Toyota SAI (2014 Facelift, AZK10)

2014 Toyota SAI

The Toyota hybrid sedan that was Lexus is to the HS250h called the SAI. It came here since the end of 2009 and judging by the looks of it, you can't really tell the difference between this and the more expensive Lexus HS. Now, just like its expensive brother, the HS250h, gained a facelift earlier, it seems that it's the turn of the Toyota SAI to have itself a major nip-tuck but things are looking a bit more different because for the 2014MY minor change, not only the cosmetics are new but also fuel economy of it but we'll talk about it later though. Let's start at the cosmetics...

2014 Toyota SAI

On the exterior, just look at the massive changes on the outside view and judging by the looks of it, it's no longer a bit of a Lexus HS carbon copy although this is still a Lexus HS in Toyota's clothing. Although, I'm starting to argue that such looks kinda reminded me of the...Corolla Furia concept as seen in Detroit except this isn't a Corolla Furia. It's a bit more than that because it tries to draw inspiration from its bigger brother, the Camry, as well as its little brother, the Corolla. Of course, the Camry is available in hybrid-only while the Corolla does had a hybrid variant in two body styles. This 2014 SAI tries to be even more noticeable than ever but it's still not as exciting as it supposed to be. This is like seeing your lady boss in her shoulder pads.

2014 Toyota SAI interior

2014 Toyota SAI interior

Apart from your lady boss in shoulder pads, there's something a bit different on the interior although it's still look like the HS's aside from the Lexus-style Remote Touch. Past SAI models had speedos that read up to 180kph (the JDM norm for Japanese cars) but for the 2014 model, it now reads up to 220kph respectively and it's readable by its reworked instrumental panels that make it more convincing than a Saturday night at the pub. What Toyota also did to the new SAI is by adding some LED illumination on the dashboard to make it more classy yet futuristic. There are so many refinements happened on the new SAI out there but no matter what, it's still the car made for your lady boss in shoulder pads.

The 2.4L petrol engine with Toyota Hybrid System II develops a combined output of about 190PS of power, the same as the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid's, while mated with the rather terrible CVT gearbox for fuel economy purposes. What I didn't know is that the 2014MY SAI now has new dampers to make handling a bit more personal than ever. Sounds hecky-peck but it's still tries to be worth a serious one. For fuel economy, the 2014 model SAI is now 22.4km/L, that's more than the HS250h, and then as for pricing, it starts at 3,210,000 Japanese Yen, cheaper than the Lexus HS.



Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Black, Red Mica Metallic, Crystal Stream Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Atarashii Yes

Salyu's newest song, Atarashii Yes, as heard in the Toyota Sai Hybrid TV commercial in Japan, proves that our word "yes" has different meanings and how we say "yes" to the world is truly a commitment to the future. This maxi single contains the song and the medley of her upcoming single, Maiden Voyage, coming to Japanese music stores this week. About this song, Atarashii Yes changes the world with its simple tones, clearer sound, and greater expression for those who listened this new song. Of course, despite the Toyota Sai getting their bumpers kicked by the mass recall, most Sai owners really wanted to get their green ears listen to Salyu's new song that brings harmony beyond their acceptance. Because of this title, Atarashii Yes gives listeners how to express ourselves, aside from saying "yes" to ourselves.

It's your call. The word "yes" gives us new meanings once we listen to Salyu's latest song that was first heard on the Toyota Sai TV commercial.

Toyota SAI

With the new Prius launched since May and the Lexus HS250h arrived since July, Toyota favored to create its "third kind" of hybrid vehicle that is truly a "true hybrid sedan" you cannot refuse. What is somewhat interesting is that new kind of hybrid sedan borrowed most of the elements found on the Lexus HS 250h. From the creators of the ever-popular Toyota hybrids such as the Prius and the Lexus HS 250h; meet SAI, the newest expansion to the Toyota hybrid line-up.

Expected to be on sale at Late 2009, the new hybrid sedan combines talents and colors into one unique power of the eco-car from having the charming exterior, unsurpassed performance of a hybrid car, the finest safety features, and the hospitable interior provides more for everyone.

The Exterior Side:
On the front view, the SAI looks somewhat indistinguishable to its sister car, the Lexus HS 250h, but the rear side copied the look of the American Nissan Sentra. Much ado from that, the exterior design finds others somewhat inspirational thanks to Vibrant Clarity, Toyota's design language, and there are seven exterior colors to choose from the Aqua Mica Metallic to the Blackish Red Mica.

The Performance Side:
Gifted with the 2AZ-FXE, 2.4-liter engine with the 143PS motor that brings the fuel economy to a stable 23.0km/L(10・15 mode), the SAI is truly a commitment to the future of the environment. Also on the SAI is the Eco Passport feature that allows G-Book subscribers from Japan to compete themselves for the best fuel economy done on the SAI. This is somewhat similar to the Honda Insight's Eco Grand Prix campaign that allows owners to battle for fuel economy supremacy.

The Safety Side:
The SAI provides a bountiful of safety features that provide the owner the help it deserves in face of various situations. With Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control system, Pre-crash Safety System, Brake-signal system, Lane Keeping Assist, radar cruise control, and the wide-view monitor for parking safety, the SAI is very talented for the safety category.

The Comfort Side:
Much ado from the outer side of the SAI, the interior side balanced for rest and relaxation for the passenger. Like a modern house built for comfort, the SAI is a sanctuary of silence and the therapy received for grown-ups. In Toyota history, the Remote Touch system (found on the new Lexus RX and the Lexus HS 250h) makes its brand debut, giving the driver a variety of options at the driver's fingertips.



HOW WAS IT?

Comfort, power, economical, trust, its finest features, the SAI is full on talents that bring everyone the respect it needs. Treat the SAI with the respect it deserves and you will be the top tier among other SAI owners from Japan. The SAI makes a perfect rival against the Honda Insight and other hybrid cars compete for hybrid power and respect among environmentally conscious people everywhere.