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Last month, the popular Toyota Estima 7-seater MPV for Japan Domestic Market (JDM) gets facelift for the third time since this generation of Estima launched back in 2006. [Note: Don’t ask us why]. The 2012 model of Toyota Estima now come new headlamps with dark-plated (smoke black) style, a bolder front bumper and a ‘two layer style’ front grille instead of ‘V-shape’ from the previous facelift.

Based on the information we gather from Toyota Japan, the 2012 Toyota Estima still remained having the 2.4-litre, 3.5-litre V6 and hybrid variants. The performance of the 2.4-litre variant still maintained with 170PS with a maximum torque of 22.9kgm, coupled with the 7-speed CVT gearbox. For the 3.5-litre V6, the engine output the same 280PS and a maximum torque of 35.1kgm, mated with 6-speed Super ECT auto gearbox.

For the hybrid variant, the exterior styling is pretty much similar with the petrol variants including the bodykit. However, the hybrid powerplant is churning a max output of 190PS with the combination of 2.4-litre engine and electric motor.

Essentially, the 2012 Toyota Estima facelift has turned the MPV to look even more aggressive, cool and futuristic. Likely, this model will be imported from Japan to Malaysia from next year or the following year by the grey-importers as second hand cars.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Toyota Estima JDM

Due to increase demand of “kei” car in Japan, Toyota is now selling its very first minicar in Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).

Minicar, or “kei,” are defined under Japanese regulations as having maximum length of 3.4 meters, width of 1.48 meters, height of 2 meters and engine displacement of less than 660cc. Taxes are lower for minicars, which now make up about a third of Japan’s annual vehicle sales.

Based on the OEM agreement reached in September 2010, Toyota now launched the Pixis Space minicar that manufactured by its subsidiary – Daihatsu Motor Co.

The Pixis Space is offered in few variants, the base model in “L” and “X” trims, and a sportier looking variant available as the “Custom X”, “Custom G” and “Custom RS”.

With the exception of the Custom RS that is powered by a more powerful 660c turbocharged engine, the rest of the lineup is offered with a naturally aspirated 660cc gasoline unit. All models adopt a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Toyota is planning two more minicar models for JDM, although it has not said when those will go on sale. Toyota is targeting annual minicar sales of 60,000 in Japan for all three models in total.

The Pixis Space starts at 1.12 million yen for the base model and tops out at 1.611 million yen for the Custom RS with AWD.

Photo Gallery: Toyota Pixis Space