Toyota Previa: Variants explained

There are many MPVs available in the market from various manufacturers. Choosing one is indeed a difficult task. To make things a bit easier for you, Toyota UAE has its Previa. This stylish MPV has been around for quite some time now and has also evolved. The latest model of Toyota Previa is like no other MPV in the Middle East. It has looks that would give many sedans and hatchbacks a run for their money.

There are two variants of the Toyota Previa - S and SE - that you can buy in the UAE. These variants carry a lot in common and can’t be easily differentiated, not at least from the outside. However, there are a few features that differ in them. This story is all about the Toyota Previa variants.

Exterior

The Previa has a very striking appearance. Most of it has to do with the way its front has been designed. It is a very sleek style that runs right from the nose of the vehicle to the roof. Enhancing this elegant look is the set of sleek headlamps that flush into the car’s body brilliantly. The headlamps are pretty big and have a unique shape. Then there is the chrome grille that joins them. The grille has got somewhat a wide open V-shape. The front bumper also has a unique design that curves a bit inwards.

Moving towards the side of this beautiful MPV, we are greeted by stylish alloy wheels. The S variant comes with 16-inch wheels whereas the SE model has an inch higher. Giving the Previa a sporty appearance from the side are the roof rails. Of course, we can’t miss the sliding rear doors. This makes entering and exiting the vehicle so much easier. While these sliding doors have to be operated manually in the S model, in the SE variant they are automatic.

The rear end of the Previa has got large and attractive two-piece combination tail lights. They are joined together by an LED strip which looks fantastic. The blacked out D-pillar gives a floating roof kind of experience and looks great. The rear also has a thick but short chrome embellishment at the centre. And for the sporty look, we have a roof-mounted spoiler with stop lamp.

Interior

Till now you must be thinking that the exterior is the best part of the Toyota Previa. But once you step inside its cabin, chances are you would change your opinion. There is a plethora of space inside. The Previa’s long wheelbase allowed Toyota to provide quite a generous amount of cabin space.

Many features would make your experience inside the Previa memorable. We get automatic AC, smart entry and push start, and a big dashboard with the instrument console placed more in the centre than behind the steering wheel. Talking about the steering wheel, it is a usual urethane unit in the S model, while the one in the SE model gets leather and wood treatment.

One of the biggest difference between the two variants is the captain seats. The base model comes with the usual seating configuration and can accommodate a total of 8 people. On the other hand, the SE model has got captain seats in the 2nd row which are super comfortable and enhances the overall experience tremendously. However, opting for captain seats reduces the total occupancy to 7.

Engine

When it comes to the engine, the Toyota Previa specs of both the variants are the same. Powering both the models is a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 16 valves, DOHC, VVT-i engine which has been tuned in a state to produce max power of 168 hp at 6000 rpm and generate a peak torque of 223 Nm that kicks in at 4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox which is also the only option available.

Safety features

Toyota has given both the variants of the Previa with a good number of safety features that include ABS, vehicle stability control, tire inflation pressure warning, Anti-theft system with immobilizer, and front and rear parking sensors. Also, the latest Previa comes with Toyota’s “GOA” (Global Outstanding Assessment) feature that provides the MPV with the highest level of safety body in its class. The Previa is also equipped with front, side and curtain shield airbags, as well as an SRS knee airbag on the driver’s seat.

So, these were the details regarding the two Previa variants. Clearly, they have got more similarities than dissimilarities. The Toyota Previa price for the S model is AED 132,200, and the SE variant will set you back by AED 144,800. As far as the color palette is concerned, both the models are available in 7 different shades - Black, Pearl White, Silver Metallic, Super White, Deep Red Mica Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, and Dark Sherry Mica Metallic.