Toyota Estima / Previa Show Car (Only Japan)

By OR Staff, Photography by Christopher Jue

The license plate frame on this Toyota Estima (Previa in the US) sums it all up, “No Leroy No Life”.
On display in the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon Show, this minivan was representative of Japan’s tuned wagon/van sub-culture. Although not usually popular at such more general shows as TAS, the tuned wagon concept is decidedly Japanese and interestingly cool in a “different world” sort of way.
Although the Estima/Previa is technically a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive platform, this van is not made for drifting or tire-shredding fun. Because cruising, and not racing, is the point here, the Estima’s engine and drivetrain remain stock. That means not even 125hp is available to push the weight of the van and its audio equipment. Sounds like a tough freeway merge to us.
What makes this custom Estima so cool is its unabashed claim to fame as a tuned wagon. Tuners Leroy and Ideal have gone for the whole package and created something even better than Toyota USA’s own corporate Swagger Wagon creation.
On the outside is a deep body kit and lighted front blister fenders, which hide 20-inch RAYS wheels. Although the body is covered in an anime-inspired magenta stripe and character cartoons, we’d take ours in a pure, deep black.
We’d also go lighter on the interior work but, then again, we don’t build flashy, show cars at OR. The inside of the Estima is filled with custom upholstery, which oddly looks like the evil teddy bear from Toy Story 3. The rear of the van has more lights and car audio equipment than is necessary in an real world street car, looking more like a Shibuya district arcade than a family van. Still, you have to remember, No Leroy No Life. Well said.
Engine (2AZ-FE): 125ps, 22.8N/m – Stock
Drivetrain: Stock
Suspension: Air suspension
Brakes: Big brake kit
Wheels: RAYS Engineering, 20-inch
Tires: Nitto NT555, 225/35/20 (F) and 225/35/20 (R)
Exterior: Custom vinyl, lighted front fenders, and headlights
Interior: Alpine and Rockford Fosgate car audio, custom upholstery