4th Generation Toyota Noah and Voxy (R90W)

Toyota kicks off the year 2022 with the all-new, fourth-generation Noah and Voxy minivans, the latest generation of Toyota's best-selling, family-oriented minivans that promise to be the most enjoyable, most comfortable, and the most practical minivans ever made, not to mention being the most stylish minivans of this decade of the new normal.

2023 Toyota Noah

2023 Toyota Voxy

The fourth-generation Noah and its stylish derivative known as the Voxy, which starts at 2.67 million Yen plus additional costs, are all-new from the ground up because these minivans are now running on the TNGA platform to adapt themselves to the new normal. More with that later on but first, the design.

Starting on the Noah, the exterior design looks vaguely similar to the late Mazda Biante of the distant past, probably because of the massive front grille that spoils its family-oriented appeal but that's just the start of the story because, for the first time, the new model ditched the Noah emblem in favor of the Toyota logo, akin to the current-generation Harrier crossover. The Voxy, meanwhile, is a mixture of swagger and flatter that leaves observers confused, mainly because of the combination of the massive front grille, split headlamps, and foglamps reminiscent of the Arena logo, just like the one found on the Kia K8.

2023 Toyota Noah interior

2203 Toyota Voxy interior

Now, let's talk about the new interior. Beginning on the driver's side, the dashboard saw the climate control repositioned below the touch screen while the gear lever, which takes charge of its CVT, gets a redesign for this generation. Although nothing special, it still works as most minivans should and is user-friendly as usual. The one thing to watch out for is its T-Connect service with the "Hey, Toyota" voice control feature that works like Amazon Alexa. This spells trouble for those sitting in its sweet spot. On the plus side, there's wi-fi connectivity on it.

In terms of space, because it's wider and higher than the previous model, it's surprisingly roomier than ever, which isn't too shabby for a three-row minivan of its size. The seven-seater variant is the easiest to live with because of its easy access to the third-row seats, enough to hit its sweet spot of course. Best of all, you can even spec it with ottoman seats, which is perfect for those who can't afford an Alphard. The eight-seater variant, meanwhile, is the ultimate expression of a family carrier but it's guaranteed to give you some muscle aches while trying to get through the third-row seats when Mom and Dad stuffed the second-row seats with ISOFIX child seats. Ouch.

For added convenience, the all-new Noah and Voxy minivans received a Toyota-first Power Back Door Switch, which is located on one of the slides, and the world's first Free Stop Back Door that can be manually held in the middle position.

Like the previous generation, there are two powertrains to choose from. The M20A-FKS 2.0L Dynamic Force engine with Direct Shift-CVT produces 170PS of power, 202Nm of torque, and up to 15.1kmpl of fuel economy. The hybrid variant, meanwhile, uses a combination of a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L petrol engine, CVT, an electric motor (one for FF, two for 4WD), and a Li-ion battery. This setup promises 23.4kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards, which is surprisingly more than the Nissan Serena e-Power as expected.

With the new TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear coil springs, ventilated disc brakes, and electric power steering, the all-new Noah and Voxy feel better to drive than the previous models, although they feel regular as usual. Nothing to be excited about. Just a minivan doing minivan things. Speaking of minivan things, the all-new Noah and Voxy come with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driving aids, as well as the Advanced Park feature. It even features the Toyota-first Remote Park feature that can be remotely parked by using a smartphone.

And there you have it. The all-new Noah and Voxy minivans are now officially the best evolution of Toyota's best-selling family-oriented minivans yet because of their spacious interior and heaps of tech. Although the designs are rather bourgeois and questionable, they're worth trying out. The year 2022 will see Japan's big three launching new family-oriented minivans and Toyota is the first to blow the war trumpet with the arrival of the all-new Noah and Voxy minivans. With Toyota making its first move, how will Honda and Nissan respond to it?

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Suzuki Solio/Mitsubishi Delica D:2 (MA37S/27S)

The Suzuki Solio or Mitsubishi Delica D:2 in case you went to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer, has been regenerated to its newest generation and whether you like it or not, the new model promises to deliver the same convenience delivered from its predecessors. Small on size, big on space, fuel-efficient, it's the compact minivan that fits through Japan's driving conditions in the midst of the new normal.

Starting at 1,515,800 Japanese Yen (or 1,883,200 Yen if you're in a Mitsubishi dealer for a reason), the new model still offers a choice of two different styles such as the normal and the more stylish Bandit/Custom. Whichever style you go for, you are still welcomed by its modest space and fuel efficiency that is worth questioning.

Looking through the exterior design, the normal Solio/Delica D:2 looks more like a first-gen Spacia Custom when you squint your eyes hard while taking a closer look while the Solio Bandit/Delica D:2 Custom looks more like a Peugeot SUV with some Genesis-esque headlamps on it. Either way, they're still as boxy as their predecessors and they're similarly sized as well, although it's now 20mmm wider than the old one. Good.

Because the new models are now wider than the previous model, you can expect some more room on the interior for up to four people to get themselves accommodated. While the new dashboard is a bit above average for the owners, its added width makes it slightly roomier for either single-child families, joyriders, or even deliverymen using it to deliver the goods to customers. This small minivan works with all walks of life, well, almost.

The new Solio/Delica D:2 still runs on Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY. It's the same K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque, while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT like the previous model. Fuel economy? An honest 19.6kmpl based on WLTC mode standards. Don't worry, they're not exaggerating like last time because this was proven in the real world, I believe. Sadly, no full hybrid on the lineup but why bother?

Both the Solio and the Delica D:2 are offered with mild-hybrid tech but if you're itching for the one with the normal K12C engine without the mild hybrid bits, you'd be better of with the Solio. Either way, in terms of dynamics, thanks to whatever the heck they've done, the new models now weigh over a ton so you might expect that the handling's suffered from the added weight but it didn't bother anyway.

Of course, you can still expect front MacPherson struts and an old-fashioned rear torsion beam as usual so expect the handling to be pretty average for a compact minivan like this but because it now runs on Suzuki's HEARTECT platform, the new Solio/Delica D:2 feels more of an improvement compared to the previous model.

The new Solio/Delica D:2 features a new version of SUZUKI SAFETY SUPPORT, which is a suite of safety features such as Lane Departure Warning function, wandering alarm function, high beam assist, sign recognition function, advance car departure notice function, dual sensor brake support, false start suppression, brake support, backward error start suppression, and more. It's the safest Solio/Delica D:2 offered for those who are willing to get back from another tough day at the office.

And there you have it. The new Solio/Delica D:2 is starting to feel like it's been improved despite the lack of a proper hybrid variant. With the added width, honest fuel efficiency, the added safety, and improved dynamics thanks to its HEARTECT platform, this tiny minivan's evolved.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation/Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Daihatsu Mira Tocot

While cars are more than just being moving appliances on the road that ordinary people used everyday, some believe that cars are a beautiful accessory can own. Seeing the whole "accessory" thing that applies for cars, Daihatsu unveiled their newest chic accessory they can keep, a new kei car called the Tocot.

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot

What's in the name, you may ask? The Tocot name comes in three ways to describe Daihatsu newest kei car; "To Character" referring to its style, "To Comfortableness" referring to its simple interior, and "To Convenience" referring to its user-friendly features that makes the simpleton more simple enough to be a humble accessory for first-time drivers. Needless to say, this replacement to the aging Mira Cocoa is a back-to-basic kei car that is away from the fancy stuff new cars possess and into something that will make owners theirs. Because this is a simple kei car made for people living in simple lives, the design is nothing cute nor cool, it's regular and there are no other words to describe how it looks because this is a simple-looking kei car with no strings attached.

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot interior

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot interior

Just like the exterior design, the interior of the Tocot is all basic for a normal car. You can expect the speedo that greets drivers when switching on, airconditioning that works like what every car should, garnishing in the panel to make it more noticeable, full fabric seats that won't freeze your butt off when you sit down, USB sockets for your gadgets, cubby holes to store your things, foldable rear seats, and a power liftgate. Visibility's relatively superior for a kei car of this size, in case you're wondering. These conveniences really worked like every car should and although being small, it's still simple enough to live with whether you're going to work or home or your favorite places on the weekends.

2019 Daihatsu Mira Tocot

Powered by a 660cc three-cylinder 52PS engine, the Tocot has a fuel efficiency of around 29.8km/L and using every kei car on the list, that tops against a Suzuki Lapin in an AGS setting, which is remarkable for Daihatsu to create a fuel-efficient car that makes drivers go the extra mile. Speaking of extra mile, the Tocot comes with Smart Assist III which comes with a stereo camera that functions its lane departure warning, false start suppression, pre-collision braking, and auto high beam capabilities, guaranteeing a safer, more comfortable drive from work or from play.

The Tocot starts at an incredibly low price of 1,074,600 Japanese Yen (around 10,800 Dollars or 530,000 Pesos) and that considered to be one of the cheapest Daihatsus you can own. To sum this car up, the Tocot is not the kind of car you can get excited about because of its regular styling but the compact sizing, the efficiency, and the pricing makes you want to get started with this one if you got yourself a license for the first time. Considering it a nice accessory to own, the Tocot really is the kind of blank canvas to get the most out of its simpleness and you can do whatever you want with this car as long as you're with it.

Available colors: Ceramic Green Metallic, Juicy Pink Metallic, Sunny Day Blue Metallic, Pearl White III, Black Mica Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Lemon Squash Crystal Metallic, Fire Quartz Red Metallic, Ceramic Green Metallic+Design Film Top, Juicy Pink Metallic+Design Film Top, Sunny Day Blue Metallic+Design Film Top, and Pearl White III+Design Film Top.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyota Noah/VoxyEsquire - 2018 Minor Change

Toyota's minivan triplets, the family-oriented Noah, the strikingly aggressive Voxy, and the upper-class luxury minivan for all, the Esquire, have been given minor facelifts for the 2018 model year and apart from their revised changes mostly on the outside, the true change to these minivans lies to the implementation of Toyota Safety Sense C. More for that later on but first...

2018 Toyota Noah

2018 Toyota Voxy

2018 Toyota Esquire

Let's look at the what's new on the design stakes and because these vans are different to each other despite donning the same specs, the Noah now sports a much conservative, yet stylish design fit for all kinds of soccer moms of all corners of the Japanese household, while the Voxy now became more of a Vellfire look-alike, which explains a lot for a Netz-sold minivan like the Voxy, while the Esquire's Majesta-inspired front design has been made even more luxurious, which sounds okay for a cut-price Alphard of that caliber. Inside, there's nothing new on the similar six-or-seven seater formula, only now that the navigation screen's change as well as the information display on the top center of the dashboard, which is even more vibrant than the previous model.

2018 Toyota Noah interior

2018 Toyota Voxy interior

2018 Toyota Esquire interior

Engine choices remain the same as always as all three minivans still offer a choice of either 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine and the hybrid model with the 1.8L engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery. On the hybrid model, combined power output is 136PS and fuel economy of 23.8km/L, calculated in JC08 Mode standards. For the 2.0L petrol variant, it produces 152PS of power and 193Nm of torque. It even comes with the idling stop system that cuts off the engine when stop and then starts it again when on the move. Fuel economy is 16.0km/L, again, calculated in JC08 Mode standards.

2018 Toyota Noah

2018 Toyota Voxy

2018 Toyota Esquire

Now, we get to the really important bit as all three minivans receive Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function. Couple that with every known safety tech available on these minivans and the result that these vans will be capable enough to handle today's traffic condition while going on their next road trip from one prefecture after another in this summer escapade. Handy, isn't it?

The 2018 Model Year Toyota Noah and Voxy starts at 2,466,720 Yen for the petrol model while their hybrid variants start at 3,014,280 Yen. The 2018MY Esquire, on the other hand, starts at 2,675,160 Yen for the petrol variant and 3,151,440 Yen for the hybrid variant.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Second Generation Daihatsu Mira e:S

Daihatsu's most fuel efficient and most affordable kei car has been regenerated for its second generation and the all-new, more fuel-efficient, Mira e:S, promises to give drivers even more run for their money. Let's take a quick look on the latest generation of Daihatsu's most affordable, fuel-efficient kei-car ever sold in Japan.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

When Daihatsu first launched the Mira e:S about six years ago, it was known to be the most fuel efficient car in the world until the Suzuki Alto came and the rivalry between the two fuel-efficient cars continued until the arrival of the latest-generation Suzuki Alto with its record-breaking 37kmpl fuel economy. Now, let's get to know about the brand new Mira e:S and by the looks of it, the exterior design has been sharpened to draw some inspiration from the D-Base Concept, resulting to a much better-looking low-cost car that can attract first-time buyers and can be a real head-turner on the streets of downtown Tokyo.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

The inside looks pretty much the same as the previous Mira e:S and it still has that digital instrumental cluster from the last one, meaning that the interior is still beyond average for a compact car but average aside, it's surprisingly spacious and it has good legroom on the back, meaning it's nice to be accommodated with. The boot space isn't too shabby as well for a micro car and there are plenty of cubby holes to store your stuff, making it a practical car fit for family use or a trip round town with your pals.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

Now let's talk about the performance side of the new Mira e:S and for this new model, it now features a "D Monocoque" body that is more rigid and 80kg less compared to the standard model. Because its now 80kg less than the old e:S and combined with its newly improved e:S Technology, you're looking at a 35.2kmpl of fuel efficiency based on JC08 Mode standards. That sounds like 1.8kmpl less than the Suzuki Alto but this is still the most fuel-efficient Daihatsu in the range and time to get to the juicy part of the new e:S Technology because if you dig deeper on the mechanical bits, you will see some interesting stuff that made this car fuel-efficient such as the Cold i-EGR, the late closing of intake valves for load reduction on compression, dual injectors, combustion control by cylinder, CVT Thermo controller, low viscosity CVT fluid, rear differential gear for 4WD models, resin parts, the list goes on and on and there's another contribution to the car's fuel efficiency and it's the aerodynamics because for the new model, it sustained three percent air resistance, making it the most aerodynamic kei car on the market.

The Daihatsu Mira e:S comes with other energy efficient ways and means such as LED lamps, eco power generator, an idle stop and go feature, and scroll-type air conditioner compressor.

2018 Daihatsu Mira e:S

What about safety? To keep up with today's traffic, the new Mira e:S comes with Smart Assist III, featuring the world's smallest stereo camera ever equipped on the production car. In addition to the sonar sensor, it enables braking not only for leading vehicles but also for pedestrians. When the stereo camera detects a lane while traveling at speeds at around 60kph or over, when it is about to deviate from the lane, it notifies the driver and urges the departure avoidance operation. Apart from that, it can also trigger the false start restraining control function at either forward or backward. Other features include Auto High Beam, corner sensors for parking purposes, SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control System, emergency stop signal, and Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Control Braking Force Distribution System.

Should you buy one? The new Daihatsu Mira e:S starts at 842,400 Yen including on-road costs and it's exempted from the car acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, making it a great value for money and its around five grand cheaper to buy than the Suzuki Alto. It really is a promising compact car that gives them more run for their money and it's now technologically advanced to deal with today's traffic conditions. Even though Daihatsu is now under Toyota's control, they're still on the roll for fuel-efficient small-cars on the market and for the Mira e:S, this is just the beginning.

Available colors: Sky Blue Metallic, Lemon Squash Crystal Metallic, Magenta Berry Mica Metallic, Splash Blue Metallic, Plum Brown Crystal Mica, Black Mica Metallic, Pearl White III, Bright Silver Metallic, and White.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Mazda New Flair (MJ55S)

2017 Mazda Flair

With the new Suzuki Wagon R launched a few months ago, Mazda is no stranger to them as they borrowed one for their brand new Flair kei car currently available at their nearest Mazda dealership across Japan.

As the story is similar to the latest Suzuki Wagon R, the base XG variant has a front face reminiscent of a Ford F-150 while the XS variant features a more Vellfire-esque front face. Sadly though, the Custom Style variant, which is based on the Wagon R Stingray, is out of the question, leaving only the base variants where the XS variant is the stylish variant of the new Flair range, which sounds very weird to us.

Like the new Wagon R, the new Flair features a Mild Hybrid technology setup, which comes with an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a li-ion battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient 660cc engine. Along with the new platform we're familiar with, fuel efficiency has gone up to 33.4kmpl.

For safety purposes, the new Flair comes with a dual camera brake support system, which detects the vehicle and pedestrians from about 5kph in the speed range of about 100kph, and to avoid collisions, the automatic braking feature triggers with the alarm and then it stops. It even comes with a lane departure warning function, and a stagger alarm function, among many others.

The new Flair starts at 1,177,200 Japanese Yen.

Photo: Mazda Motor Corporation

Sixth Generation Suzuki Wagon R

Suzuki's new model rush continues with the all-new, sixth-generation Suzuki Wagon R, a regeneration of the company's fastest-selling kei wagon in Japan. As a worthy contender to Daihatsu's Move, Mitsubishi's eK Wagon, and Honda's N-WGN, the Wagon R has been a clear winner in this category and with its new generation, how does the new model stack up with the competition like its predecessor in terms of fuel efficiency that can't be left unnoticed by the knowledgeable few? Let's investigate.

2017 Suzuki Wagon R

2017 Suzuki Wagon R

2017 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

Before taking a close look at the heart of the new Wagon R, let's observe the new model's design and it has ambiguous designs that cater to specific customers, regardless of which one they'll be going for. In the normal version, the base FX variant has a front face reminiscent of a Ford F-150 while the FZ variant features a more Vellfire-esque front face. The Stingray, meanwhile, features headlamps reminiscent of the Cadillacs of today. 

All models feel like they can be easily mistaken for a Toyota because the side view will put anyone a close reminder of a Toyota Alphard while the rear view looks suspiciously reminiscent of the old Toyota bB millennials would remember. Whatever the heck it is, it's multiple cases of mistaken identities for the new Wagon R.

2017 Suzuki Wagon R interior

2017 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray interior

While the exterior possesses different identity crises from the eyes of many, the new interior sees a much bigger improvement compared to the previous model, which is a bit regular if they're honest.  The instrumental panel is now on the center of the dashboard rather than behind the steering wheel while the steering wheel looks highly similar to the latest Suzuki Swift and the available touch-screen sat-nav system now boasts smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a first for a kei car. 

Apart from the improved dashboard, the new Wagon R boasts the roomiest interior for all kei cars sold in Japan, so it's nice and easy to live with it and stretch yourselves while you're at it. The only downside now is the boot space, which only fits just one suitcase with the rear seats present until you fold it down to accommodate more room for your garage sale stuff and some others.

2017 Suzuki Wagon R

2017 Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

In their endless pursuit of producing fuel-efficient cars in Japan, the all-new Wagon R is powered by Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology as seen in the Solio and the Ignis. A first for a kei car, this mild hybrid setup features an Integrated Starter Generator linked to a lithium battery pack collaborating with its fuel-efficient 660cc engine. The Mild Hybrid and its HEARTECT platform promise improved rigidity, performance, and weight loss. just like the new Swift offered, fuel efficiency has gone up to 33.4kmpl, that's a kmpl more than the previous model with the S-ENE-CHARGE on it, meaning that Suzuki has improved its fuel-efficiency ways courtesy of its Mild Hybrid powertrain and HEARTECT platform and it could soon be applied on future kei cars and models. That, ladies and gentlemen, is their trump card played right.

Remember that the Stingray-exclusive turbocharged 660cc inherits the same Mild Hybrid stuff from the normal ones except it delivers just around 28.4kmpl. Small price to pay for a stylish city car with a small turbocharged engine and compact sizing fit to squeeze through the gaps your average sportscar can't.

The Radar Brake Support system returns on this new model and this safety tech comes with a dual camera brake support system, which detects the vehicle and pedestrians from about 5kph in the speed range of about 100kph and to avoid collisions, the automatic braking feature triggers with the alarm and then it stops. It even comes with a lane departure warning function, and a stagger alarm function, among many others.

Should you buy one? The new Wagon R starts at 1,078,920 Yen for the basic FX model while the Stingray model starts at 1,293,840 Yen, making them more affordable than the previous models and also, good value for money. While the new Wagon R may be questionable on the outside, its fuel efficiency and tech should not be underestimated and it's going to be a new gold standard for Suzuki's future lineup of fuel-efficient cars thanks to its Mild Hybrid and HEARTECT platform that works very well from the new Swift as well as the new Wagon R. As Suzuki keeps on releasing new models more than any car company in Japan, let's see what's next in store for that Japanese car company with its newly found success with this new winning combination of fuel efficiency in the market today.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki's first-ever full-hybrid now on the new Solio

Since last year, Suzuki introduced us with the brand new Solio and if you can recall, the new model comes with Suzuki's first ever Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY.  The K12C Dual Jet engine coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT results to the fuel economy is now 27.8kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. Refreshed? Joining the Mild Hybrid variants are the first ever full-hybrid variants for both the new Solio and the new Solio Bandit.

2017 Suzuki Solio

2017 Suzuki Solio Bandit

Thanks to Suzuki's first-ever hybrid system, the Solio achieves a much higher fuel consumption of 32kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards and the secret to achieve this kind of fuel consumption lies to its parallel hybrid system which combines a Motor Generator Unit to a 5-speed Auto Gear Shift transmission, which sounds uncanny for a hybrid because that kind of gearbox makes this hybrid behave like a normal petrol car in partial terms of acceleration. Anyway, the Motor Generator UNit is a compact driving motor that instantly boasts a big amount of energy and together, the Hybrid variants of the Solio combine “further improvement of fuel efficiency” to “strong driving performance with acceleration feel”.

The Hybrid variants offer two driving modes; Normal and Eco, and both modes enable EV driving when the vehicle is running at a constant speed in 60kph or slower.

To help differentiate the Hybrid variants to the Mild Hybrid variants, they feature blue metallic-look parts on the front grille, clear blue lens on the taillights, special emblems, metallic blue-colored upper garnish, and a special blue-based design on the meter.

The Hybrid models start at 2,062,800 Yen.

Report: http://www.globalsuzuki.com/globalnews/2016/1129.html

3rd Generation Toyota Noah and Voxy G's

2017 Toyota Noah G's

2017 Toyota Voxy G's

Toyota's G Sports sub-brand once made hot versions of the Noah and Voxy twin minivans in their previous generations. Now, with the current generation Noah and Voxy been on the block for two years since its 2014 debut, it's time for these twin family movers to get spiced up with their new G's variants.

The newest Noah and Voxy G's variants features numerous chassis and aerodynamic upgrades compared to the standard models. From its braces, 18-inch wheels, sports brake pads, specially-made sub-muffler, special program in their power steering CPUs, new suspension that made them 60% stiffer, 20mm lower in the front, and 25mm lower in the back, and much more, seems that the G's variants made them realize that they're not your average family mover that you're using them every day from work, family bonding, outing with your friends, and other stuff you do for a living.

Like in the previous generations, the new Noah G's and Voxy G's feature unique equipments made specifically for these variants such as unique front grille, LED illumination lamps, specially-designed speedo, race-inspired pedals, red push engine start button, and much more to list.

These sporty variants use the 2.0L petrol engine variants with front-wheel drive as its basis, meaning it's a 2.0L 3ZR-FAE engine that produces 152PS of power and 193Nm of torque. It's mated with a Super CVT-i with 7-speed manual mode.

These mild-but-tangy variants of Toyota's ever popular family movers, the Noah Si G's and the Voxy ZS G's, are yours for 3,119,237 Japanese Yen. The Noah Si G's is available at Corolla dealerships while the Voxy ZS G's are available at Netz dealerships across Japan. Best be warned that these models are available exclusively for Japanese family use. Dismissed.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Mitsubishi New Delica D:2 (MB36S)

The latest-generation Suzuki Solio, in normal and Bandit models, are rebadged by Mitsubishi as the all-new Delica D:2, in normal and Custom guise. Let's check out the latest model and we thought Mitsubishi had enough of rebadging Suzuki cars ever since the NMKV.

2016 Mitsubishi Delica D:2

2016 Mitsubishi Delica D:2 Custom

Yes, this is broadly similar to the current Suzuki Solio a few months ago and while the badges are the main difference between the two models, it's now taller than the old model, more roomier, and now, a lot more fuel-efficient.

In partial terms of safety, the new D:2 comes with the available dual camera brake support system which detects incoming pedestrians and vehicles and it can even engage an auto brake in an event of a pre-collision scenario. There are other safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Stagger Alarm Function, Preceding Vehicle Start Alert, Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers at the back, ESP, and 4-wheel ABS.

The new D:2 is now a mild-hybrid small minivan fitted with a brand new K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT, which is rather unsurprising for an average driver. With these, the fuel economy is now 27.8kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

The normal Delica D:2 starts at 1,787,400 to 2,187,000 Japanese Yen while the more stylish Delica D:2 Custom starts at 1,963,440 to 2,089,800 Japanese Yen. They're both available to buy at your nearest Mitsubishi dealerships across Japan.

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

All New Suzuki Solio (MA26/36S)

2016 Suzuki Solio Bandit

2016 Suzuki Solio

Before you ask, yes, this is the all-new Suzuki Solio, and for this latest generation compact MPV made by the same manufacturer that brought you the very fuel-efficient Alto and the unique kei-crossover Hustler, it's now taller than the old model, more roomier, and now, a lot more fuel-efficient with thanks to Suzuki's first ever mild hybrid technology, which is uncanny for the world leader of fuel-efficient vehicles at first.

2016 Suzuki Solio interior

2016 Suzuki Solio Bandit interior

Like the previous model, the Suzuki Solio is available with two different styles; the normal Solio and the rather stylish Solio Bandit, which is ideal for those who want to wear sunglasses at the nightlife. No matter which Solio you'll choose, the keystone pops as you enter inside, which Suzuki says it's now more taller and more roomier than the previous model. Because it's more taller than the old model, it's perfect to fit four basketball players in it after their fourth quarter. Roominess aside, the new model still has more room for your stuff. There's even a sub trunk at the back of the car where you can store some of your stuff discreetly.

2016 Suzuki Solio

2016 Suzuki Solio Bandit

Now, the important bit of the new Solio, which is its performance. Like I said, this new model comes with Suzuki's first ever Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY  Under the hood is Suzuki's brand new K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque, while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT, which is rather unsurprising for an average driver. With these, the fuel economy is now 27.8kmpl based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

In the issue of safety, the new Solio comes with the available dual camera brake support system which detects incoming pedestrians and vehicles and it can even engage an auto brake in an event of a pre-collision scenario. There are other safety features such as Lane Departure Warning, Stagger Alarm Function, Preceding Vehicle Start Alert, Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers at the back, ESP, and 4-wheel ABS.

The brand new Solio starts from 1,454,760 to 2,176,200 Yen while the Bandit starts from 1,825,200 to 2,249,640 Yen.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation