Toyota Launches New Hybrid Estima Minivan in Japan
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 06.13.06
Toyota first introduced the Estima hybrid minivan in 2001. At the time it, was the first hybrid minivan and the first mass-produced vehicle to use an electric four-wheel-drive system. The new redesigned Estima was just launched in Japan and its fuel consumption is impressive for a 7-seat vehicle: 5.0 l/100km (47 mpg US) in the Japanese 10-15 cycle, more than 20% greater than the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards, and both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) emissions are 75% lower than the 2005 standards. It is powered by a 2.4 liters gasoline engine (147 hp) and, depending on the configuration, either one or two electric motors (105 kW in the front and 50 KW in the back). The price in Japan starts at ¥3,633,000 (US$31,770), consumption tax included.
One interesting technology used in the Toyota Estima hybrid is:
An exhaust heat recovery system has been adopted to recover thermal energy from the exhaust and use it to heat engine coolant. This reduces engine warm-up time, which enables the engine to shut off earlier when idling, contributing to further improvements in actual fuel economy.
It is not mentioned if this feature also helps the catalytic converter heat up faster, but emission-control systems are much more efficient when at peak operating temperature.
Also:
* By using Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system known as Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System) [also used on the Toyota Yaris -Ed.], environmental targets were set in the development stage and a life cycle assessment was conducted to allow the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.* In addition to using materials with excellent recyclability, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions and the use of substances of environmental concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and others.
There is also an EV Drive Mode that allows the Estima hybrid to run on electric motor power.
The first picture is of the concept, but as you can see in the second picture, the final version is fairly similar (if not quite as cool-looking).
Usual warning with car articles: Walk, cycle, carpool, take public transit, telecommute. Try to live close to the things you need and where you work. But if you have to own a car, get the most efficient model that fills your needs, drive sanely, keep it in good mechanical condition and keep your tires properly inflated.
::Toyota Launches Completely Redesigned Estima Hybrid, via ::Toyota Introduces Redesigned Estima Hybrid Minivan in Japan
yea
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Can't believe they haven't offered this in North America. If they introduced it here, they would have fleets and taxi drivers lining up to buy 'em.
Not to mention green families with kids...
This is my next vehicle (if they get it over here)
I need to replace my well-used Honda Odyssey.
I guess belong to the "green family with kids" group.
Put me on the list.
Why do they always make hybrids ugly, is it a rule of thumb?
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editor note: My guess is that a North-American version wouldn't look like that.
I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I want one too.
I need one NOW!
Why don't they bring it here ?
5 years now...
I want one too... my 94' town and county minivan must go!.. :)
I want one too!
Can it be bought from Japan and brought here? $?
I want one too!!!! Can you buy one in Canada? I'd like mine red please.
All I have to say is FRIGGIN' SWEET!
I am 35 and a paraplegic as a result of a freak car accident. As a result, the easiest vehicle for me to use is a wheel chair converted minivan. (see http://tinyurl.com/38v3ch for details!)
Since I will be driving this everywhere as a necessity, even though 95% of the time I will be the only one in the vehicle, I MUST have an extremely fuel efficient vehicle, so I can afford to drive it on my Social Security Disability!
Here's hoping that in the next year they FINALLY release a Hybrid Minivan to U.S. customers!!
I want one as soon as it is available
I WILL GIVE U MY ESCALADE EXT AND WILL BUY ONE AT FULL PRICE NOW LOL
An interesting commentary on the state of the American Auto Industry A&M [ administration and management]. See the documentary of ' Who Killed the Electric Car ' ! Here is a forward looking and thinking auto manufacturer that can come up with creative ideas like this ! Bravo ! Just proves that the old line manufacturers like GM, Ford and Chrysler are bankrupt of any creative ideas whatsoever ! Zeyphr, Ph.D, physicist...
...so why do we keep claiming to be the most powerful country in the world when we can't even get one of our american car companies to make us a hybrid minivan in the 6 plus years since they went on the market in Japan?
Can I get one shipped to me from japan To chicago?
Can I get one shipped to me from japan To chicago?
I find it absolutely disgusting that Toyota will not bring this 47mpg 7 seater van to the US market because it will hurt sales of their larger Sienna.
First of all, they are both Toyota vans, so how can Toyota lose if one model does better, secondly, death to the gas guzzling vans and SUVs.
Is Toyota trying to help OPEC? I mean they must have some money vested in the big Oil corps or something, why else would they not make this van available?
Its stupid for them to deny us a van that does 47mpg, I hope Honda brings one out that does 47 mpg in a 7 seater and then we'll see if that hurts the larger Sienna sales or not.
This Car come on in India ......................
& prise?
I want one too.