Toyota Granvia XV 2020: A people mover that makes passengers feel special with a focus on comfort.

Summary Good • Very comfortable for three rows of passengers. • Ease of entry and exit • Convivial environment, including low ambient noise, in the cabin Could do better • Moderate engine power for the size of vehicle • The fourth row of seats compromises everything else • Lacks some versatility for things other than moving people. The Toyota Tarago was first launched in Australia in 1983 and had four major generation models. Driving a white Tarago was the epitome of functionality and could make your neighbours think that you were getting the curtesy bus home from the local club. In launching the Granvia Toyota said: “We had to deliver a markedly better vehicle”. The Granvia is clearly better than the Tarago in its focus on luxury. But the seating narrows the use of the Granvia. The great thing about the Kia Carnival, the biggest selling people mover in Australia, is how easy it is to take out some or most of the seats creating a much more versatile vehicle. But the Granvia is aimed at hospitality, corporate and upmarket family buyers It is likely to be seen as a five-star hotel shuttle, corporate transport for senior executives or just a large luxury family wagon. Holiday makers, business executives or children would feel comfortable and even special in this vehicle. The only thing is that if you are trying to impress people, I would get them to approach the vehicle from the front rather than the back. Details After many years of prominence, Toyota has replaced the Tarago in Australia with the more upmarket Granvia. We start our review in a downpour in Sydney on our way to get six people to test if it has the comfort, performance, and value for money to be a luxury people mover. For a long while, that meant a Toyota Tarago but they have faded in sales, now the big seller is the Kia Carnival. In fact, even Toyota said that they needed to do something better. And so they have launched a new model, the Granvia. It sounds like an English estate next to Downton Abbey. Distinctive looks in a big sort of way with a focus on comfort. Six adults on a trip Let’s see if it is fit for purpose. Interior Putting aside its barn-like appearance, it is inside that the Granvia really makes a statement. The point about a people mover rather than an SUV is that it provides comfort or at least good room for the second and especially the third-row passengers. The Granvia takes comfort a step further. All models come with 6 captain style seats. Engine Just one engine a 2.8 litre turbo diesel 130 kw and 450 Nm that drives the rear wheels. Not a lot of power. It’s got the same kWs and only 18% more torque than a Nissan diesel X-Trail mid-size SUV and the Granvia weighs 2,660 kgs. But then again, your passengers are unlikely to want wild acceleration. Only a six-speed automatic gearbox. Its fuel consumption is rated at 8 l/100 and there is not a big difference between urban and rural driving. We average 10 l/100 with everyone on board. Driving There’s enough power for driving around the city and for comfortable touring on good standard roads. I would, however, be especially cautious before I pulled out onto the other side of the road to overtake a long truck up a hill but that is unlikely to be its environment. It has hydraulic rather than electric steering so there’s more feel through the steering wheel. It is derived from the hi ace so, not surprisingly, its handling is more van than sedan. I wouldn’t take it to a track day in the hope of getting first prize. For a 5.3-meter-long vehicle it has a great turning circle rated at 12m and feeling like you could do a u-turn in your driveway. It’s big on the street but remarkably manoeuvrable even in tight spots like a drive-through. Safety Plenty of safety features and nearly all of them come as standard across the two models. Toyota Granvia pricing It is dearer than the more popular people movers but well placed with the luxury brands.