The Toyota Noah 2.0 i (156 Hp): A Pillar of Practicality in the Asian Minivan Market
The Toyota Noah 2.0 i (156 Hp), produced between 2001 and 2004, represents the first generation (R60 series) of Toyota’s popular compact minivan. Primarily designed for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and other Asian regions, the Noah was a direct successor to the LiteAce Noah, building upon its predecessor’s reputation for reliability and utility. Positioned as a versatile family vehicle, the Noah offered exceptional interior space, practical features, and a comfortable ride, making it a staple for urban families and small businesses alike. While never officially sold in the United States, its design philosophy and engineering ethos reflect Toyota’s global commitment to quality and efficiency, adapted specifically for the unique demands of its target markets.
The Noah’s introduction marked a significant evolution in Toyota’s minivan lineup, moving towards a more contemporary design and enhanced powertrain options. The 2.0 i variant, equipped with Toyota’s advanced 1AZ-FSE direct-injection gasoline engine, provided a balance of performance and fuel economy crucial for its segment. Its focus on maximizing passenger and cargo room within a relatively compact footprint distinguished it in a competitive market, establishing the Noah as a benchmark for practical, everyday mobility.
Engineering and Performance of the Toyota Noah 2.0 i (156 Hp)
Powertrain and Drivetrain
At the heart of the Toyota Noah 2.0 i (156 Hp) lies the 1AZ-FSE engine, a 2.0-liter (1998 cm3 or 121.93 cu. in.) naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline unit. This engine was notable for its D-4 direct injection fuel system, a technology that was quite advanced for its time and contributed to both efficiency and power output. It delivered a respectable 156 horsepower at a peak of 6600 rpm, providing ample power for daily driving and highway cruising, especially when considering the vehicle’s primary role as a family hauler. Torque figures stood at 137.19 lb.-ft. (186 Nm) achieved at 4800 rpm, ensuring responsive acceleration and sufficient pulling power even with a full complement of eight passengers or a loaded cargo area.
The engine’s configuration was a transverse front-engine layout, driving the front wheels. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture is typical for minivans of this class, offering efficient packaging, improved interior space, and generally better fuel economy compared to a rear-wheel-drive setup. The 1AZ-FSE engine featured a compression ratio of 10:1 and utilized a multi-port manifold injection system alongside its direct injection capabilities. With a bore and stroke both measuring 86 mm (3.39 in), the engine was designed for smooth operation and durability, hallmarks of Toyota engineering. Each cylinder was equipped with four valves, optimizing airflow for combustion and contributing to the engine’s power per liter rating of 78.1 Hp/l. The engine oil capacity was 4.2 liters (4.44 US qt), and the cooling system held 6.4 liters (6.76 US qt) of coolant, indicating robust thermal management for varied driving conditions.
Design and Features
Exterior and Interior Design
The Toyota Noah’s design emphasized practicality and functionality, characteristic of minivans in its segment. It featured a classic “box on wheels” silhouette, optimizing interior volume within its exterior dimensions. The body type was a 5-door minivan, with sliding rear doors that offered excellent accessibility for passengers in tight parking spaces, a crucial feature for urban environments. With a length of 180.31 inches (4580 mm), a width of 66.73 inches (1695 mm), and a height of 72.83 inches (1850 mm), the Noah struck a balance between maneuverability and interior spaciousness. Its wheelbase measured 111.22 inches (2825 mm), contributing to a stable ride and generous cabin room.
Inside, the Noah was designed to accommodate up to eight occupants across three rows of seating. The seating configuration was highly flexible, allowing for various arrangements to prioritize passenger comfort or cargo capacity. This adaptability made it an ideal choice for families needing to transport children, groceries, sports equipment, or even small business goods. The tall roofline and large windows contributed to an airy cabin feel and excellent visibility for the driver, a significant advantage in congested city driving. While specific luxury features varied by trim, the Noah typically offered air conditioning, power windows, and a capable audio system as standard or optional equipment. Safety features, standard for its era, included multiple airbags and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), reflecting Toyota’s commitment to passenger protection.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Noah |
| Generation | Noah (First Generation, R60 series) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 i (156 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 2001 year |
| End of Production | 2004 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 6600 rpm. |
| Power per liter | 78.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 4800 rpm. (137.19 lb.-ft. @ 4800 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 | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt) |
| Coolant | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4580 mm (180.31 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2825 mm (111.22 in.) |
| Front track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes, and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
Legacy and Market Impact of the Toyota Noah
The Toyota Noah, particularly the 2.0 i (156 Hp) variant from its first generation, carved out a strong reputation in its primary markets as a highly reliable, practical, and family-friendly vehicle. It successfully continued the legacy of the LiteAce Noah, evolving its design and engineering to meet contemporary demands. The Noah’s appeal stemmed from its intelligent packaging, which provided maximum interior volume and flexibility within relatively compact exterior dimensions, making it perfectly suited for the often-narrow streets and dense urban environments of Japan and other Asian countries.
In its competitive landscape, the Noah faced rivals such as the Honda Stepwgn and the Nissan Serena. Toyota distinguished the Noah through its renowned build quality, the efficiency and durability of its 1AZ-FSE direct-injection engine, and its strong resale value. Its balanced approach to comfort, utility, and fuel economy made it a consistent bestseller in its segment. The Noah’s success reinforced Toyota’s dominance in various vehicle categories, demonstrating their ability to adapt global engineering principles to specific regional needs.
Historically, the Noah cemented the “box on wheels” minivan design as the optimal solution for maximizing interior space without significantly increasing the vehicle’s footprint. This design philosophy proved incredibly influential, shaping subsequent generations of minivans in its class. The first-generation Noah also highlighted Toyota’s commitment to integrating advanced engine technologies, such as direct injection, into mainstream family vehicles, improving both performance and environmental efficiency. Its enduring popularity and the continued evolution through subsequent generations underscore the Noah’s significant and lasting impact on the compact minivan segment. Even today, used models are highly sought after for their dependability and practical utility, a testament to the robust engineering and thoughtful design of the original Toyota Noah 2.0 i (156 Hp).
