• Two Dynamic Force engines are available – naturally aspirated M15A-FKS or hybrid M15A-FXE
• Tight 5-metre turning radius, increased door and boot opening size
• Improved rear seat comfort, increased cabin space
• Available in 5- or 7-seater, seats are covered in deodorizing and water/oil-repellent fabric
• Built-in front and rear dashcam, vehicle software can be updated wirelessly

The all-new third generation 2023 Toyota Sienta has just made its world debut in Japan. Now based on the latest TNGA-B platform as the Japanese (and European) market Yaris and Yaris Cross, prices range from 1.95 million Yen (~RM 63,800) to 3.1 million Yen (~RM 101,600).

Two powertrain options are available, all based on a 3-cylinder 1.5-litre Dynamic Force engine. The regular naturally aspirated M15A-FKS engine makes 120 PS at 6,600 rpm, and 145 Nm at 4,800 – 5,200 rpm.

In the hybrid variant, the Atkinson cycle M15A-FXE engine alone makes 91 PS at 5,500 rpm and 120 Nm at 3,800 – 4,800 rpm, but performance is boosted by a 80 PS / 141 Nm motor. Electric all-wheel drive is also available as an option, driven by a smaller 3 PS / 44 Nm motor turning the rear axle.

Also read: Toyota Corolla Altis'TNGA platform, what is it and does it make any difference?

Both engines are paired to a front-wheel drive CVT-type automatic, with the hybrid being a planetary gearset E-CVT type, while the regular variant uses a Direct Shift CVT. The latter has a launch gear for better standing starts.

Claimed fuel consumption is 18.3 km per litre (5.5-litre / 100 km) for the regular variant and 28.2 km per litre (3.5-litre / 100 km) for the hybrid, both 2WD and 7 seaters, when tested on the WLTP test cycle.

The Sienta wasn’t very popular when it was last sold in Malaysia (circa 2019), but in countries with tight parking spaces like Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, the Sienta’s combination of compact dimensions, easy entry/exit powered sliding doors, child- and elderly-friendly low ground clearance, makes it one of Toyota’s best sellers in many Asian cities.

For the third generation model, Toyota built upon all these strengths. So the ground clearance is kept at 140 mm. The distance between the ground and the cabin’s flat floor is maintained at 330 mm.

Also read: Used Toyota Sienta - From RM 56k, skip the Alza's 10-month waiting period and get 2 powered sliding doors for free

The powered sliding door’s (now hands-free) opening height has also been increased by 60 mm to 1,200 mm, while cabin height has been raised by 20 mm, so adults don’t need to bend their back as much when stepping inside.

Behind, the tailgate’s opening has been raised by 15 mm. Luggage space loading height has also been increased by 20 mm for easier loading. Toyota says a bicycle with 27-inch tires can be loaded without the handlebars getting stuck in the opening.

As before, the second and third row seats fold flat to form a flat surface.

Inside, the Sienta’s cabin is trimmed with novel fabric materials that remind you of Muji products.

The seats are covered in deodorizing and water/oil-repellent materials.

Even the dashboard is covered in fabric.

Practical considerations include cleverly designed door pockets, some with child-friendly pictograms.

Also read: Was it the quirky looks? These are reasons why the Toyota Sienta wasn't popular in Malaysia

The dashboard-mounted gear shifter also means that occupants can walk between the front seats to get to the middle row. Something which parents of toddlers will certainly appreciate.

Optional UV- and IR-blocking windows are also available.

The second-row seats now have an 80 mm longer distance from the front row, and the seats are adjustable front-back by up to 1,000 mm.

For Japanese market models, there’s no rear A/C vents, but installed on the ceiling is an air circulator.

Past experience with the Honda Freed and the second generation Toyota Sienta has proven that consumers in this part of the world have not come to appreciate compact minivans with sliding doors (Singapore is an exception), so if you are interested in this 2023 Toyota Sienta, the only option is to go to grey importers.

Also read: Used Toyota Sienta - From RM 56k, skip the Alza's 10-month waiting period and get 2 powered sliding doors for free