported to Europe to compete against the
likes of the Renault Megane Scenic and Nissan Tino. The old model
was only exported to some Asian markets.
The Spacio was the first compact minivan in Japan with a
removeable third row of seats. It was a neat package and sold well
to begin with but then fell away because, it became clear, the third
row was simply too cramped to be of much practical use.
Toyota came up with a quick fix and released with a five-seater
version with only two rows of seats. This immediately became the
best selling model in the range.
Toyota has learned the lesson of trying to cram too many seats
into too small a cabin and the second-generation Spacio, just
launched in Japan, is substantially bigger than its predecessor (the
new Corolla, on which the Spacio is based, is bigger than the old
one) and therefore much closer to its bigger brother the Ipsum.
Engine capacity has been enlarged in line with this bulking up.
There are two powerplants on offer in Japan, a 1.5 and a 1.8. Both
are BEAMS family VVT-i (infinitely variable valve-timing) motors
with four cylinder and 16 valves. The 1,496cc 1NZ-FE 1,496cc unit
produces 110ps @ 6,000rpm and 14.6kg-m at 4,200. The 1,794cc 1ZZ-FE
offers 136ps at 6,000rpm and 17.4kg-m at 4,000.
If Toyota releases a sport grade Spacio it is likely to be
powered by the 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE motor, which offers a thumping 190ps
(140kW).
The outgoing model's unpopular 2+0+2 and 2+2+2 seating
configurations have been dumped in favor of a 2+3+2 arrangement.
It's really a 2+3 plus two basic foldaways at the back. For
practical purposes, the new Spacio is a five-seater with plenty of
luggage space. Because the wheelbase is 35mm longer than before the
cabin is noticeably roomier.
The new Spacio is more sophisticated in looks than its
predecessor, displaying a steeply raked A-pillar, a rising waistline
and a strong rear quarter pillar. The same features can be seen in
the latest Ipsum and will be integral to the design of the new Opa.
Active and passive safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes,
electronic brakeforce distribution, dual airbags and SRS seatbelts.
Among a myriad of dealer options are DVD, satellite navigation, a
choice of two bespoke CD players, rear parking camera and a hi-mount
stop lamp.
Prices are extremely competitive. The cheapest 1.8 model, the X,
is pegged at Y1.607 million (US$13,090) while the top-grade S Tourer
model costs Y1.887 million (US$15,365).
The new Corolla range is now filled out, with buyers in Japan
able to choose between the standard Corolla sedan, Allex/Runx
hatchback, Fielder wagon and Spacio MPV.
