As early as the middle of last year, there was news that GAC Toyota would produce the Previa MPV model in China. Recently, we got a copy of Previa’s domestic appearance patent application drawing. Judging from the picture, there are two versions of the new car. After calibration, the two models are the 2009 Previa regular version and the hybrid version. Regular version There are two models that have applied for patents. The two are mainly different in places such as the front air intake grille. Version 1 uses Prius-like vertical fog lights, a large air intake grille on the bumper and a widened lower body skirt, making the model more dynamic than the Previa currently sold in China. The multi-spoke wheels are also full of sportiness. Another version of the model has a unique grille design, the enlarged air intake is very similar to the Roewe 550, and the word Hybrid is marked on the side skirt. After verification, both models are Toyota Estima, and one of them is a hybrid version.
Judging from the information currently available, Estima*** is equipped with two gasoline engines, 2.4L inline four-cylinder and 3.5L V6. The former is paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission, and the latter It is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and provides a four-wheel drive system. Hybrid version Another Estima Hybrid model also uses a 2.4L gasoline engine, but on this basis, a high-efficiency electric motor is added at the front and rear of the body, and is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This model also uses an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system and a CVT inorganic transmission, which can directly and automatically switch between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive according to driving conditions. In terms of safety configuration of the hybrid version, both models are equipped with VDIM body dynamic integrated management system, which combines TRC tracking control system, ECB electronic brake control system, EPS electronic steering wheel power assist, VSC body stability control system, and ABS anti-death control system. The lock brake and EBD electronic brake force distribution control and other electronic safety equipment are integrated.
From the perspective of product layout, GAC Toyota’s domestically produced models include the small car Yaris, the mid-to-high-end car Camry and the urban SUV Highlander, but the MPV is missing. In contrast, the other two Japanese joint venture manufacturers in Guangzhou, Dongfeng Nissan and Guangqi Honda, have already had MPV models. The new generation Odyssey has stabilized among the top three in the MPV market.
We learned from GAC Toyota insiders that Previa will be officially put into production at GAC Toyota in 2012. The domestically produced Previa model is code-named "085X" and its new production platform is "MC-M". It is understood that this new platform is also the production platform for the next-generation Highlander to be replaced in 2014. According to the patent drawing of the Previa hybrid version, the domestically produced Previa is likely to follow the Camry in the future and launch both gasoline and hybrid versions.
There is currently no official response on whether to introduce Previa. However, the current Previa has been on the market for some time. Does it seem too old to be domestically produced only in 2012? Or continue the Camry's clever trick and give it a facelift? In any case, we are looking forward to the release of a truly sincere product.