Responding to increased demand for subcompact cars with minivan-like features in its home market of Japan, Toyota has given its Porte model a makeover while also introducing a second variant of the series named Spade. The two cars, which are similar in philosophy to the Peugeot 1007 (2004-2009), differ only in their exterior appearance with the Spade sporting a boxier front end with sharper lines and headlamps and bespoke tail lamp graphics and rear bumper trim.
Both models are equipped with a single, remote-controlled electric sliding door (1,020 mm wide by 1,250 mm tall) on the passenger side and two conventional doors on the driver's side, and measure 3,995mm long (157.3 inches), 1,695mm (66.7 inches) wide and 1,690mm (66.5 inches) tall, while riding on a comfy 2,600mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase.
The five-seater cabin comes with all sorts of practical features ranging from a front passenger seat that folds down completely to form a table and which can be adjusted back and forth 700 mm, to a 60/40-split rear seat with seat cushion tip-up functio, and hooks for hanging shopping bags to specially designed tissue holders front and back.
Powertrain options include 1.3-liter and an updated 1.5-liter petrol engines coupled to a Super CVT-i (Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive.
Prices for the Toyota Spade and Porte in Japan range from 1,450,000 Yen to 1,910,000 Yen (US$18,450 to US$24,300 / €15,100 to €19,900).
2013 TOYOTA PORTE
2013 TOYOTA SPADE
French carmaker Renault plans to extend the life of its fourth generation Espace MPV for at least a year or so with a minor update that brings its front-end styling in line with the rest of the brand while also improving the 7-seater model's environmental and fuel economy credentials. On the outside, the 2013 Espace adopts Renault’s new styling identity up front with a more prominent and upright logo set against a new broad black grille bar with chrome trim, and a newly styled bumper. The only other change on the exterior is the introduction of new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, the luxury Initiale Paris version has been updated with visible stitching for the dashboard and new leather and Alcantara upholstery for the rest of the cabin.
Renault says standard amenities across the range include a Carminat TomTom Live navigation system, a hands-free card and comprehensive connectivity (Bluetooth audio streaming, AUX and USB sockets), while on the options list buyers can find a DVD player complete with two seven-inch screens built into the back of the front head rests and a new reverse camera.
While the Espace will continue to be offered with the same engines, improvements to the diesel units as well as to the chassis and running gear of all models, including revised underbody parts, plus new low rolling resistance tires and an electro-hydraulic power steering, help reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption across the range.
According to Renault, average fuel consumption on the 130PS, 150PS and 175PS versions of the 2.0-liter dCi diesel engine has been reduced by 0.8lt/100km while CO2 emissions drop by 20g/km.
In the case of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, fuel consumption has fallen to 8.5 lt/100km (down 0.3 lt/100km) and CO2 emissions to 198g/km (a saving of 6g/km).
The 2013 model year Renault Espace goes on sale in mainland Europe this July.
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Both models are equipped with a single, remote-controlled electric sliding door (1,020 mm wide by 1,250 mm tall) on the passenger side and two conventional doors on the driver's side, and measure 3,995mm long (157.3 inches), 1,695mm (66.7 inches) wide and 1,690mm (66.5 inches) tall, while riding on a comfy 2,600mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase. 
