http://www.bangkokpost.com/250305_Motoring...005_motor59.php [Broken External Image]:http://www.bangkokpost.com/250305_Motoring/250305_moto34.jpg [Broken External Image]:http://www.bangkokpost.com/250305_Motoring/250305_moto35.jpg Both the Estima and Alphard come with 131hp, 190Nm 2.4-litre inline-four engines with additional 18hp and 25hp electric motors at the front and rear respectively. Both cars offer useful shove anywhere under 140kph. They are also generally quiet on the move, with the smooth-shifting CVT transmissions being only vocal when pushed hard. According to claims in Japan, both the Estima and Alphard hybrids yield around 18kpl. That's quite believable, because during our venture with the cars on a trip to Saraburi, the fuel rate was 15.5kpl driven at our usual rate of 120-140kph. Since the Alphard is the heavier car of the two, it naturally drank more gas, say by around 1-1.5kpl. According to technical data compiled from Japan, the Estima and Alphard is roughly 30% more economical than the 100% petrol-run 220hp, 304Nm 3.0-litre V6 motors. And considering how well the hybrids perform, they are definitely here for the future.
I'm telling ya now, these vehicles would out-sell the Prius, if available over here. EVERYONE I talk hybrids with, asks if a mini-van is coming/available. They're taken aback that they are...but only overseas in Japan. These are families that like the mini-van for pure hauling gear and kids and adults but hate the 18 MPG. They don't see the point of SUVs anymore and the safety of their vans over SUVs is great and the Prius is just a bit too small. Why is this not over here NOW. Isn't the mini-van market pretty big? And I'm not even a family guy! Wouldn't there be many, many more people interested in a practical, affordable vehicle than an expensive not-so-affordable 300-HP sedan? Let's hear some feedback...
These are exactly what i need! My Chevy Venture has 148,000 on it so I hope Toyota gets them over here pretty soon!!! If Chrysler had a brain in their head they would get a Hybrid version of the Caravan on the market pronto because these Toyota's would end what's left of their Mini Van dominance
Are the tyres small or are the vehicles large? The Estima is a large vehicle. Perhaps someone can confirm but the Estima may be as long as the our minivans and maybe taller. Given Japan's narrower roads, my guess is that they are a bit narrower than our Sienna
getting a hybrid minivan is next on my list! hmmm... 3.4million baht.... is that applicable here? when converted that comes to around $90,000...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"75951)</div> Following is the comparison... Item___Estima__Alphard__Sienna width___70.5____71.1_____77.4 inch length__188.8___190.6____200.0 inch wheel_205/65R15_205/65R16_215/65R16 Regards, Ken@Japan
I have to agree that a Hybrid Minivan would sell VERY WELL!! We have a 1998 Chrysler Minivan. My wife drove our new Prius a few times and she said, "Whenever they make one of these things in a Minivan, Sign me up!!!" By the way, I traded in a 1996 E320 Mercedes on a 2005 Prius and I have absolutely no regrets!! This car is quieter, smoother shifting (as in it doesn't), and I'm getting triple the city mileage (20 vs 60 MPG) :lol:
