The Toyota Ipsum (CM2), a seven-seat minivan produced between 2001 and 2009, represented Toyota’s entry into the increasingly popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Ipsum was a significant model in markets like Japan, Australia, and parts of Asia and Europe. It offered a practical and spacious alternative to larger, more traditional vans, focusing on family transportation with a comfortable ride and a relatively compact footprint. The CM2 generation, specifically the 2.4 i 16V 4WD variant, combined a fuel-efficient engine with all-wheel drive capability, making it a versatile vehicle for diverse driving conditions.
Toyota Ipsum (CM2) 2.4 i 16V: A Detailed Overview
The Ipsum, known as the Toyota RAV4 Adventure in some markets (particularly Australia), was designed to bridge the gap between a compact station wagon and a full-size van. It prioritized interior space and flexibility, offering a comfortable and configurable cabin for passengers and cargo. The CM2 generation saw refinements in styling and features compared to its predecessor, aiming to enhance its appeal to families and individuals seeking a practical and reliable vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Toyota Ipsum (CM2) 2.4 i 16V 4WD is the 2AZ-FE 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant delivers 160 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 221 Newton-meters (163 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth operation and reasonable fuel efficiency. The 2AZ-FE engine was known for its reliability and durability, characteristics common to Toyota engines of this era. The weight-to-power ratio of 9.8 kg/Hp and 101.9 Hp/tonne indicates a respectable power delivery for its class. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, the Ipsum provides confident traction and handling in various conditions. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the powertrain offers adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising.
Design & Features
The Toyota Ipsum (CM2) boasts a practical and functional design. Its minivan body style provides ample interior space for seven passengers across three rows of seating. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4650 mm (183.07 in) in length, 1760 mm (69.29 in) in width, and 1680 mm (66.14 in) in height – strike a balance between maneuverability and interior volume. The 2825 mm (111.22 in) wheelbase contributes to a comfortable ride.
Key features of the CM2 generation included a spacious and versatile interior with configurable seating arrangements. The rear seats could be folded or removed to create additional cargo space. Standard equipment typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, while not as advanced as modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The Ipsum’s design prioritized practicality and functionality over outright luxury, focusing on providing a comfortable and reliable transportation solution for families. The use of ventilated discs on the front brakes and drum brakes on the rear was typical for vehicles in this segment during the early 2000s.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Ipsum |
| Generation | Ipsum (CM2) |
| Type | 2.4 i 16V (160 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Hp/tonne | 101.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Nm/tonne | 140.8 Nm/tonne |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 221 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 163 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2AZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2364 cm3 / 144.26 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88.5 mm / 3.48 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm / 3.78 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l / 4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt |
| Coolant | 6.4 l / 6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg / 3461.26 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1955 kg / 4310.04 lbs. |
| Max load | 385 kg / 848.78 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l / 15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4650 mm / 183.07 in. |
| Width | 1760 mm / 69.29 in. |
| Height | 1680 mm / 66.14 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2825 mm / 111.22 in. |
| Front track | 1505 mm / 59.25 in. |
| Rear track | 1500 mm / 59.06 in. |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 H |
The Toyota Ipsum (CM2) 2.4 i 16V 4WD, while not a mainstream vehicle in the United States, offered a compelling package of practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability in its target markets. Its spacious interior, efficient engine, and durable construction made it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile and dependable minivan.
