KEY POINTS:
Proper people-movers tend to be better to drive and vasty more space-efficient than comparable off-road vehicles. But when it comes to spending the big bucks on carrying a crowd, Kiwi buyers still stampede towards the rugged mountain vehicles and stay away from the dedicated people-moving machines in droves.
It's probably got a lot to do with image. Even if all they do is drive to Starbucks and carry the children to school, owners of six-plus seaters would prefer the rest of the world to think they spend their weekends crashing through uncharted territory and being generally heroic.
But the sober nature of most people movers doesn't help. While big off-roaders have huge engines and come loaded with surprise-and-delight features, people-movers tend to have thrifty powertrains and the bare necessities required to carry passengers in relative comfort and safety.
They're just a bit too, well, sensible to get excited about.
Which is where Toyota's new flagship Previa comes in. Previa, as you'll know, is everybody's favourite Avis rental - spacious and sensible, but hardly desirable as full-time family transport. Unless you're talking about this new V6-powered version, which costs a bomb but comes with a grunty engine, slick six-speed gearbox and a wealth of high-tech cabin features.
You still have to forget about looking cool - a Previa is never going to wow the neighbours, even one on handsome 17-inch alloys.
But it might wow the people next to you at the traffic lights, thanks to the startlingly sprightly 3.5-litre V6 engine and gearbox from the Aurion sedan. The new powertrain combo is a treat and turns the big Prev into a genuinely quick machine, without chewing too much precious petrol.
Despite the impressive power output, the Previa is rated to run on 91-octane fuel and the official ADR economy figure of 10.2 litres per 100km is impressive for such a large vehicle.
The Previa upgrade brings a downsized cabin: while the regular four-cylinder model has eight seats, the luxury-V6 version ditches the centre-row bench for two sumptuous chairs, complete with fold-down armrests and business class-style extendable footrests. The entire cabin is trimmed in soft leather, naturally. Keeping everybody cool is a three-zone air conditioning system (one for each seating row).
Powered doohickeys abound. Both sliding side doors can be opened and shut at the push of a button, either from the keyfob, centre console or the doors themselves.
Oddly, the tailgate must be lifted manually - but once it's up, the third-row chairs can be stowed under the floor with the help of yet another set of whirring motors. It's a slow process, but what fun.
You really wouldn't buy a Previa unless you had a crowd to carry - it's a huge vehicle and quite a challenge to park in tight spaces, although the front and rear parking radar fitted to the V6 version eases the pain.
On the plus-side, the sheer size of the thing does allow you to enjoy a very high "command" driving position, a bewildering array of storage spaces around the cabin and a certain sense of opulence.
Other cool kit includes heated front seats, a two-part glass roof (with powered shades) and a Bluetooth cellphone module, which is seamlessly integrated into the audio unit and works brilliantly, by the way. Okay, some of the stuff in the Previa is not strictly necessary, but that's the beauty of this big Toyota. A proper people mover that's packed with pointless toys is cause for celebration. Off-roaders have had that market cornered for far too long.
Toyota Previa
We like: Fast and frugal powertrain, loads of luxury toys.
We don't like: Still looks you got it from Avis, poor visibility.
The facts
Basic price: $69,990.
Options fitted: None.
Price as tested: $69,990.
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km.
Powertrain and performance
Engine: 3456cc petrol V6.
Power: 202kW at 6200rpm.
Torque: 340Nm at 4700rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-drive.
ADR fuel consumption: 10.2 litres per 100km.
Safety
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, traction and stability control.
Passive restraints: Front, side and curtain airbags, seven lap-sash seatbelts.
EuroNCAP occupant crash test rating: Not tested.
Vital statistics
Wheels and tyres: 17-inch alloy, 215/55 tyres.
Length: 4795mm.
Height: 1750mm.
Width: 1800mm.
Wheelbase: 2950mm.
Boot volume: 1780 litres.
Fuel tank: 65 litres.
