“Toyota-Estima-Hybrid”: specifications, vehicle equipment and owner reviews

The concept of environmentally friendly cars has been exciting the minds of the automotive community for more than a year, from time to time affirming itself due to the appearance of real developments in this direction. The Japanese manufacturer Toyota is one of the leaders in the development of “green” cars, offering not only exclusive high-tech electric cars, but also quite practical models for commercial and family use. An example of this is the Toyota-Estima-Hybrid modification, an overview of which is presented below. The version was born in 2006, becoming one of the first mixed-fuel minivans in its class.

General information about the model

The hybrid version of the Estima is radically different from the standard version of the model. Moreover, in addition to the internal processing of the power unit, the developers improved the optional systems, made adjustments to the exterior and, due to the new mechanics, transformed the running properties of the machine. But, the main changes, of course, affected the engine. “Toyota-Estima-Hybrid” with a combined power plant has become more economical and productive. And this despite the fact that the company for a long time did not dare to transfer minibuses to electric traction. The Estima minivan partly continued the concept of changes in the Prius small car, but in a more global technological version. And if Toyota began the first transformations of conventional ICE models into a hybrid form back in the early years of the 2000s, then the formation of Estima continued for several more years after its release in 2006. Moreover,

Specifications

To begin with, it is worth noting that even against the background of competitive hybrid modifications, this option looks quite attractive. The lack of sufficient power and “synthetic” interaction with the controls are known shortcomings of the first “green” cars, but this does not apply to the Toyota Estima Hybrid modification, the technical characteristics of which can be represented as follows:

• Length – 480 cm.
• Width – 180 cm.
• Height – 175 cm.
• Wheelbase – 295 cm.
• Machine weight – 2040 kg.
• Drive – 4 wheels.
• The main power plant is a 2.4-liter gasoline unit.
• The number of cylinders is 4.
• ICE power – 150 liters. with.
• Internal combustion engine frequency – 4000 rpm.
• Front electric motor – installation with a capacity of 143 liters. with.
• The rear electric motor is a 68 hp unit. with., working on alternating current.
• The general frequency range of the electric motor is from 0 to 5120 rpm.

This is the classic layout of the Japanese minivan since 2006, but today other configurations are offered, including those with a diesel engine. Opinions regarding the use of HFO ICEs differ, but there are significant positive comments. For example, many point to traction compensation for low-power electrical installations that the Toyota Estima Hybrid is equipped with. Owner reviews initially criticized the developers for compiling a modest power plant with a traditional high-torque 150 hp engine. with. But as the design improved, it became obvious that hybridization also brought many significant advantages to the model. To begin with, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the internal structure of this modification in more detail.

Features of the power plant

The driving platform consists of one petrol and two electric motors. As already noted, electric motors are placed in front and behind, which partly contributed to the transfer of the minibus to all-wheel drive. But the main advantages of the new power plant are the integration of a fundamentally new mixed traction system, one of the configurations of which was originally implemented in the restyled version of the Toyota Estima Hybrid minivan. A photo of the front power units, by the way, is presented below.

So, what is the conversion of mixed traction? Fundamental changes have affected the chassis of the car. So, if the first versions of the hybrid were equipped with the THS-C system, which ensured the transfer of force to the front wheels by connecting the stepless variator classic for Japanese minibuses, then in the new versions, Toyota-Estima-Hybrid received the THS-II traction transmission mechanism, which was previously provided Prius model. As a result, the combination of all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled reduction gear made it possible to optimize the interaction between the driver, the power plant and the chassis units. It is this solution that eliminates the feeling of “synthetic” control.

The THS-II system is not unique as it has already been used in various hybrid vehicles, but in the Estima, thanks to the highly efficient 2.4-liter engine, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the gasoline mixture has been increased. This made it possible, on the one hand, to maintain sensitivity in control, and on the other hand, to provide a power potential of 150 hp. with. for the front wheels, and 68 liters. with. – for the rear. How much such performance is, in principle, appropriate in a small minivan depends on the purpose of its application.

Fuel consumption

According to official data, one liter of gasoline should be enough for 20 km. This is a very good indicator for a minibus with a combined power plant, but in practice the result may not be so attractive – the gluttony of the main unit will depend on the characteristics of a particular fuel mixture and on the driving style of the car owner. However, on public roads, many owners also record a higher economy of the Toyota Estima Hybrid modification. Fuel consumption in conditions of high-quality coverage can be up to 15 km / l. The data is recorded by an on-board computer directly connected to the THS-II system. And again, we should not forget that we are talking about a minibus weighing about 2 tons. A serious increase in fuel consumption is observed only during high-speed maneuvers, where, by the way,

Interior support

At the very first comparisons of the hybrid version of the Estima with the traditional gasoline version, the owners noted the presence of a large center console, which was absent in versions with one internal combustion engine. But, there is nothing surprising in this, since it is in this part that a massive battery is issued from below, which provides the electrical traction of the car. How inconvenient is this solution? The new design slightly limited the free space of the Toyota Estima Hybrid modification, and the dashboard turned out to be extremely compact for a minibus, but at the same time very ergonomic and functional. In addition, the rear of the cabin as a whole retained free space, and it is here that the batteries of electric cars are most often placed. In this case, it is also present on the stern, but in the most optimized, low-power version.

It is worth paying attention to the finish. The Japanese do not strive to use luxurious inserts and elements in the premium class, ignoring the fashion for chrome, high-quality genuine leather and precious woods. However, as usual, there are no complaints about the upholstery and base materials of panels with structural coatings. Everything is done neatly, the details are precisely placed relative to each other, so there are not the slightest squeaks and backlashes.

Appearance

The exterior of the model began to undergo radical changes since 2016, when pronounced “egg-shaped” features of the body appeared. The classic hybrid version is mostly conservative in its construction and design. From time to time, the developers made only cosmetic changes – for example, adjusting the color of the headlights, the configuration of the installation of bumpers and the shape of the taillights. Otherwise, the Toyota Estima Hybrid looks quite simple, and even boring. As for the new versions, restylings since 2016 have made the model more aggressive and brutal. Even small design shades seriously changed the impression of the exterior – this, for example, concerns the tapered LED lights, the design of the air intake and navigation lights. At the same time, the manufacturer did not dare to radically revise the seven- and eight-seat configurations,

How does the Toyota Estima Hybrid behave on the road?

At first, you may not feel noticeable changes in handling – especially if the old car was a traditional gasoline minivan. Only an increase in traction and speed will be immediately noticeable. The dynamics of the car is not just increased, but becomes more flexible and can be more effectively controlled by the driver thanks to the voltage regulator.

As for switching from internal combustion engines to electric motors, it is still not recommended to abuse this transition. The new unit is comfortable to use and safe thanks to the control electronics, but it should be remembered that the active battery is quickly discharged. On the other hand, for short distances, only electric motors of the Toyota Estima Hybrid version can be used at all. The characteristics of the engine in terms of fuel consumption with the updated Aeras Smart system can be increased to 15-18 km / l, and the operation of one internal combustion engine eliminates all the advantages of an unusual car.

But this is all about driving in normal urban areas, but how does the hybrid Estima manifest itself on the roads? Despite all-wheel drive, effectively controlled traction and a powerful 150-liter engine in the base, you should not count on cross-country ability. This is hindered by not the most successful geometric layout of the pallet and thresholds. Having lost sight of even a small bump, you can easily hit the bottom with the saddest consequences.

Equipment

At the moment, the manufacturer offers several variations of the Aeras configuration, the most popular of which is 2.4 Aeras 4WD. In other words, a car with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors with a total capacity of more than 200 hp. with. In the minimum content of the so-called mini-update, the owner receives standard equipment with the Safety Sense C navigation system. Experienced hydride drivers immediately recommend contacting the advanced TSS-P complex, which provides the function of following the car in front – Toyota radar cruise control -Estima-Hybrid. The Aeras Premium package also includes adaptive dampers with adjustable suspension stiffness, which greatly improves steering control. If desired, it is possible to modernize the automatic control of the electric drive due to the new VDIM system. With such equipment, the driver overcomes difficult road surfaces more confidently, easily “processing” surface imperfections.

Positive feedback from owners

The car as a whole received more favorable reviews, which point to a variety of technical and operational aspects. If you start with the main thing, with the power plant, then first of all, the efficiency of the units is noted. As already mentioned, in calm city driving conditions, you can count on 15-20 km / l, which is very good given the high power of the Toyota Estima Hybrid minibus. Reviews even talk about 10-12 km / h with filling the 92nd gasoline. But, again, a lot depends on driving style.

In terms of driving comfort, there are no complaints either. Both handling and physical ergonomics inside the cabin are top notch. The layout of the seats and the distribution of equipment, of course, are realized in cramped conditions, but thanks to a solid engineering and structural base, the developers were still able to achieve passenger comfort without losing functionality. With all the configuration changes, the Toyota Estima Hybrid has retained flexibility in terms of transforming the interior space, which primarily concerns the seats.

Also in the list of pluses is the branded reliability of components and design as such. The Japanese have been thinking in detail about the technical base of Estima since the 90s and today, along with a durable frame and high-strength parts, they also offer modern active safety systems with electronic control.

Negative feedback from owners

Throughout its history, the Estima model has never been able to enter the leading positions in the sales ratings of the Japanese manufacturer. This is partly due to belonging to the not very popular class of minivans, but even the hybridization of the car with all the positive accents could not seriously change the situation. What is it that rejects potential owners of Toyota-Estima-Hybrid? Reviews note that problems are still hidden in the basic design parameters that do not allow revealing the capabilities of the car as a commercial vehicle. As a result, intermediate positioning between a family car and a truck for business.

If we talk about the shortcomings of the new power plant, then in addition to the invasion of batteries into the cabin through the console, some owners note a decrease in the working qualities of the power supply. There are different opinions on this matter, but even experts emphasize that a Japanese battery can “extinguish” due to prolonged downtime or thermal effects as a result of welding work near the power unit.

Conclusion

The electrified version of the Estima, of course, cannot be called a reference commercial vehicle in terms of consumer properties. Especially when compared with eminent representatives of the segment from the German “troika”. And yet, as an economical and ergonomic station wagon in every sense, it offers performance worth the money. For example, in Vladivostok, Toyota-Estima-Hybrid is available for an average of 0.8-1 million conventional units. Copies without mileage can be found for 1.2-1.5 million conventional units. the presence in the car of a heating system, an immobilizer, an all-wheel drive shutdown system, etc. That is, the car has been undergoing new restyling procedures for more than 10 years, each time incorporating high-tech solutions.