Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Japan, Tech, Toyota
Toyota Noah / Voxy: Valvematic for the people (movers)
One of Toyota's first applications of its new Valvematic engine is in the newly-redesigned 7-passenger Noah MPV and its slightly differently-visaged (and equally blocky) stablemate, the Voxy. Neither one will win a beauty contest anytime soon, but tastes are demonstrably different in Japan, so we'll reserve further commentary on the aesthetics and leave the rest to you readers. This isn't so much about the car itself as what's under its hood, anyway.
The story here is the 2.0L 3ZR-FAE inline four with Valvematic that can be fitted behind the Noah/Voxy's stern-looking face. The specifics are as follows:- 1,986cc DOHC I4
- 158 PS (155 HP) at 6,200 rpm
- 144 lb-ft of torque 4,400 rpm
- 33 mpg
- 164 g/km of CO² emissions
[Source: Paul Tan]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jgp 4:19PM (7/01/2007)
Mmm...I love these semi-bonneted vans.
These two, along with the Mitsubishi Delica D:5, Nissan Serena, and Honda StepWgn kick all ass.
It's sad that they were never brought to the US.
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Aaron 4:23PM (7/01/2007)
I saw that a couple days ago and struggled with how come 155bhp from a 2.0l is actually great.
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sean 4:32PM (7/01/2007)
i guess is not the power but the co2 emissions and the fuel mileage. Plus its a toyota, all "normal" stuff.
Don 3:12PM (7/02/2007)
Right. 33 mpg from 158 hp is great in my book.
stefan 4:32PM (7/01/2007)
#Aaron
It isnt a performance engine.
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Wes 5:30PM (7/01/2007)
Is this coming to the states? Or is it only for Japan?
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Peter 6:00PM (7/01/2007)
It'll be interesting to see this applied to a -GE motor instead of an FE. In a performance environment, I wonder what it'll be?
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Paul Tan 6:30PM (7/01/2007)
does toyota have any modern GE motors?
Aaron 6:03PM (7/01/2007)
I realize it isn't a performance engine. Neither was the 150hp 2.0 dohc motor in a 1997 neon to use a horrid example.
33mpg doesn't seem all that stellar either.
If it is lower emissions then great. Initial reports seemed to equate it as profound as the second coming. Doesn't look that way to me though.
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MikeW 8:10PM (7/01/2007)
Come on '09 corolla.
Lift scaling allows for 'sportier' camshafts (without the downsides)
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chewy 8:49PM (7/01/2007)
33 mpg as in 33 mpg average. Or something like 28/38 which is good for 155 hp.
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far jr 11:11PM (7/01/2007)
I agree. 33 mpg combined isn't bad considering the engine is toting around a seven passenger van (albeit a small van).
I'm not much of a minivan person but these small vans like the Mazda 5, Opel Zafira, and the Noah could be very useful for large families on a tight budget.
James 8:56AM (7/02/2007)
The Noah/Voxy are very popular here in Japan.
For those who care, the Voxy is designed with slightly more sporty interior and exterior styling and is marketed more towards young men with growing families, while the Noah is primarily driven by women. Both vans actually have a lot of nice features besides the engine, such as 2nd row seats that completely swivel around to face backwards, and also lean outwards to put a child more easily in his child seat. Great technology in the far east!
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Alex Nunez 10:07AM (7/02/2007)
James, one of the things that I find truly interesting about the Japanese market is how the domestic models there frequently come in male/female flavors, as you described with Noah/Voxy and even more notably, in the various kei car trims. Standard models aimed at women, and sportier-looking "custom, R, etc." models with dark interiors for the men.
Ca$h 11:03AM (7/17/2007)
Woop dee do. 1995-1999 neon DOHC engines made 150hp, 150ft lbs, from a 2 liter engine, and could get over 40mpg if driven carefully. Why is this a big deal?
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