The modern market of minivans is very strongoversaturated with various models of various manufacturers. Any car concern with a wide range of models does not leave this segment of the consumer market without attention. Lineups and configurations do not just excite the mind, but also make you think about how the human brain could figure out such innovations. However, one should not forget that there are always so-called "pioneers". In this case, it implies a model that has set the pace for the development of modern family cars, Toyota Estima.
It all started with him
Estima was built on a futuristicplatform and had a central engine location. It was this car that helped set a new trend and pace of development in creating cars of this class. All at the moment the minivan has three generations, the last of which is made to this day.
In the familiar name "Toyota-Lucid-Estima" was produced and continues to be produced for the Japanese market. For the US and European markets, a modification was produced with the steering wheel on the left, Toyota Previa.
History of development and creation
The first generation minivan was designed yetin 1987 by designers David Doyle and Tokyo Fukuichi. The car had a unique platform at the time and mid-engine layout. According to the designers, the four-cylinder in-line engine was located almost horizontally at an angle of 70 degrees, lying on its side under the driver’s and passenger’s seats. The main goal of the developers was to use all sorts of non-standard experimental solutions, so that in the future they could be used in new models.
First generation
The first Estima was released in 1990.Later, in 1992, the versions “Toyota Estima-Emin” and “Lucida-Estima” appeared, which differed in a slightly shortened body and a complete set. The main innovation at that moment was the installation of the engine at a certain angle, which gave a special practical meaning to the design. Of course, this arrangement had its negative consequences, namely the difficulty of access to the engine. But for minor maintenance, for example, to replace the spark plug, a special hatch was made under the front row passenger seat.
For a more serious repair, Toyota Estima wasequipped with SADS (Supplemental Accessory Drive System). It implied an unusual design solution, thanks to which the air conditioning compressor, generator and other attachments were located remotely from the engine. To bring the system into action, a special shaft with a pulley was used.
Engine
As mentioned above, the mid-enginedthe layout was quite an unusual decision, but it allowed achieving almost perfect weight distribution, thanks to which the minivan had excellent control. One of the drawbacks of this method of installing an internal combustion engine was the difficulty of replacing it with a more powerful and, accordingly, more cumbersome unit. To make this possible, the mechanics had to significantly change the body.
Due to the fact that the model was supplied in differentcorners of the world, “Toyota Estima”, whose photo can be viewed in the presented material, was equipped with different types of engines and drive systems. Thus, the American version was equipped only with gasoline engines paired with front-wheel drive. In Japan, it was possible to find a version with a diesel engine of 2.2 liters and all-wheel drive with an All-Trac transmission.
Salon and layout
Огромным плюсом минивена «Тойота-Эстима», undoubtedly, it was a salon that was supposed to provide comfort to a large family in various situations that could arise in the process of even the longest journeys. There were two options for the cabin: for seven and eight passengers, respectively. Regardless of the option chosen, the driver and front passenger “looked” in the direction of travel, but the second row of seats was turned in the opposite direction.
In addition, in the middle row of the chair were separatedfrom each other and consisted of two parts: for two and one passengers. This layout involved changing the configuration of the free space in the car. It was possible to fold one seat and turn the interior of a Toyota Estima car, the photo of which is presented above, into a dining area with a table- “stool”. The third row of seats included two full seats with armrests in the seven-seater version. In the eight-seat layout, the rear row of seats was identical to the middle one. In this case, in any case, it was possible to fold all the seats and get a berth for the entire cabin, while not touching the trunk space.
The second and third generation of the car "Toyota Estima", reviews
The second generation was produced from 2000 to 2006year, was created on the platform of the model "Toyota Camry" and got a little elongated body. Changing the base of the minivan allowed to change the layout to the front-engine and made it possible to install a new line of power units. Thus, the lineup included a hybrid V6 with a volume of 3 liters with an additional electric motor. Also appeared the second sliding door on the other side of the body.
The third generation of Toyota Estima cars appeared in2006 and made so far, having already passed two restyling of the body. Compared with previous generations, the minivan is now equipped with a large set of functions and, as motorists point out, a more comfortable cabin. The main innovations were the computer parking assistance system (conventional and parallel - this is also counted by its owners as a plus), the Synergy Drive hybrid drive system, and the second row seat suspension system with folding cushions. Thanks to the combined platform, "Camry Highlander" car and received a new line of engines, led by a 3.5-liter V6.
It is worth adding that “Toyota Estima” has become an iconminivans. This car asked and continues to set the pace of development of modern family cars. On the territory of Russia, an excellent analogue is sold - “Toyota-Alphard”, which will be no less comfortable and enjoyable for family trips to rest and on any long-distance travel. And all the amenities that are equipped with a car, will make any trip unforgettable.
