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Toyota Estima Hybrid |
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Toyota Estima HybridThe Toyota Estima in Japan and the Toyota Tarago in Australia, is an MPV or multi-purpose vehicle (minivan) produced by Toyota Motor Corporation since 1990.
In 2000, the Toyota Estima Hybrid became the first minivan to ever sport the advanced new power train technology. Yesterday, Toyota released the fully redesigned version of this family-hauling green machine. Like its predecessor, the new Estima is propelled by the company's Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with E-Four. That's a fancy way of saying it has Toyota's proven hybrid system paired with electronic four-wheel-drive. It has the capability to run in all-electric mode under the proper conditions. Optimized for minivan use, the Estima power train bestows performance as good or better than similar gasoline-only vehicles, while providing class-leading fuel economy at the same time. Handling is improved through the addition of Toyota's electronic VDIM system -- a feature commonly found on the automaker's premium Lexus vehicles that also sees duty on the Highlander Hybrid here in the US. The environmentally-conscious approach extends beyond the green-tech power train. Toyota uses recyclable and otherwise environmentally-sensitive materials whenever possible in the actual construction of the vehicle, and employs a methodology called Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System) during development which is intended to help ensure that CO2; emissions are reduced through every stage of the car's lifespan. Toyota uses the van's styling to emphasize its green aspirations and high-tech theme. The grille and headlamp design is very modern-looking, and all the lenses have a blue tint which is supposed to evoke cleanliness. It all works. The color palate follows suit, and Toyota has introduced an optional metallic purple exterior color that lends a light, airy quality to the whole affair. While subtle, these styling decisions do a good job of communicating the "clean" message Toyota is shooting for. Naturally, Hybrid badging is applied in all the right places, and for those who want to emphatically communicate that they're driving a hybrid, a selection of "Hybrid Synergy Drive" decals are available from the official accessory catalog. Even TRD gets in on the act, offering a small number of performance models for the Estima. While it's a Japan-only model, the Estima Hybrid is very interesting in that it offers a peek at a vehicle type for which there may well be a market here in the US. While compact hybrids like the Prius fill a clearly-defined niche, they do not offer the utility that many people require. The Estima Hybrid, on the other hand, does. Hybrid performance and efficiency combined with capacity for seven or eight passengers is something that many families looking for a people hauler would likely find attractive. Toyota Estima Hybrid |
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Hybrid Vehicles
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