Most consumers were left scratching their heads when Borneo Motors (BM) introduced the new Wish earlier this year. Instead of competing directly with the parallel imported 1.8-litre model equipped with the CVT box, BM chose to bring in the 2.0-litre model fitted with the conventional four-speed auto.
Though the Wish from BM came with a slightly larger capacity, the 1.8-litre model still possessed a couple more ponies than it does. Furthermore the higher selling price of the BM Wish was also a moot point for consumers.
Well it seems that the powers that be have heard the consumers and have recently brought in the 1.8-litre model equipped with the CVT gearbox and Valvematic engine.
Though the Wish from BM came with a slightly larger capacity, the 1.8-litre model still possessed a couple more ponies than it does. Furthermore the higher selling price of the BM Wish was also a moot point for consumers.
Well it seems that the powers that be have heard the consumers and have recently brought in the 1.8-litre model equipped with the CVT gearbox and Valvematic engine.
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Externally the 1.8-litre CVT equipped Wish differs little from the previous 2.0-litre model as most of the improvements have been done on the internals of the MPV.
Nevertheless, despite being targeted for an older crowd, the Wish's design is still modern enough for you not to be mistaken for taking Daddy's ride out for the night.
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The slim front fascia gives the Wish a rather low and wide stance that adds to its appeal to the younger crowd. Unlike the previous Wish, the Toyota badge has migrated from the front grille to the bonnet. Adorning each corner of the front fascia are a pair of integrated headlights with bi-xenon lamps.
The A-pillars slope far back to extend over the roof to form a smooth line over the top of the car. Creating a slippery aerodynamic surface that sets the car apart from most MPVs with its lower roofline.
The blacked out B,C, and D-pillars create a clean unbroken impression that distinguishes the cabin area. Around the back, the windows are all tinted to add to that sleek appeal. In the rear, the taillights at each corner wrap around the edges and give a smooth, contoured rear.
Interior
The latest addition to the interior is the keyless entry system that allows carefree access and egress from the car. The keyless entry employed by the Wish seems to be more appropriate than most. Unlike other Japanese make's keyless entry systems (which isn't all that keyless afterall) that require you to push on a button to lock and unlock the car. Which seems silly considering the whole concept of keyless entry system is to avoid any button pressing on the remote or the car.
The A-pillars slope far back to extend over the roof to form a smooth line over the top of the car. Creating a slippery aerodynamic surface that sets the car apart from most MPVs with its lower roofline.
The blacked out B,C, and D-pillars create a clean unbroken impression that distinguishes the cabin area. Around the back, the windows are all tinted to add to that sleek appeal. In the rear, the taillights at each corner wrap around the edges and give a smooth, contoured rear.
Interior
The latest addition to the interior is the keyless entry system that allows carefree access and egress from the car. The keyless entry employed by the Wish seems to be more appropriate than most. Unlike other Japanese make's keyless entry systems (which isn't all that keyless afterall) that require you to push on a button to lock and unlock the car. Which seems silly considering the whole concept of keyless entry system is to avoid any button pressing on the remote or the car.
Getting in, you immediately notice the seat envelops you in a comfort cocoon that gives you the confidence of driving extended periods without any strain. The rake and reach adjustable steering wheel ensures the best driving position available. Move over to the centre console and you find large tactile buttons for the interior aircon and climate control all within easy reach of the driver. A large knob for temperature control provides easy adjustment of the interior temperature.
Compared to the previous Wish, the aircon vents have been redesigned to allow maximum flow of the cool air to the rear cabin. The rather sleek looking vents look as if they've been poached right off USS Enterprise of Star Trek fame.
On the 1.8-litre model, the Wish comes with an integrated audio and DVD video entertainment and GPS system. The audio system is fully touch screen and allows easy navigation through the system using on screen buttons. There're several shortcut buttons that border the screen to go straight to certain functions.
A roof mounted monitor in the back ensures your rear passengers will be entertained throughout the journey. AUX-in jacks allows you to plug in other video or audio sources for endless entertainment.
Compared to the previous Wish, the aircon vents have been redesigned to allow maximum flow of the cool air to the rear cabin. The rather sleek looking vents look as if they've been poached right off USS Enterprise of Star Trek fame.
On the 1.8-litre model, the Wish comes with an integrated audio and DVD video entertainment and GPS system. The audio system is fully touch screen and allows easy navigation through the system using on screen buttons. There're several shortcut buttons that border the screen to go straight to certain functions.
A roof mounted monitor in the back ensures your rear passengers will be entertained throughout the journey. AUX-in jacks allows you to plug in other video or audio sources for endless entertainment.
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The 1.8-litre Wish also comes equipped with a rear view camera which activates once reverse gear is engaged. Despite its impressive entertainment system, the Wish lacks some icing on the cake. Steering wheel mounted audio controls would've been greatly appreciated both as a convenience and safety feature.
Being a family oriented vehicle, the car comes with a full complement of airbags. The airbags are located in both front passenger seats with curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle.
Bootspace in the Wish is aplenty. Even without any of the seats folded, the Wish can swallow a decent amount of family oriented paraphernalia. Fold up the third row of seats and your family of five will have enough space to bring along the family pet for the picnic. With all the seats folded, the Wish turns into a van of sorts and has the ability to swallow a gargantuan amount of cargo. On top of that, the cabin has numerous cubby holes placed strategically around the cabin. Cup holders are numerous even in the last row of seats.
Besides being versatile, the seats are also wrapped in higher quality leather than the parallel imported Wish.
The Drive
If the previous 4-speed automatic in the previous Wish was smooth, the current 7-speed CVT gearbox will lull your little ones to slumber with its seamless gearchanges. Although acceleration off the line is slow (as is the case with CVT boxes), the engine never seems to be hurried as it gently wills the seven seater MPV to cruising speeds.
The Wish is nimble around the corners even at speed. Probably due to the Vertical Stability Control and Traction Control working in unison to achieve the agility.
Being a family oriented vehicle, the car comes with a full complement of airbags. The airbags are located in both front passenger seats with curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle.
Bootspace in the Wish is aplenty. Even without any of the seats folded, the Wish can swallow a decent amount of family oriented paraphernalia. Fold up the third row of seats and your family of five will have enough space to bring along the family pet for the picnic. With all the seats folded, the Wish turns into a van of sorts and has the ability to swallow a gargantuan amount of cargo. On top of that, the cabin has numerous cubby holes placed strategically around the cabin. Cup holders are numerous even in the last row of seats.
Besides being versatile, the seats are also wrapped in higher quality leather than the parallel imported Wish.
The Drive
If the previous 4-speed automatic in the previous Wish was smooth, the current 7-speed CVT gearbox will lull your little ones to slumber with its seamless gearchanges. Although acceleration off the line is slow (as is the case with CVT boxes), the engine never seems to be hurried as it gently wills the seven seater MPV to cruising speeds.
The Wish is nimble around the corners even at speed. Probably due to the Vertical Stability Control and Traction Control working in unison to achieve the agility.
Parking the Wish was made a fuss free affair with the rear mounted reverse camera making blind spots in the rear a thing of the past.
On the roads, the Macpherson and Torsion Beam setup ironed out the bumps well and stays composed. The highway cruising is also comfortable with wind and road noise kept within an acceptable range.
The brakes on the Wish is thankfully full of feel and isn't squishy and unresponsive like other MPVs I've tested in the past.
Conclusion
While the changes externally hasn't been exactly earth shattering, the changes made on the internal running gear is. The new CVT equipped 1.8-litre powered by the Valvematic Dual VVT-i powerplant achieves the same (if not slightly more) ponies than the previous 2.0-litre automatic. Giving an impressive fuel consumption figure of 14.9km/L.
On top of the improved economy, consumers will also benefit from the slightly lower road tax for the smaller capacity Wish. Saving would be owners nearly $222 per year off the 2.0-litre model.
To ensure consumers aren't swayed by the offerings from Parallel Importers, Borneo Motors has made their prices extremely competitive leaving the PI market little wiggle room. And to top it off, BM is offering their Wish with 5 year unlimited mileage servicing warranty.
Now if that isn't a wish come true, I don't know what is...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On the roads, the Macpherson and Torsion Beam setup ironed out the bumps well and stays composed. The highway cruising is also comfortable with wind and road noise kept within an acceptable range.
The brakes on the Wish is thankfully full of feel and isn't squishy and unresponsive like other MPVs I've tested in the past.
Conclusion
While the changes externally hasn't been exactly earth shattering, the changes made on the internal running gear is. The new CVT equipped 1.8-litre powered by the Valvematic Dual VVT-i powerplant achieves the same (if not slightly more) ponies than the previous 2.0-litre automatic. Giving an impressive fuel consumption figure of 14.9km/L.
On top of the improved economy, consumers will also benefit from the slightly lower road tax for the smaller capacity Wish. Saving would be owners nearly $222 per year off the 2.0-litre model.
To ensure consumers aren't swayed by the offerings from Parallel Importers, Borneo Motors has made their prices extremely competitive leaving the PI market little wiggle room. And to top it off, BM is offering their Wish with 5 year unlimited mileage servicing warranty.
Now if that isn't a wish come true, I don't know what is...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
