When I first started to review cars several years ago, I literally cringed when they told me I had to do a minivan comparison. Minivan? Me? The images of family, camping trips and soccer moms filled my mind – but after driving the top 5 selling minivans in the country, I was a changed woman!
Minivans are a fantastically versatile vehicles that offer flexibility and functionality with tonnes of space and are great for families. Anyone who thinks differently has never had the pleasure of using one.
Here I am in beautiful Victoria, BC testing out the redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan. The Dodge Grand Caravan currently rules this market offering great value for your dollar. Toyota is making a bold move stating that the MSRP of the new 2011 Sienna will be within $500 of a similarly equipped Caravan.
This is the third generation Sienna and it has really evolved since it was introduced back in 1998. Still the only vehicle in its class to make AWD available, the 2011 Sienna offers more space, innovative ideas and is sporting a cool, new look.
Chief Engineer, Kazuo Mori, who is very passionate about cars and motorsports, has spent 17 years working on and designing minivans. He really wanted to change the image associated with this vehicle and create a form of transportation fitting for family and those who love cars. The Toyota Sienna design team has focused on the three ‘extraordinary C’s: comfort, convenience and coolness.
They have eight models to choose from, two powertrains and drivetrains, flexible seating and a long list of other features that will help attract buyers. Toyota is hoping to radiate a cool style, especially with the new Sport Edition.
I agree that ‘cool’ and ‘minivan’ really don’t seem to work in the same sentence, but this is the tragic flaw of minivans and something that needs to change – we all want to be hip and driving a minivan has never been able to accomplish this.
So let’s start with the coolness. Take a look at the exterior styling of this van. Yes, the overall shape is still in line with that of a minivan but the profile is stronger looking and has a much more striking appearance. The front hood and corners actually looks like the front end of a sporty sedan. My favourite styling design is the flowing shaped headlights and LED break lights.
The Sport Edition introduces the “Sport” Minivan to Canada. The styling is definitely more aggressive in appearance. It has a unique looking front grille, Sport Edition side skirt and front/rear bumper, 19-inch rims, sport-tuned suspension, moonroof and a unique sport-grade gauge cluster.
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| I will admit that I think it is the hottest looking minivan! (Photo: Paul Giamou) |
Minivans are a fantastically versatile vehicles that offer flexibility and functionality with tonnes of space and are great for families. Anyone who thinks differently has never had the pleasure of using one.
Here I am in beautiful Victoria, BC testing out the redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan. The Dodge Grand Caravan currently rules this market offering great value for your dollar. Toyota is making a bold move stating that the MSRP of the new 2011 Sienna will be within $500 of a similarly equipped Caravan.
This is the third generation Sienna and it has really evolved since it was introduced back in 1998. Still the only vehicle in its class to make AWD available, the 2011 Sienna offers more space, innovative ideas and is sporting a cool, new look.
Chief Engineer, Kazuo Mori, who is very passionate about cars and motorsports, has spent 17 years working on and designing minivans. He really wanted to change the image associated with this vehicle and create a form of transportation fitting for family and those who love cars. The Toyota Sienna design team has focused on the three ‘extraordinary C’s: comfort, convenience and coolness.
They have eight models to choose from, two powertrains and drivetrains, flexible seating and a long list of other features that will help attract buyers. Toyota is hoping to radiate a cool style, especially with the new Sport Edition.
I agree that ‘cool’ and ‘minivan’ really don’t seem to work in the same sentence, but this is the tragic flaw of minivans and something that needs to change – we all want to be hip and driving a minivan has never been able to accomplish this.
So let’s start with the coolness. Take a look at the exterior styling of this van. Yes, the overall shape is still in line with that of a minivan but the profile is stronger looking and has a much more striking appearance. The front hood and corners actually looks like the front end of a sporty sedan. My favourite styling design is the flowing shaped headlights and LED break lights.
The Sport Edition introduces the “Sport” Minivan to Canada. The styling is definitely more aggressive in appearance. It has a unique looking front grille, Sport Edition side skirt and front/rear bumper, 19-inch rims, sport-tuned suspension, moonroof and a unique sport-grade gauge cluster.
 |
| The front hood and corners actually looks like the front end of a sporty sedan. (Photo: Paul Giamou) |