Alphard is def. bigger than Pacifica.

 

as some have said - the minivans here in HK aren't as wildly modified but my goodness, they have REALLY become more popular. I'll try to take more pics when I get back to HK.

btw - in beijing, hyundai and vw seem to be the more popular auto makers. i passed a buick dealership on my way to the hotel and it reminded me of an article i read about how buick is becoming more and more popular in China.

 

Damn vanilla sienna

Nice picture Cliff. Isn't the wheel in one of the picture a liiiiiittle too close to the curb?

 

Haha, I remember seeing those in 2006 when I went last time. Of course, at the time, I did not appreciate them but now they look nice

I wish tickets were cheaper this year though. I had to skip winter break this time

 

My parents have a Previa/Estima in HK like the white one. Not modified, though! For an MPV, it's as good as it gets.

They're no stranger to vans; they've had a 1993 and 1997 Nissan Serena, a 1992 Previa (in the US), a 2002 Previa and now a 2006 Previa.

The US is really missing out on the luxury vans.

 

VIP minivans all the way lol!

 

The current Toyota Alphard, all-new for 2008. I suspect a hybrid E-four version (2 electric drive motors, one in rear) will be available in the future, as in the current Estima and the previous Alphard.

The passenger chairs, including the front passenger, look more like thrones. Even the front passenger has an ottoman legrest, unlike the Estima. Ceiling ambient lighting is very cool.

It should be bigger than the Estima/Previa, and definitely bigger than a Chrysler Pacifica. Its boxy shape reminds me of cargo van conversions and should contain huge interior volume:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ca...Toyota_Alphard





(did I quote Wikimedia Commons correctly?)

Alphard is probably the default luxury transport in Hong Kong, where it retails for somewhere north of US$60K. Due to lower taxes, in Japan it starts in the $30s. Nissan Elgrand and Honda Elysion receive a smaller market share. As for mainland China, the most popular low-profile luxury car seems to be the Audi A6. Buick vans and VW Passats are also very popular. Passats in China (LHD regions only) have a stretched wheelbase that isn't seen elsewhere.

 

Various Venti....hot vans

 

I actually like these minivans.

 

If there are demands, these things will eventually make their ways here.

Just like the Playstation, Nintendo, Mitsu Evo/Subbie ST-i, Power Rangers, animations, bubble tea, sticker picture machines, and many other Asian products, people here don't really get to see what the other side of the globe has to offer until (in some instances, 10+ years) after they're well established in Asia.

Jon

 

hahaha cliff you need to go back to hk more often modded vans are everywhere there. every time i go back am jealous with those vans, they are so freaking nice!!!!!!!! i wish they had them here!!!!!

 

they even have the Alphard as taxis in Jakarta, Indonesia...




and i agree, these vans are sweet.

 

Some personal pictures:

2006 Toyota Previa GL
2.4L inline 4, 168 hp
Leather seats with ottoman legrests in 2nd row
HID AFS headlights
LED taillamps (standard equip.)
Power sliding doors
Side & curtain airbags
Parking assist sensors (rear only...why?!)
Side mirror turn signals (standard equip.)

Lacking: GPS Nav, Bluetooth, power adjustable seats





Not modded, but definitely a looker compared to the Sienna in North America. One thing I don't like is the interior trim. Despite the modern design, it's a sea of hard plastic. Previous generation had softer plastics and leather on the doors.

 

i wish the previa is back

 

Wow, I never knew the previa was continued in other parts of the world.

Are there any interior pictures superchan?