If there is a city that is suitable for quiet life without making people feel lonely, Dali must have a place.
Dali's simplicity and Dali's indisputable relationship with the world make people in it feel peaceful. At the same time, it can not be far away from the crowd and the world, with the unique temperament of "half the mountains, half the world", and is regarded as "poetry and far away", and it will not be too isolated from the world.
A desirable view, a warm and harmonious family, and preferably a car that can bring you and your family to your destination comfortably and safely. This time, the "mobile home" is played by GAC Toyota Sai na.
On December 12, GAC Toyota put the in-depth test drive of Xena in Dali, Yunnan, which not only allowed us to experience this product originating in North America and has created countless myths in the MPV market, but also let us feel the lifestyle shown by this GAC Toyota mid-to-high-end MPV from the real travel scene.
The solidification of the MPV market is both a challenge and an opportunity
The MPV market has actually been silent for a long time, even if the second child is released in the early years, the industry has predicted that MPV will be the next hot market segment, but in fact, the market is becoming more and more solidified, the low-end market represented by Wuling Hongguang is constantly sinking SUV products impact, the mid-end 10-200,000 MPV in the range of 100,000-200,000 MPV is difficult to do in front of the home car and SUV, the high-end products of more than 200,000 is an important growth point.
According to the MPV market data released by the 2020 Association of Rides, the overall MPV market fell by 22%, but the growth of C-class MPV was as high as 13%, and in the first half of this year, the growth rate of B+C MPV exceeded 30%, accounting for more than half of the MPV market. But in fact, the high-end MPV market is monopolized by GL8, Odyssey/Alexand, etc., and the MPV market seems to have become a fortress that is difficult to break, and many new cars have tested the water, and then quietly faded out. But for Xena, it's a challenge and an opportunity.
It should be known that the Sienna, which was born in North America in 1997, is Toyota's global model, and has won the status of "family god car" in the mature and competitive Us market, with a strong influence. The second generation of models entered the domestic market in a parallel import manner, and also established a good reputation with excellent product strength. Therefore, when Guangfeng revealed the news of localization, this MPV attracted a lot of attention.
The localization of the fourth generation of XENA, in order to meet the core needs of MPV, has achieved a comprehensive evolution, it is based on the TNGA architecture development, equipped with the latest generation of Toyota HEV dual-engine hybrid system, it can be said to represent toyota's latest and highest level. Coupled with its brilliant overseas achievements and the reputation and positioning laid by its import status, Xena has a natural advantage in the high-end MPV market, which is difficult for other opponents to replicate.
Focus on comfort, the most core need of MPV
The evolution of GAC Toyota Syna compared to the previous generation of models is multifaceted, but it is inseparable from the pursuit of comfort, which is the core reason for a mid-to-high-end MPV to attract users.
First of all, in the cockpit layout, Xena is more inclined to a spacious and comfortable home environment, excellent vehicle size and 3060mm wheelbase to ensure a generous and flexible space base, large space so that Xena has a variety of space combinations to cope with different travel needs.
At the same time, the generous space pattern provides better expansion of the seat specifications. The second row of Xena's electric adjustment seats is adjusted front and rear by the extra-long slide rail, and the maximum adjustment angle of the backrest is 81°; the third row of seats can not only fold, but also be able to sink and store, and the conventional volume reaches a very considerable 525L when the third row is full, and when the third row is stored, it reaches the level of 2112L (1545L for the luxury welfare version).
On the other hand, the materials and workmanship in the Sai Na car are the standard of Toyota's high-end models, and the leather including chrome decoration everywhere shows a good texture. At the same time, the configuration in the car is also quite rich, 7-9 USB interface, wireless charging, Carplay, HUD system and other functional settings, 717mm the widest sunroof, 12.3-inch full LCD central control screen is upgraded for Chinese users. There are also a full range of active safety equipment, and the mainstream auxiliary driving functions on the market can be seen on the race, reducing driving fatigue and improving safety.
In terms of power, it is equipped with a new enhanced 2.5L HEV hybrid system, which matches the new generation of E-CVT electronic continuously variable speed system. In actual driving, the power output of Xena is quite smooth, and the Sai Na of such a size does not feel bulky to drive, and the switching of the oil and electricity drive is very natural and efficient, which shows the maturity and advanced of toyota's hybrid system. Even in the face of constantly changing road conditions, there is no abruptness between the lifts and lower gears of the Xena, and the frequent acceleration and deceleration will not make the occupants sitting in the car feel uncomfortable.
At high speed, Xena's NVH performance is quite good, the use of shock absorbing adhesive in a large area and the use of sound-absorbing foam, effectively improve the sound insulation effect inside and outside the car, in this case, the third row of passengers speak, the first batch can also be clearly heard, Sai Na excellent sound insulation performance to the driver and occupants with a comfortable and comfortable ride.
How competitive is Xena compared to its peers?
GAC Toyota is priced at 309,800-405,800 yuan, and there are not many direct opponents, but they all have their own advantages and should not be underestimated.
The first is Kia Kahua, which was listed in September this year, priced at 288,900-339,900 yuan, with the same specifications of the configuration level, experience, and also has the usual cost-effective advantages of Korean cars, and the pricing is much lower. But Xena has an advantage in brand awareness and word of mouth.
Another model that highly coincides with the pricing of Xena is the Buick GL8, the long-term hegemon of the mid-to-high-end MPV market. Compared with that, GL8's reputation is wider and higher, which is the advantage of years of deep ploughing in the market. And more business-oriented positioning, so that GL8's audience is wider, comfortable, has a strong business attribute label, in addition to the bias of commercial buyers, buyers who want a high-end comfortable experience, will also take into account that it can adapt to more diversified scenarios and choose GL8.
Xena is obviously more inclined to home than GL8, but as young families who pay more attention to personal and family experience become the main consumer force, their understanding of home MPV will be more pure, and they may choose home-based, business-supplemented products, and Xena is exactly that, it will do more than GL8 in home comfort, such as the launch of a luxury welfare version, the second row of electric uniform lift seats, more convenient for people with limited mobility. From this perspective, Xena is likely to steal GL8's user share at the household demand level, making the mid-to-high-end MPV market diverge into two different needs.
Bell description
The launch of GAC Toyota Xena not only fills the gap in the MPV market of GAC Toyota. At the same time, Xena, together with Camry and Highlander, has finally formed a high-end flagship product layout in cars, SUVs and MPVs, which will further deepen the brand's quality reputation and influence, and bring a different impact to the establishment of GAC Toyota's high-value brand and the MPV market pattern. The Xena is considered to be the model that is most likely to break the "monopoly" of GL8 on the domestic high-end MPV market, and has been given high hopes by the market.