Toyota Sienta discontinued in Malaysia as new model launched in Thailand

UMW Toyota Motor has quietly discontinued the slow-selling Toyota Sienta in Malaysia just as a new facelifted model makes its debut in Thailand and Indonesia

Although imported into Malaysia from Indonesia, the Sienta was originally aimed at consumers in metropolitan cities in East Asia. It sold well in Japan and Hong Kong, where its unique power-operated sliding doors made it ideal for cities. In these markets, minivans with power-operated sliding doors dominate.

Closer to home, the Sienta only had a lukewarm reception and apart from Singapore, it wasn’t that well received. Even in Indonesia, the Sienta isn’t selling as well as Toyota had hoped. In the end, the Sienta couldn’t escape the similar destiny that befell the previous generation Honda Freed. Consumers in this part of the world have yet to come to appreciate seven seaters with sliding doors, preferring the cheaper hinged doors Toyota Avanza and its SUV derivative the Toyota Rush (or its twin, the Perodua Aruz).

The new Sienta features an updated grille and front bumper design, along with new LED headlights. Inside, 6.8-inch touch screen infotainment has been upgraded to support T-Link (Mirroring, for Android devices only). The black leather upholstery also features contrast colour orange stitching.

The vehicle is otherwise unchanged, and continues to be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission.

The Sienta was last sold in Malaysia for RM 101,900.