The Toyota Noah was a big success last year, becoming Hong Kong's best-selling multipurpose vehicle (MPV). Building on that success, Toyota recently introduced an updated Noah range, with extensive body and engine modifications, to the local market.
There are two versions of the Noah: the eight-seat Advantage and the seven-seat Luxury, priced at HK$233,892 and HK$279,870 respectively. For the Noah Luxury, the extra outlay buys an Aero-Body sports body kit, with redesigned front and rear bumpers, a new front grille and rear spoiler, leather seats, sunroofs in the front and rear, and a touchscreen audio system which changes to a rear camera to assist parking when in reverse mode.
To compensate for having one seat fewer than the Advantage, the Luxury's second-row captain's seat swivels 180 degrees to face the third row.
Both models share Toyota's new 2.0-litre, 16-valve engine with ValveMatic technology which offers increased power output along with decreased fuel consumption and emissions. ValveMatic uses a computer to control the intake valves. This allows a more efficient use of fuel across the rev range and, according to Toyota, power output is up 10 per cent at 158PS (156bhp), while torque remains much the same at 196 Nm. Fuel efficiency has also improved by between 5 per cent and 10 per cent to 13.9 kilometres per litre.
The updated Noah continues with the continuously variable transmission of its predecessor, but now offers a seven-speed sequential 'virtual' gear change on its console-mounted lever.
An MPV is all about the most efficient use of space and the Noah doesn't disappoint. Its seating arrangement is practical and versatile. The second-row seats have a huge range of fore and aft adjustment, whether facing the front or rear. Twin hydraulically operated sliding side doors open and close at the touch of a button, while the massive rear door, also hydraulically operated, has a low sill for easy access. With the push of a lever, the rear seat row folds forward and splits to cleverly fold against each side of the cargo area, providing a generous amount of storage space. However, with the third row in place, there is only enough room for a few shopping bags.