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The Toyota Premio is a mid-sized sedan initially marketed exclusively for the Japanese Domestic Market. It’s now available to the rest of the world via pre-owned vehicle exporters and it is one of the most popular exports to African countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya for its elegance and luxurious feel. Business executives love them because they make very good company cars, and have the same characteristics as the companies they work for: tough, reliable, functional, and versatile. The Premio was released in two generations spanning thirteen years. The first generation was launched in December 2001 and was produced until 2006; the second generation was released to the Japanese Domestic Market in 2007 and served to fill the model gap between the basic Corolla and the more opulent Camry. First Generation The Premio was conceptualized to replace the Corona, which had been in the automotive market for 44 years. The Premio’s wheelbase was longer by 120mm than the preceding Premio; it was also taller by 60mm. These changes resulted in a larger cabin, which of course meant there was more space for passengers. The rear seatbacks may also be reclined, split-folded, and split-tumbled to allow for a wide opening to the boot. The trunk floor thus can extend to 1700mm. Platform configuration options were: front-engine, front-wheel drive and V-flex, four-wheel drive (1.8-liter model). The four-wheel drive is one of the special features of the first-generation Premio not found in other models in the same class from competitor brands. The first generation of the Toyota Premio had thee engine options: the 1NZ-FE, a 1.5-liter 109 PS engine; the 1ZZ-FE, a 1.8-liter 132 PS (125 PS with the four-wheel drive) engine; and the D-4 2.0-liter direct injection 152 PS engine. As for transmission, it was available in either Super CVT-i or Super ECT. Second Generation The second generation of the Premio was released in 2007 and features clearer, brighter, and sharper brake lights, among other improvements. While exterior measurements remain unchanged, the interior was made more spacious by extending the length by 80mm and the width by 55mm. This gave more leg space for the passengers at the rear. Toyota also gave the new Premio the newest in media technology and safety and navigation equipment. The model may be equipped with a navigation system with the G-Book mX feature; the smart entry and star system was standard on all variants. The navigation system is pretty neat because if is able to update its map data via Internet connection. As for the engines, the new Toyota Premio has three fuel-efficient ones in its lineup: a 1.5-liter and a 1.8-liter engine (the same ones as the previous generation’s), and a 2.0-liter valvematic engine called the 3ZR-FAE. This engine, added the year following the second generation release, can adjust the valve lifts. As a further improvement to the model, the 1.8-liter engine was replaced with a valvematic one in 2010, allowing for an enhanced driving experience and superior environmental performance. In addition, it now comes bundled with four-wheel drive, and uses a ventilated disc-braking system plus a coil spring-supported suspension. Those are the two generation releases of the Toyota Premio. If you’re planning to buy one, the four-wheel drive option is a consumer favorite, especially if you want to make the most of the vehicle utility.
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