Seven wonder

THE boxy proportions of the multi-purpose vehicle or MPV usually mean it is not the most stylish looking model on the road. Unless it's the new Toyota Sienta. The second-generation Sienta minivan is not only unconventionally curvaceous, but it is also wonderfully wacky for a Toyota.

Wanting to appear "active" and "fun", its designer modelled it after a trekking shoe. The quirky exterior features few straight lines but more than a couple of body bulges, although not in the usual performance sense of the word.

In front, there is a gaping mouth that is cute instead of intimidating, and it is framed by contrasting plastic trim. The rear end is similarly highlighted.

While the trim is plain black plastic on the entry-level variant, it is an attractive shade of iridescent brown called Flexstone (which also clads the door mirrors) on the higher-grade version.

So, compared with its predecessor, the new Sienta not only looks funkier but also longer - because it is. Overall length is extended by 135 mm to 4,235 mm.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre engine that drives the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission in the usual efficient if unexciting Toyota manner.

But inside, the styling is cool. The futuristic-looking dashboard is well-contoured to smoothly incorporate shelves and cup holders.

Another cute touch is the slim orange line which brightens the fascia into an explosion of colour when the upper glove compartment is opened (there is another more conventional one below). There are deep front door pockets but otherwise, little more storage space.

But the cabin does look neat, with the gear lever mounted on the centre console and surprisingly few buttons - just two large ones beside the shift gate for the air-conditioning.

The 2,700 mm wheelbase is unchanged but the Sienta still manages to pack in three relatively useable rows of seats.

Activate the rear power doors (the only one in its class to have them) to gain access to a second row which slides to create more legroom for the third row.

The latter has surprisingly good headroom. It may look snug but it is actually able to accommodate a pair of six-footers without contortion. For how long the lanky occupants want to remain there though depends on the length of the ride. Plus there is still a bit of space behind them for some slim luggage.

But it is the clever seats which stand out. Release the third row seat anchors and the individual seats can be folded forward to be tucked under the second row seats and out of the way for a flat cargo floor. The Sienta may not be used to move house but it is still a generously sized boot.

For what is currently the cheapest Japanese-made seven-seat model available, the Toyota Sienta packs both space and style.

SPECS

Toyota Sienta 1.5G

Engine: 1,496cc inline-4

Gearbox: Continuously variable transmission

Max power: 109 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Max torque: 136 Nm @ 4,400 rpm

0-100 kmh: 12.0 secs

Top speed: 170 kmh

CO2 emissions: 127 g/km

Average OMV: S$18,000

Price: S$109,988 (with COE)

Contact: VinCar Pte Ltd

Tel: 6749 1119