Toyota Sienta launched in Malaysia - Priced from RM92,900

The all-new Toyota Sienta 7-seater compact MPV has been officially launched in Malaysia. This compact MPV sits in between the Toyota Avanza and Toyota Innova and is imported from Indonesia (so it comes with ASEAN tax break incentives). The Sienta comes in 2 variants – 1.5G and 1.5V, priced at RM 92,900 and RM 99,900 (on the road with insurance).

It is actually similar in size to the Toyota Avanza. It is also similar in size to the Perodua Alza. Both are 1.5 liter MPVs. What it brings to the plate is twin sliding rear doors instead of the usual swing doors we usually get with budget MPVs. This MPV is like the Honda Freed with such features which was a key factor in some of the local buyers. Sliding doors are a big thing. But the Freed was not popular. It wasn't because of the price (which was similar to the Sienta). It was because it looked like a pomfret or 'ikan bawal'. With that I think the Sienta would have a better chance. Some may say that it is slightly over styled, but it is better than being styled to look like a fish.

It is powered by a1.5-liter DOHC Dual VVT-i petrol engine which is coupled to a 7-ratio CVT (continuously variable transmission). The CVT also includes a Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode for manual gear selection. Why you need one in a compact MPV is beyond me. It makes 107 PS and 140 Nm of torque. With that you may just cruise decently on the highways and you dont really need to play racecar driver actually.

And equipment levels are high in the Sienta. The base model comes with one automatic powered sliding door on the passenger side and the higher spec G model gets two powered rear sliding doors. Imagine how much sliding you can do with a touch of a button. Both models get ESC as standard and airbags - 3 airbags (2 front + driver’s knees). There is also Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Hill-Start Assist Control and 4 disc brakes. Colours available are Orange Metallic, Super White II, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Quartz Brown Metallic. Warranty is 5 years with no limit to mileage, subject to terms and conditions. Toyota have thrown in the kitchen sink with the Sienta.

I kind of like it. Whilst it sits in a higher price bracket than the Avanza I honestly hope it outsells the Avanza. It looks so nicer than the very third world looking Avanza. A tad bit over styled here and there, but if you compare it with the Avanza and also the Innova, this is so much more modern looking. Budget MPVs should not be ugly or dumpy looking. I mean look at the Proton Exora, the Perodua Alza and now this. What the heck made you buy the Avanza over the Proton or the Perodua? I wont buy ugly MPVs. 

So the Sienta is actually something which I hope sells and I hope steals away sales from the Avanza even though it is pricier. Yes. Yes, I am being naughty here but there is an opportunity to sell nicer looking cars than what is offered now.

Spend a little more money folks. Buy a budget Toyota MPV that looks quite good instead of one that looks like a fish or a third world mini bus. Words of wisdom by Yours Truly.

Power sliding door controls