JDM cars have enjoyed a decent reputation among auto consumers in Pakistan, particularly since the 1980s. However, during the Musharraf era when the used imports were resumed, we witnessed a flurry of quality JDMs reaching our soil which not only became highly successful in the market but also created problems for the locally assembled ones on sale in our country. JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market and obviously refers to the cars which were originally intended to be sold in Japan but were later imported into our country under different schemes.
Related: Understanding JDM, Imported & Local Assembled Cars
Despite the fact that JDMs came without warranty and a question mark over after-sales support, a vast majority of people preferred these over locally assembled cars for a number of reasons such as rich features & safety equipment, much better-built quality, lower price, quicker deliveries, variety of options and overall better value for money. Cars such as Toyota Vitz, Premio, Probox, Prius, Passo, Nissan Dayz, Suzuki Every, and Daihatsu Mira etc are just some of the names that in their respective times have added a much-needed flavor to our rather tasteless auto market.
However, in recent times you might have noticed another new addition to the JDMs in Pakistan, and it’s none other than Toyota Sienta, the 7-seat mini MPV which is increasingly becoming a common sight on our roads. Although Sienta is there since 2003, the boxy first-generation model never saw popularity in our market perhaps due to its uninspiring appearance. But, the second-generation model which debuted in 2015 is the one that’s becoming a hit here.
The name “Sienta” is derived from the Spanish word “siete”, which means “seven” thus perfectly defining its maximum seating capacity. Not many know that the car is based on the Vitz platform but instead of a 1.0L engine, the Sienta gets a range of 1.5L engines under its hood to easily haul 7 people around. In Japan it also comes in hybrid as well as 4WD configurations, however in other markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand the Sienta comes available in naturally aspirated 1.5L and 1.8L engines with either a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox options. The hybrid JDM variant gets an E-CVT system. According to official fuel economy ratings, the Sienta hybrid returns 27.2 km/l under the Japanese JC08 cycle test, while the non-hybrid variants return 20.6 km/l in FWD configuration.
Toyota Sienta
In 2018 Toyota Sienta received a facelift in the Japanese Domestic Market followed by the Southeast Asian markets in 2019. The facelift features mild cosmetic enhancements over the preceding model. The cabin gets 2+3+2 seating configuration in 7-seat versions, however, the Sienta also comes in 6-seater and 5-seater layouts (for wheelchair users). The ingress and egress have been made easier thanks to a rear sliding door. Whereas a low loading sill on the rear door hatch makes it convenient to load luggage items in the back. Furthermore, the seats can be folded down to enhance the loading capacity as desired.
Related: Why JDM Cars Are Considered a Threat to Local Assembled Ones
Like any other JDM, Toyota Sienta also comes equipped with a number of features & safety equipment. ABS with EBD & BA, VSC, HSA, 6 airbags, projector headlamps, rotating seats for the disabled, electric sliding doors, multi-function steering, keyless entry with push start and stop button, automatic AC, cruise control, reversing camera, 16-inch alloys and Toyota Move infotainment with voice command, air gesture and mirroring feature for the audio, video and navigation system to name a few (features vary as per trim level). Sienta also boasts a full 5-star crash test score from both JNCAP and ASEAN-NCAP.
Toyota Sienta Crash Test
In Karachi, the Sienta is available for around PKR 29.0 lac to PKR 37.0 lac depending on the model year, auction grade, and trim level. Prices in other cities may vary. People may find the Toyota Sienta a worthy alternative to Honda BR-V but the latter has the advantage of better ground clearance and cheaper maintenance compared to the JDM Sienta. However, for those who can spend this much money, the better equipped & more fuel efficient Sienta is indeed a preferred choice, particularly for carrying 7 people around.
Related: Should Government Allow Importing Used JDMs
Do keep in mind Toyota’s answer to the Honda BR-V in above-mentioned markets happens to be the Avanza MPV, however, the Sienta is priced higher than both BR-V and Avanza due to its rich features & equipment, improved & fuel-efficient engine & better driving dynamics.
Toyota Sienta in Pakistan
These sorts of vehicles if made available locally, will become more affordable for the masses and hold a fair chance of becoming even more successful. However, just like the immensely popular Vitz, we might never see a locally assembled Sienta as it will hurt the market of other Japanese options that are being assembled in our country. Want to share your experience or opinion about the Toyota Sienta, use the comment section below.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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