Toyota Voxy Hybrid S-Z Expert Review

Voxy Hybrid S-Z is packed with useful technology, although the exact equipment depends on model year and factory options. The basic package already gives you a modern digital environment, smart entry, push-button start, cruise control, power windows, dual power sliding-door capability and a sophisticated hybrid drivetrain.

Infotainment is another major strength. Earlier S-Z models used an 8-inch display as standard, with a 10.5-inch Display Audio Plus system available as a premium package. Newer/current S-Z specifications have moved further toward the 10.5-inch system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make the system much more useful in Bangladesh because you can rely on familiar smartphone navigation and entertainment rather than Japanese-market navigation alone.

Higher-option cars can have a panoramic 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, HUD, advanced parking assistance, rear entertainment, heated seats, power tailgate and universal electric step. These features are genuinely useful rather than merely decorative, particularly when moving a large MPV around Dhaka.

Safety is one of the Voxy's biggest improvements over older generations. Toyota equipped the R90 Voxy with the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense, including Pre-Collision Safety, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist. The model also received a five-star JNCAP overall safety rating for its 2022 evaluation.

For everyday Bangladesh driving, the forward-collision system and adaptive cruise control are particularly useful on highways, while Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist can reduce fatigue during longer journeys. The Voxy also has ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, stability control, traction control and multiple airbags.

The more advanced systems depend on the individual specification. Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic functions, panoramic-view monitoring and advanced parking assistance can be factory options. Toyota's own equipment documents make this distinction clear, so it would be wrong to assume that every S-Z imported into Bangladesh has every available ADAS function.

Voxy Hybrid S-Z is not trying to be a sports MPV, and that is actually one of its strengths. The 1.8L hybrid system delivers smooth, quiet acceleration, particularly at low speeds. In Dhaka traffic, the electric motor makes the vehicle feel much more responsive than the engine's modest 98 PS figure might suggest.

The E-CVT is perfectly suited to stop-and-go traffic. There are no conventional gear changes to interrupt acceleration, so the car simply gathers speed smoothly. Around town, this makes the Voxy feel relaxed rather than busy. On highways, the adaptive cruise system can make long journeys considerably less tiring when the appropriate equipment is fitted.

The chassis is also much better than the old-fashioned van reputation might suggest. The TNGA-based platform gives the Voxy better body control and a more planted feel, while the independent front and torsion-beam rear suspension are tuned primarily for comfort.

The limitation is physics. With seven people and luggage aboard, this is still a 1.6-tonne-plus family MPV with a 1.8L naturally aspirated hybrid engine. It is quick enough, but it will never feel genuinely sporty. The low ground clearance also demands caution on rough Bangladeshi roads.