2009 Toyota Wish gets CVT and Valvematic Engine

The Toyota Wish is due to be replaced soon, and in light of the current economy situation and Toyota’s expected first loss in a long long time, it’s going to be built on the same platform as the outgoing with but with some improvements and a new set of engines, in Japan at least. These leaked brochure images here reveal to us how the new Wish will look like. There are a few improvements such as the A-pillars which are now thinner to improve visibility. The Japanese Wish will enjoy a new range of Dual VVT-i and Valvematic engines, the latter which first debuted on another MPV, the Toyota Noah.

The top of the line 2.0 liter Wish in Japan will get the 3ZR-FAE engine equipped with Toyota’s latest Valvematic variable valve lift technology. It produces 158 PS at 6200rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The lesser engined sibling will be powered by a 1.8 liter unit producing 144 PS at 6,400rpm and 176Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. Both are mated to a Super CVT-i transmission.

There will be four variants – the 2.0Z, the 2.0G, the 1.8S and the 1.8X. The brochures also reveal that Toyota will be differentiating the different variants of the Wish with different exterior looks. For example, there are at least three different levels of prominence with the wheel arches, and the results are 3 different widths in the dimension sheets of the brochure. The “narrowest” most tame-looking Wish is only 1,695mm wide but the widest 2.0Z variant is 1,745mm wide. The Wish 1.8S in somewhere in between at 1,725mm. The red unit you see here is the 2.0Z.

The Wish was an immensely popular model in Malaysia, but for a very long time 100% of sales were enjoyed by the grey importers as it was not brought in officially by UMW Toyota. Only later did UMW bring it in but by then all the Wish owners were already Wish owners. It’s safe to say with this new Wish, UMW will be selling it right from the start. But don’t be surprised if you see the same old 2.0 liter and 4-speed automatic installed instead of the modern Valvematic and CVT transmission.

2009 Toyota Wish with Valvematic Unveiled

Toyota has unveiled a redesigned version of the popular 7-seater Toyota Wish MPV. The Wish goes on sale in Japan first and will probably come to Malaysia soon.

In Japan, the Wish receives Toyota’s new Valvematic engines. Valvematic is a continuously variable valve timing and valve lift mechanism, while VVT-i which affects timing. The engines are the 2ZR-FAE for the 1.8L model and the 3ZR-FAE for the 2.0L.

The 2.0L makes an impressive 158 PS at 6,200rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4,400rpm (of course the king of the hill is still the Optima facelift’s 163 PS), while the 1.8L units either put out 144 PS and 176Nm of torque or 133 PS and 164Nm of torque. The lower figures are for models equipped with the 4WD drivetrain.

All engines are mated to the Super CVT-i transmission, and some have manual paddle shifting for 7 virtual CVT gear ratios.

Fuel consumption is said to have improved and exceeds Japanese 2010 standards by 20% for the 1.8L model, and 15% for the 2.0L model. The 2.0L unit gets 15.2km/l based on the Japanese 10-15 cycle, and the 1.8L model gets 16.0km/l.

In terms of practicality, the maximum luggage capacity has had its width increased by 95mm. The slimmer seatbacks for the seats increase legroom for the rows behind it. Front diagonal visibility is better by attaching the side mirrors to the door panels and reducing the width of the A-pillars. Seat covers have been treated with an anti-mite agent, and the climate control system has the Camry’s Plasmacluster air-purifying technology. The steering wheel is both tilt and reach adjustable.

The Wish also adds an improved version of VSC called S-VSC, which also uses the electric power steering system to apply appropriate steering torque to help stabilize it. High spec models get features such as keyless entry and start via a push button starter. The Wish has a parking assist system that tells you when to turn the steering wheel and when to back up during parallel parking, but doesn’t turn the wheel for you itself. There is also a 10-speaker Wish Panoramic Live Sound System for surround sound audio.

Look after the jump for a video and a fully featured photo gallery of the new Wish with lots of focus on the small details all over the interior.