FOR the first time, the 2016 Toyota Noah is now available to the public from local dealers Toyota Jamaica.

“This is something we’ve needed back in the market,” Howard Foster, sales and marketing manager at Toyota Jamaica Limited, told Auto.

The Noah is a modern take on the old Toyota LiteAce and TownAce, which were passenger-centric versions of the popular HiAce. Initially targeted to the rental and tourism market, its versatility in effortlessly shuttling seven to eight passengers has broadened its potential appeal — according to Toyota Jamaica — as given its features and size, private buyers looking for more space than a sedan, but not wanting a Sport Utility Vehicle, now have an option.

“We see the Noah slotting in above the Corolla, but beside the RAV4 rather than below it,” Foster explained.

He also added that the next Toyota in their line-up that has seven-seater capacity is the Fortuner, so they see where the Noah provides that sweet spot between space, price, comfort and practicality.

“We are the only country outside of Japan where the Noah is being sold new from the dealer, so this is sort of a test for the rest of markets that are interested in it,” he said.

The Noah will be sold in two configurations that determine its passenger capacity. For just under five million dollars is the eight-seater version. While it may sound counter-intuitive, the seven-seat version brings the final figure slightly over five million; this is because it takes on a even more premium feel, replacing the three abreast second row 60/40 folding bench seating with a pair of individual captain-style chairs. The seven-seater also packs on dual powered sunroofs, reminiscent of the old LiteAce. The powered theme continues with the seven-seater having both rear side doors electronically operated from a press of the key fob, versus the eight-seater’s single electric passenger side door.

The Noah is also the first local Toyota with start/stop technology as part of an ECO package to eek maximum fuel efficiency out of its 151bhp 2-litre engine, a seven speed CVT transmission. Those that do take the plunge will receive a free tank of gas, vehicle-tracking service free for one year, three year/100,000km warranty, and one year free service up to 15,000km.