Toyota Sienta - Second Generation (2019 minor change)

The second-generation Toyota Sienta was launched in Japan since three years ago and for the first time, it managed to touchdown in other Asian markets and the biggest fan base for this generation was in Southeast Asia. With the second generation Sienta reached its minor change for the 2019 model year, looks like the ASEANs are going to be desperate over what's new on this 2019 minor change and for that, a quick rundown.

2019 Toyota Sienta

2019 Toyota Sienta

On the 2019 minor change, the Sienta's front face has been revised as well as the rear taillights which are very nice to see and some new wheel designs to choose from. On the inside, the dashboard's slightly revised as well as the upholstery's and while the Sienta retains its third-row capability, there is now a much cheaper five-seater variant, dubbed the FUNBASE, where space in the back really matters but with the absence of a third-row seating on the FUNBASE, it's slightly lighter compared to the seven-seater variants and whether you use it for work or for play, the five-seater could be your ideal Sienta to start with.

2019 Toyota Sienta interior

2019 Toyota Sienta interior

The Sienta's hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1NZ-FXE engine mated with a 45kW electric motor and a traditional nickel metal hydride battery, as well as its specially-made CVT, has been recalibrated to meet WLTC Mode standards and while the performance figures remain the same as the pre-facelift, fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards is an acceptable 22.8km/L. The one with the 1.5L 2NR-FKE VVT-iE engine and Super CVT-i remains in the lineup but fuel efficiency, based on now-outdated JC08 Mode standards, is now dropped to 20.2km/L.

Most models are front-wheel drive standard but only seven-seater variants can be fitted with four-wheel drive in the case of weather conditions making the road somewhat slippery. As for dynamics, they've bolted the Sienta with Electric Power Steering to make it more civilized to drive, although not enjoyable if you ask, and with the MacPherson strut and coil springs in the front suspension and a rear torsion beam for the rear suspension, the dynamics are above average if you ask.

For safe driving, the 2019 Sienta comes with the newly improved Toyota Safety Sense of safety features with Pre-Crash Safety, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Advance car launch notification function, and Intelligent clearance sonar with parking support brake, among many other useful features that will make the journey home safe and secured.

The 2019 Sienta starts at 1,776,600 Japanese Yen (around $17,800) for the five-seater petrol variant up to 2,532,600 Japanese Yen (around $25,330) for the seven-seater hybrid Cuero variant. The 2019 Sienta minor change is starting to shape up the minivan market despite the odds now but the main concern is, should ASEAN Toyota branches stopped selling the second-generation Sienta in their markets, chances of smuggling this new one to the Southeast Asian region with be 1 to 100. Whatever that odds is, this is something that needs to keep an eye on much like every successful luxury Toyotas that made its way in ASEAN markets by legitimate means rather than being smuggled for show and tell.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation