The Toyota Isis, known as the Toyota Avanza in some markets, is a compact minivan produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota from 2004 to 2009. Primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM) and parts of Asia and Europe, the Isis distinguished itself with its unique blend of minivan practicality and a relatively compact footprint. It offered seating for seven passengers within a length of under 4.7 meters, making it a popular choice for families in densely populated urban areas. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Isis provides insight into Toyota’s global strategy of offering versatile and efficient vehicles tailored to specific regional needs. This article details the specifications and characteristics of the first-generation Toyota Isis 1.8, powered by the 1ZZ-FE engine.
Toyota Isis 1.8: An Overview
The Toyota Isis, launched in September 2004 and discontinued in December 2009, represented Toyota’s attempt to create a more stylish and versatile compact minivan. It filled a niche between smaller kei cars and larger, more conventional minivans like the Toyota Sienna (not sold in Japan). The “Isis” name itself is an acronym for “Innovative Intelligent System,” reflecting Toyota’s focus on integrating advanced features into a practical family vehicle. The 1.8-liter variant, producing 132 horsepower, was a common engine choice, balancing fuel efficiency with adequate performance for everyday driving. The vehicle’s design prioritized interior space and ease of access, with sliding rear doors and a flexible seating configuration.
Engine & Performance
The Toyota Isis 1.8 is powered by the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 132 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 171 Nm (126.12 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. The 1.8-liter engine delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 94.3 horsepower per tonne and a torque-to-weight ratio of 122.1 Nm per tonne. The engine’s relatively high specific output of 73.6 horsepower per liter demonstrates Toyota’s engineering focus on maximizing efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. While not designed for outright speed, the powertrain provides sufficient power for comfortable urban and highway driving, prioritizing fuel economy and smooth operation. The weight-to-power ratio of 10.6 kg/Hp indicates a reasonable balance between weight and available power.
Design & Features
The Toyota Isis is a five-door minivan with a distinctive, somewhat boxy, yet modern design for its time. Its key feature is its seven-passenger seating capacity within a relatively compact body. The sliding rear doors facilitate easy access to the second and third-row seats, a crucial feature for family use. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a flexible seating arrangement with folding and reclining seats to maximize cargo space. The Isis’s interior materials were generally durable and easy to clean, reflecting its intended use as a family vehicle. Safety features included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4610 mm (181.5 in) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in) in width, and 1640 mm (64.57 in) in height – positioned it as a relatively manageable size for navigating urban environments. The wheelbase of 2785 mm (109.65 in) contributes to a stable ride and decent interior space.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Isis |
| Generation | Isis |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 (132 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 2004 |
| End of production | December, 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 132 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 171 Nm @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 126.12 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1ZZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1794 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 109.48 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.11 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 91.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.6 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.7 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 3.91 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.26 UK qt |
| Coolant | 6.4 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 6.76 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 5.63 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1400 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 3086.47 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 15.85 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 13.2 UK gal |
| Length | 4610 mm |
| Length (in.) | 181.5 in. |
| Width | 1695 mm |
| Width (in.) | 66.73 in. |
| Height | 1640 mm |
| Height (in.) | 64.57 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2785 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 109.65 in. |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.8 m |
| Minimum turning circle (ft.) | 35.43 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
In conclusion, the Toyota Isis 1.8 was a practical and versatile compact minivan designed to meet the needs of families in markets where space efficiency and affordability were paramount. While not available in the US, it represents a significant example of Toyota’s global product strategy and its commitment to providing tailored transportation solutions for diverse consumer needs.
