Toyota Sienta - Third Generation

For almost two decades, the Toyota Sienta is a compact MPV that caters not just to Japanese families but also to East Asian ones as demonstrated by the previous second-generation model. Now in its third generation, the all-new Sienta picks up where its predecessor left off by keeping its practical side intact for today's East Asian families.

2023 Toyota Sienta

2023 Toyota Sienta

The third generation Toyota Sienta, priced at 1.95 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, remains its reasonably-priced status for a compact MPV fit for Japanese and Asian roads (in case someone smuggled one for keeps) while providing new ways and means to stall its occupants in an arousing manner.

Starting with the design, keen observers will say that the third-generation Sienta is a blatant ripoff of the current Fiat Panda due to its surprising resemblance. Looks like Toyota learned something from the Chinese motoring playbook about copying car designs for kicks and this is what the new Sienta looked like, a Japanese Fiat Panda clone. Nice one, Toyota. Panda clone aside, the new model is longer and taller compared to the previous model while retaining its Japan-friendly width.

2023 Toyota Sienta interior

2023 Toyota Sienta interior

While the exterior design is nothing more than a blatant copy of the Fiat Panda, the interior was heavily redesigned for user-friendliness. Some call it minimalist, others call it functional, and the all-new Sienta fits both bills greatly. On the passenger side, thanks to its slightly increased length and height, it's slightly roomier than the previous Sienta and you can have one in either a five-seater or a seven-seater. Either way, the rear seats can be folded down for various situations, for work, or for leisure.

Mind you, while the center console can accommodate a USB and USB-C cable, the rear side of the front-row seats can accommodate only USB-C cables. Hope you got the right cable while charging your gadgets.

If you're a camping enthusiast, it's good to know that the hybrid model's power supply is good for five-and-a-half days. Feel free to plug in your favorite appliances while living the outdoor life.

Under the hood, the all-new Sienta is now powered by a 1.5L Dynamic Force engine in petrol and hybrid configurations. The petrol version produces 120PS of power, 145Nm of torque, and while mated to a Direct-Shift CVT, the fuel economy is a modest 18.4kmpl. 

The hybrid powerplant with the said engine, an electric motor, and a nickel battery, promises a best-in-class 28.8km/L of fuel economy. An e-Four variant is optional for the hybrid in case you need more oomph for your travel plans.

With the TNGA platform, front McPherson strut coil springs, rear torsion beam coil springs, and front ventilated disc brakes, the all-new Sienta is still regular to drive as the previous model but who cares?

In terms of safety, the all-new Sienta comes with the most advanced driver aids offered such as the next-generation Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate with Advanced Park, making it a certified "Safety Support Car S Wide". Enough to call it the safest Sienta ever made as Toyota would say.

Although questionable for copying the looks of the Fiat Panda, the all-new Sienta is the most convenient Sienta ever made thanks to its dimensions, interior, and safety, which is astonishing for a compact MPV for its size.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Dark Gray, Black, Scarlet Metallic, Beige, Urban Khaki, Grayish Blue, Dark Gray/Scarlet Metallic, and Dark Gray/Grayish Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation