IN THE WORLD OF MOTORS
The column materials were prepared by Mikhail GZOVSKIY, Alexey VOROBYEV-OBUKHOV
TOYOTA-PREVIA
Toyota Previa
Debuting at the end of 1989, the first modification of this minivan lasted on the assembly line for about ten years. Its design is notable not so much for its enviable longevity, but for the rear-wheel drive layout with a centrally located engine, which is atypical for its class, and there was an all-wheel drive modification.
The new “Previa”, presented at the Geneva Salon in the spring, is not so original - it has moved into the category of front-wheel drive cars. Thanks to this, it was possible to significantly increase the useful volume of the cabin with the same dimensions and accommodate from six to eight travelers here. The attractive, dynamic look of the Previa is combined with a well-thought-out interior solution: the interior is replete with pockets for small items, cup holders and hiding places - a total of eighteen.
In an effort to improve safety performance, Previa was equipped with an ABS and brake force distribution system, and airbags, two- and three-point belts and a specially designed pedal assembly are designed to reduce the likelihood of injuries in the event of an accident.
Over the years, the company has introduced several new solutions in the production of engines, for example, the technology of “intelligent” variable valve timing VVT-i. It is such a mechanism that was used in the Previa engine, which, coupled with a reduced mass of the car and good body aerodynamics (Cx = 0.29), provides it with one of the best fuel economy indicators in the class.
Technical specifications