8 February 2011
Toyota's Previa has been the quintessential people mover for kiwis since its introduction in 1990, the latest, third generation continues to please thanks to the addition of the Previa Grande V6 to the line-up.
The Previa's modern new looks are sleeker and modern but not revolutionary; at first glance not much seems to have changed. The alterations are discreet, but plentiful, the most obvious being the sharper V-shaped frontal treatments and headlamps.
There's also cleaner side-on linage and LED tail lights. The base Previa's 125kW 2.4 litre gets the kids to and from the soccer pitch without too much fuss, but belting out more power than an SV6 Commodore the Grande offers up smooth and surprising performance for this type of vehicle.
The V6 is a derivative of the awesome Aurion 3.5 litre V6; developing 202kW @ 6200 rpm and 340Nm of torque @ 4700 driving the Previa is like being in control of a seven seat bullet train. It hauls.
Yet despite the ample power, the Previa Grande returns respectable fuel economy of 10.2 L/100km, thanks in part to dual variable valve timing technology and a slick six-speed automatic transmission.
Power isn't just reserved to engine either. Rear occupants, especially the younger ones, can marvel at the power sliding doors that operate at the push of the vehicle's remote button. The third row of the luxurious leather seating similarly disappears into the floor with electrically assisted convenience, maximising the generous stowage space. The large rear side windows are also power operated and the second row of seating is adjustable forward and aft.
Handling is acceptable, but not class leading. Wider front and rear tracks and a longer wheelbase than earlier Previa offerings are definite improvements, as is the lower slung fuel tank and floor. But the vehicle still feels top heavy through corners, we don't see this as a safety concern, but rear occupants may not appreciate the pendulum motion on a twisty road.
Car-like handling is not expected from a people mover, but the Previa doesn't fare as well as some rivals in this department. On the other hand however, ride control over bumps feels supple and well sorted.
The Previa Grande is generously equipped, rivalling most high-end European people movers. We didn't like the fake wood grain that adorned the dash, but otherwise the smart layout proved to be very user friendly with steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise control systems, and well constructed in typical Toyota fashion.
Heated front seating with flip down armrests, a Bluetooth and MP3 compatible audio system with a six-disc in dash CD changer, climate control and a power tilting sunroof also give front occupants plenty to play with.
Even second row occupants are extended the luxuries of an independent rear cooler with passenger controls; leather bound footrests and a second glass roof overhead. The beauty of the second row's adjustability is that, with the seats moved forward, the third row seating is granted impressive legroom; so all seven occupants sit in comfort.
Luggage space is compromised with all seats in play, but while there may not be enough for seven people's luggage the remaining space is still generous by class standards.
When packed to the height of the seatbacks, (Toyota consider any higher overloading and obstructive to vision etc.) and the third row of seats magically folded away 1780 litres of capacity, and a flat load floor is available.
A key selling point for people movers is obviously safety, fortunately there's no shortage of safety features in the Previa, the ABS brakes are accompanied by a Brake Assist System (BAS) to maximise braking force in emergency stops, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
There is front and rear parking aids that offer a virtual visibility at the vehicle's extremities and inside; driver and passenger front, side, driver's knee and front/rear curtain airbags cocoon occupants. Also standard fitment is two child seat tether strap anchorages and two ISOFIX child restraint mountings.
Somewhat of a coup over competitors is a 'pre crash' safety system that retracts the seatbelts, priming them for ultimate protection should extremely heavy braking or loss of grip be detected. As a new vehicle, the Previa Grande's $69,990 sticker price (a premium of $14,090 over the base model) may be prohibitive to the everyday family, even with Toyota New Zealand's reputation for discounting.
Should you splash out on the Grande's extra opulence your passengers will thank you for it, the levels of comfort and spaciousness are above most people's expectations from Toyota. Driving dynamics are not the Previa's strongest area, though forgivable given the type of vehicle