Toyota Picnic

Among the MPV range in the market, this is the most cost efficient of its time since release. Driving a 2005 model and think its the 3rd generation version. It is spacious and with rear passenger aircon control for 2nd and 3rd row. Most attractive is the CC at 1998, that's CAT A for COE, less expensive.

I have to say, this is really one of the best MPVs out there on the road. My family decided to get this car back in 2005 when we were finding a new car. Our previous car was a Hyundai Accent and it was a really underpowered car. We liked the fact that the picnic could seat 7 adults comfortably. Also, it was one of the few cars that came with rear aircon vents. Another plus point was that it was made in Japan. It was only the second car we've ever owned so we had notice experience in the car market. We also considers the Estima but found it too expensive and we settled for the picnic deluxe edition instead. We've never looked back. The picnic has served us for 8 long years with totally no incident and problems at all. I'm serious. NOT a Single breakdown at all. The battery only ran out once and the only time we were at the workshop was only for servicing. The picnic is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and long lasting car. Even though it didn't have many features or fancy new gadgets, we could live with it. The car is also very comfortable and the leather seats are still firm after these years. The engine is also very responsive and powerful. Even though it has only 147hp, the response from the engine is quick. The rides are also very comfortable and the aircon works well. The car is also stable at high speeds of about 120-130 and does not vibrate. The cabin quality is also high as everything is well fitted together and no lose parts. Even though the centre console has plastic bits, almost the whole car is fitted with leather, other than the roof, of course. Overall, the car is excellent and has the Japanese trait of reliability, which has helped us save a lot of repair money. My family still loves riding the car after so long. Recently, we were finding another suitable car to replace our car but realized that there are very little cars with the same level of comfort with reasonable prices nowadays and cars are so unaffordable.

Checked out the Picnic on 16/8/2009. Aways had the impression that the picnic was about as exciting as a loaf of bread. Still looks like a loaf of bread but has loads of space compared to the Honda Odyssey and the Mitsubishi Grandis. The cabin is thoughtfully designed and there is adequate legroom in the rear seats. Combined with Toyota's reputation for build quallity and reliability and it's 'Made-in-Japan' tag, I think it's an excellent value for money MPV.

Aircon is very good with almost instantaneous cooling. Fairly low road noise and feels sturdy on straight roads. Body roll felt when negotiating tight corners even at 50Km/h. Doors sounds hollow when closed. 5-speed EAT gearbox with manual option would be better. Hate that gear lever.

Installed CNG in Picnic for few month already. 9.4kg can travel 145km (30% city 70% highway)=15.4km/kg, and 9.4kg can travel 110km (70% city 30% highway)=11.7km/kg.

The performance is good unable to feel the difference on CNG or petrol.

Hope Toyota can come with CNG fitted for the New Picnic.

I have just installed a fuel catalyst to improve the fuel consumption, have travelled about 152km with approx.18 litres. This means that 1 litre is good for about 8.44 km despite having installed a fuel catalyst. My biggest complaint is just with the fuel consumption rate. What with the recent petrol price hikes, have stopped driving to work and use it only on weekends.

I also find it odd that the air-con smells and seems like the car is not very sturdy. When you're going downslope you can feel it vibrate, even the brake pedal will also vibrate.

On the plus side, interior space is very comfortable and spacious. The car can comfortably fit 7 adults with very generous boot space which makes grocery shopping easy. The interior is simple and modern, easy to clean and maintain. CD player also also convenient and easy to use with 6 cd-changer.

The car consume petrol like drinking water.