Toyota Estima Aeras Premium Moonroof 2.4 (A)

The purchase of an MPV is usually the result of circumstance rather than choice. They are unwieldy around town, cost more to buy and run than their smaller counterparts, and are often as good to drive as a boat. They’re like the automotive equivalent of spending the night in a backpackers’ hostel, cramming many people into a tiny space, resulting in a package that’s often compromised.

However if you are driving kids more energetic and hyperactive than the Energizer bunny for a day out, then there’s no car more pleasurable to drive for the occasion than the MPV. The neighbours may drive a flashy 2-door coupe, but for sure it won’t have 2 ISOFIX points in the middle row, a third row for the kiddies’ grandparents or one or two more booster seat, sliding doors to make strapping the kids in their child seats a doddle, air-conditioning vents for all rows, and ample cabin space that the kids will never grow out of.

Those are the very practical reasons why the Estima has been such a huge hit in the MPV market since its launch in 1990. While the current generation Estima has been around since 2006, a major mid-life refresh in 2009 and a revision in recent years has helped bring the car bang up to date and making it a consistently strong seller.

The Estima presents itself to look sharp and neat on the outside with smooth contours on the body and unfussy details, while the rounded-off edges give an illusion that the car is less boxy than it is. In the Aeras trim as tested, the ‘sportier‘ bodykit and rims look the part.

The front bumper adopts aggressive side air intakes with an angular profile, similar to Toyota’s new Alphard. At the sides, side skirts continues the aggressive stance from the front bumpers, while the 18-inch rims with a sleek brushed metal/black painted two-tone finish fill up the wheel arches nicely.

The rear is littered with small differences that set it apart from older models. The latest facelift has endowed the car with clear white light lenses previously found only on Hybrid models and bumpers, the car sports a huge roof spoiler exclusive to the Aeras trim.

Despite the car’s massive bulk, the tall driving position and huge wing mirrors help take the difficulty out of steering this car. Visibility is decent all round thanks to a large glasshouse, and while the rear view is pretty restricted especially if you have passengers in the back. That said, parking isn’t a huge issue with help of the reverse camera and huge mirrors.

The whole point of the Estima is without doubt the functional and practical interior. The interior is well trimmed in hardwearing and sturdy plastics and fabrics that will stand against abuse and hard usage well. The dashboard sports a stylish black trim in place of the icky fake wood trim found on older models.

Elsewhere, the dash is plenty of cubbyholes for storage of sunglasses, parking coupons, and other odd bits. The centrally mounted dash instruments are easy to read, and despite the trip computer displaying in Japanese, it’s not too difficult to comprehend with help of a bit of guesswork. The air conditioning controls are so logically laid out that you can almost operate it while blindfolded.

Moving on to the back seats, the middle row captain seats are a joy to rest your bums on. The fabulous ottoman seats recline and slide back and forth, and are a doddle to fit child seats on. Access to the third row seats is relatively easy and accommodation is generous enough for three children who do not need booster seats, two lanky teenagers, or two booster seats.

The Estima’s interior is as functional and practical as anyone with children will need it to be. The car’s bulk outside does indeed translate into acres of interior room that will accommodate the instantaneous growth children experience these days.

The driving experience isn’t exactly high on the list of anyone who buys an MPV, is it? The Estima’s handling is a tad light and woolly, and there is plenty of body roll around corners. However, the light steering is a treat around town and is extremely handy when parking. Moreover, the ride is superb - it glides and floats over road imperfections without fuss when not fully loaded up.

The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine produces 170bhp, and power is transferred to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox. The engine sounds a tad rough when pushed, but provides decent grunt on the move, and builds up speed pretty quickly at higher speeds.

When fully loaded, the ride is a little harsh, and the engine works harder to provide the necessary shove. What is most impressive is how quiet and relaxed it is to be inside the cabin, for such a large boxy interior space it is quiet and settled. The Estima has presence and promises to make every drive a relaxing one, with the airy and comfortable interior enhancing the driving experience.

With the Estima’s seating flexibility, ability to carry luggage whilst seating seven, decent road performance and having the makings of an excellent family MPV it's hard to dismiss the Estima if you have the need to accommodate the kids and make long journeys as relaxing as they can be, and the Estima will no doubt serve the family well.

Car review is sponsored by Autolink Holdings :

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