Toyota launches redesigned 'Wish' in Japan

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Toyota launches redesigned ‘Wish’ in Japan

2 April 2009 No Comment

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Toyota Wish

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced the launch of the redesigned “Wish” in Japan. The Wish is a compact seven-seater minivan that has gained a solid reputation for its sporty styling, wide-ranging utility and comfortable driving performance. The new, second-generation model has enhanced sportiness and comfort, and features significant improvements in driving, environmental and safety performance.

All vehicles in the series feature a new-generation engine with “Valvematic”, which is a continuously variable valve-lift and valve-timing mechanism that achieves both excellent driving performance and superior environmental performance. The new engine, in combination with Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent (Super CVT-i) transmission, gives the Wish a maximum of 15%-better fuel efficiency than the previous model and more exhilarating driving performance. Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) side and curtain-shield airbags—standard on all vehicles in the series—give the new Wish class-leading levels1 of safety performance.

The new Wish comes in 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines and are fitted with “Valvematic”, which is a continuously variable valve-lift mechanism that controls intake valve-lift volume and valve timing. Consequentially, the 1.8-liter front-wheel drive models achieve 16.0km/l in the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) 10-15 test cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 145g/km. The 2.0-liter models achieve 15.2km/l in the MLIT 10-15 test cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 153g/km.

Seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic transmission—standard on all vehicles in the series—allows the driver to enjoy manual-transmission-like operation, while the adoption of CVT Sport Mode and Dynamic Sport Mode also contribute to exciting driving.
Paddle gear shift in the new Wish 1.8S and 2.0Z models allows driver to shift up and down gears on steering wheel, giving F1-like, dynamic and responsive gearshift operations.

Based on TMC’s “Vibrant Clarity” vehicle design philosophy, the dynamic feel of the stylish exterior strikes a harmonious balance between sportiness and roominess. Solid front bumper and sharp headlights create emphatic front mask while the Front pillars (shifted 80mm forward) and blacked-out center pillars contribute to spacious cabin. Door profile with sculpted surfaces and flowing character lines from front to rear create imposing side view.

The horizontally elongated instrument panel, designed to invoke the image of plane wings, and the selection of a bright gray-beige as the interior color create a high-tech, quality feel. Low-set, two-tiered instrument panel with meter hood projecting upward from main display, combined with horizontal emphasis of air-conditioner vents, impart high-tech, expansive feel. Speedometer and tachometer decorated with metallic rings emphasizes vehicle’s sporty character. Titanium-tone finish on sides of center console (silver-tone finish on 1.8-liter vehicles), black lacquer-tone finish on shifter bezel and colored stitching on seats and steering wheel accents interior’s high quality. Optimization of front-seat structure’s ergonomics gives improved comfort, while slimmer seatback increases legroom in rear. Maximum width of luggage space (increased by 95mm) and class-leading levels of luggage capacity with all seat arrangements provide new levels of convenience.

The seat covers have been treated with an agent designed to envelop mites—a cause of allergy-related disorders—helping to reduce their activity in the cabin. The vertical-adjustable range of the driver’s seat has been increased by 15mm. This, combined with use of telescopic, tilt-function steering wheel, makes it possible to easily achieve optimum and comfortable driving position. The automatic air-conditioner with “pollen-removal mode”—standard throughout the series—also removes dust and other impurities from the air in the cabin, while Plasmacluster 3 air-purifying technology, which fills the cabin with air balanced with an equal ratio of positive and negative ions, helps prevent the propagation of airborne germs, mold and bacteria and aids the creation of a stress-free cabin environment.

The Smart Entry & Start System allows the front doors to be locked and unlocked and the back door to be unlocked with only a light touch on the door handle. The system also features a push-button for starting and stopping the engine.

Front-diagonal visibility has been enhanced by attaching the side mirrors to the driver- and passenger-side door panels and making the front pillars slimmer.

A 190-degree, wide-view front monitor can simultaneously display the ground in front of the vehicle plus the areas to the left and right of the vehicle.

SRS airbags and SRS side airbags for the front and SRS curtain shield airbags for all three rows of seats are standard on all vehicles in the series.

The structure of the front seats, which is based on the whiplash injury lessening (WIL) concept, incorporates Active Headrests that shift to an appropriate position to lessen stress on the neck and reduce the risk of whiplash injuries sustained as a result of a rear-end collision.

The vehicle body has been designed to reduce pedestrian head and leg injuries in the unfortunate event of a collision with a pedestrian.

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