Here is a revisit to the local Toyota's showroom on the Sienta. Previous article was a visit of the Sienta in Japan, which has slight different from the model we get in Malaysia. Of course, the very first is the availability of boring colours, though the Sienta can be had in 6 colour choices. Black, Grey, White and Silver are the default favourites, then you have the Orange and Brown for those that hate to join the sea of the 4 most common options.
Powering the Sienta is new 1.5-litre (107hp/140Nm) Dual VVT-i engine, mated to a 7-speed CVT gearbox. This combination is perfect for the small family MPV, though the selling price of almost RM100k could make the Sienta a failure. Why can't Toyota learn from how the Honda Freed came and went in our market, especially when the Sienta sits on similar platform as the Perodua Alza.
However, there are a few great things on the Sienta:
- Sliding rear doors - which is extremely convenient and provide ample entrance and exit space
- Rear aircon blower - in our weather, this is utmost important to keep the kids at the back cool and calm
- Toyota badge - the reliability of the trusted brand
Aside from the above, it is good to know that the Sienta has Traction Control as a standard safety equipment. This is where the Proton/Suzuki-derived's Ertiga has missed out. 3 airbags in a family MPV seems on the low side, as most car at this price range will most likely has 6 airbags that provide protection to the rear passengers as well. In fact, isn't an MPV a family oriented vehicle that should put the family safety on top priority?!
It is also freaking weird for Toyota to use orange brown fabric for the V
variant (top-spec) Sienta. It should have keep the black from the
cheaper G spec unit. Again, a family car with kids, it is easier to
hide shoes and food stains with the black fabric instead.
When we look at the dashboard, a Toyota is as always simple and functional. Since the car is built in Indonesia, the gear stalk and parking brake level have been moved to the floor instead of centre dash mounted or foot operated, to accommodate the manual stick variant, though it is not available here. This layout is more conventional, but take up valuable space on the floor.
Design of the rear chairs is no doubt very smart. The rearmost chair can be flipped down forward to sit below the 2nd row of seat, providing a huge flat cargo space. Again, if I were the buyer, I would want my V-spec car with the black seat instead. The brown isn't a match here.
Most will ask whether the Sienta a value for money car? At this price, there is a lot other choices in the market. For example, a 1.8-litre Honda HR-V starts at few hundred ringgit cheaper than the Sienta. Even the highest spec Honda City is cheaper. So what make the Sienta attractive here? The rest are 5-seater and the Sienta is a 7-seater. That's the only major difference. Brand is a factor, with most Malaysia leaning toward Toyota still for simple reasons of reliability and high resale value. Next would be the styling, where boxy and trendy little MPV is a hit with the younger generation.
Nothing wrong in getting a more expensive car as long as you love it. A MINI is so expensive and tiny, and people is willing to pay a premium for it. Anyhow, the Sienta is not a car for the emerging market, unlike the Honda BR-V, so it does deserve some premium!
