The Toyota Wish is a compact minivan that was initially marketed primarily in Japan and other Asian markets. Produced from 2003 to 2017 across three generations, the Wish aimed to provide a versatile and spacious vehicle in a smaller footprint than traditional minivans. The first generation, known as the Wish I (produced from 2003-2005), distinguished itself with its unique styling and flexible seating configurations, offering either six or seven passenger capacity. While never officially sold in the United States, the Wish represents Toyota’s response to the growing demand for multi-purpose vehicles in densely populated urban areas.
Toyota Wish I: An Overview
The Toyota Wish I, launched in January 2003, was a significant departure from conventional minivan designs. It targeted young families and individuals needing a practical yet stylish vehicle. Its key selling points included a relatively compact size for easy maneuverability, a spacious interior thanks to its innovative seating arrangements, and a focus on modern features for its time. The Wish I was available with a range of engine options, with the 2.0-liter engine being a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It served as a precursor to the more globally recognized Toyota Sienta and other compact MPVs.
Engine & Performance
The Toyota Wish I 2.0 is powered by the 1AZ-FSE 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 155 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 192 Nm (141.61 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection, contributing to improved fuel economy and responsiveness. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth and efficient power delivery. The weight-to-power ratio of 8.8 kg/Hp (114 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 7.1 kg/Nm (141.2 Nm/tonne) provide adequate performance for everyday driving. Fuel consumption is rated between 6.9 and 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers (34.1 – 30.9 US mpg, 40.9 – 37.2 UK mpg, 14.5 – 13.2 km/l), making it reasonably economical for its class.
Design & Features
The Toyota Wish I is a five-door minivan with a distinctive, somewhat sporty exterior design. Its styling aimed to appeal to a younger demographic, moving away from the boxy appearance of traditional minivans. The interior is designed for maximum flexibility, with the second-row seats often featuring a sliding and reclining function, and the third-row seats capable of being folded flat or even removed entirely to create a larger cargo area. The Wish I typically seats six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions – a length of 4550 mm (179.13 in), a width of 1695-1745 mm (66.73 – 68.7 in), and a height of 1590-1600 mm (62.6 – 62.99 in) – positioned it as a relatively compact option within the minivan segment. The wheelbase measures 2750 mm (108.27 in), contributing to a stable ride.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Wish |
| Generation | Wish I |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (155 Hp) CVT |
| Start of production | January, 2003 |
| End of production | August, 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 6-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9-7.6 l/100 km (34.1 – 30.9 US mpg, 40.9 – 37.2 UK mpg, 14.5 – 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.8 kg/Hp, 114 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 192 Nm @ 4000 rpm (141.61 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1AZ-FSE |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1360-1400 kg (2998.29 – 3086.47 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1745 kg (3847.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 345-385 kg (760.59 – 848.78 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4550 mm (179.13 in.) |
| Width | 1695-1745 mm (66.73 – 68.7 in.) |
| Height | 1590-1600 mm (62.6 – 62.99 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1480-1500 mm (58.27 – 59.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1460-1490 mm (57.48 – 58.66 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 155-170 mm (6.1 – 6.69 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.6-10.8 m (34.78 – 35.43 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission CVT |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Toyota Wish I, while not a vehicle commonly found in the United States, represents an interesting example of Toyota’s innovation in the compact MPV segment. Its blend of practicality, style, and efficiency made it a popular choice in its target markets, and it laid the groundwork for future Toyota multi-purpose vehicles.
