UMW Toyota should consider launching this very popular mid-sized Toyota Noah.
Toyota Motor Corporation in January this year, 2022, unveiled in Japan a completely redesigned “Noah” mid-sized people mover. Looking very much like a refined Toyota Alphard that has lost some weight, this MPV supersedes the current fast selling reconditioned 5-year-old Toyota Noah that has been flooding our ‘grey’ used car market the past 2 years.
Yes, one ‘smart’ Approved Permit used car importer has brought in hundreds of this slimmed down MPV’s and has been selling them from dozens of used car dealers around the country.
You would have seen it on the road, but because it looks very much like the current model Toyota Alphard, you would have not noticed its slimmer size. Dimensions wise, the 5-year-old Toyota Noah is very similar to the popular Nissan Serena.
Launched in November 2001, the Toyota Noah was developed for family minivan functionality, with power sliding doors for easy entry and exit, a roomy comfortable cabin space for 7 passengers and available luggage room.
Now comes news of a brand new fourth-generation Noah which has been reborn with more comfort, convenience and peace of mind safety features.
Using the TNGA (GA-C) platform for their basic structure, this Noah was developed with a large-capacity 104 L super luggage space that also provides useful under-floor storage to allow tall cargo items and large suit-cases.
This seven-seater features captain seats in the second row. In addition to ottoman mechanisms which is a first for this class the seats also have large foldable side tables.
The lower-profile one-touch folding third-row seats also allow ultra-long straight sliding mechanisms (slide length of 745 mm), rather than requiring sideways sliding, without compromising ride comfort. Together, these features enhance convenience and comfort.
This latest Noah is equipped with power sliding doors with a universal step on the front passenger seat side. The step extends and retracts below the door by ‘karakuri’ mechanism when opening and closing the sliding door. The step is 200 mm high to provide easy access for the whole family, from children to the elderly.
This new Noah comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, the newest active safety package with advanced and improved functionality.
There are two engine variants for Japan and soon they will arrive in Malaysia as used units if UMW Toyota does not quickly launch them locally.
The new-generation hybrid version uses a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder DOHC engine (2ZR-FXE). Increased motor and battery output with an improved system efficiency.
The more popular version will be the 2.0-liter using the Dynamic Force Engine (M20A-FKS) working with a Direct Shift-CVT which achieves a powerful direct drive system with outstanding fuel efficiency.
As a petrol-powered vehicle as well, class-leading fuel efficiency of 15.1 km/liter under the WLTC test cycle. Direct Shift-CVT comes with 10-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic for fun shift changes with the feeling of a manual.
Selling price new will not be low as this is still a full feature luxury people mover, but when used after a few years you might be able to get a unit for under RM199k.
