May. 30, 1990

TOYOTA ESTIMA GOES ON SALE

 

Toyota City―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced that the Estima, a new concept vehicle, went on sale today. The Estima (from the word "estimable") is a high-performance vehicle developed to combine the pleasure of a sedan-like ride and handling with unprecedented efficiency in the use of interior space.

4WD Estima with Dual Moonroof

4WD Estima with Dual Moonroof

To attain this kind of driving pleasure, the Estima offers a revolutionary drive train layout incorporating the chassis and a newly developed, high-performance engine. At the same time, the Estima offers distinctive exterior and interior styling.

Revolutionary Drive Train Layout and Styling

Revolutionary drive train layout and styling based on completely new concepts have been used to offer better drivability and utility.

  1. Drive Train Layout
    In order to give superb handling and high-speed stability, a newly developed 2.4-liter, in-line, 4-cylinder engine is mounted under the floor behind the front axle and is inclined 75° on its side. Mid-ship mounting of the engine facilitates optimum front-rear weight distribution, and reduction of yawing inertia provides superb handling.
    Moreover, in order to maximize serviceability, supplementary engine mechanisms are located under the front hood and powered by a special drive shaft from the engine. This means that routine checks can cover the servicing of the radiator, fan belts, cooling fan, alternator, air-conditioning compressor, air cleaner, power steering pump and reservoir, coolant, battery, and engine oil reservoir.
  2. Styling
    The exterior styling came from a concept model built by Calty Design Research, Toyota's advanced styling studio in the U.S. state of California.
    The rounded aerodynamic body is designed from aesthetically pleasing curves. Not compromising its graceful overall styling, its coefficient of drag is a low 0.35.

Superb Running Performance Increases Driving Enjoyment

The following combine to give superb power and handling performance under any driving conditions: a newly developed 2.4-liter, high-efficiency, twin-cam engine; independent four-wheel suspension (MacPherson-strut type for the front and doublewishbone type for the rear); and a wide tread and long wheelbase, as well as optional full-time 4WD with viscous couplings.
To further improve stability and steering control when braking, the four-wheel, anti-lock brake system is offered as a standard feature.

Spacious Interior Makes Estima More Comfortable

The low floor enables passengers to move from front to rear seats easily, and offers plenty of extra space for luggage. Also, low seat height allows convenient entry and exit.
The instrument panel takes a dynamic, futuristic form with the central section protruding to make switches easy to operate.
Furthermore, the extensive range of fixtures and fittings includes standard features, such as overhead dual auto air-conditioning―made ultra-slim thanks to use of a cross-flow fan―and the nine-speaker "Estima Live Sound System" with CD player, while a dual moonroof is available for a feeling of openness. Unlike other moonroofs, the Estima's slides outside the vehicle to maximize headroom.

Main Specifications: Estima

Downloads (Images)

  • 4WD Estima with Dual Moonroof
    4WD Estima with Dual Moonroof