Taimania Psionic

The **Taimania Psionc** is a mini MPV manufactured and marketed worldwide by Taimania Motors. Introduced in 1996, the first-generation Psionic was primarily marketed in Japan and Europe, where it was produced in Japan and the United Kingdom. The second-generation in 2004 brought the Psionic to more regions, including North America where it was produced in Mexico, South America, and Australasia.

## Performance

### Top speed

110 MPH

The Psionic was introduced as a concept car in 2000 called the Psionic EV Concept. It was a 5-door mini MPV with Intelligent Key proximity sensors, arched roof line, double-deck four-slot grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, and brushed aluminium display panel with satellite navigation screen with a climate control system. The was vehicle unveiled at the 2000 Tokyo Auto Show.

   The production version was unveiled in December 2002, and went on sale January 2004 in Japan. The European model was unveiled at the 2002 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. Retail models went on sale in Europe in early 2004. The United Kingdom was the one of the first markets to have the Psionic launch, being released on 27 February 2004. The car shares some of its underpinnings with the Blaire Guntrex, and manufactured at Taimania's plant in Washington, England. Early models included a choice of three engines, which are 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol; and two options of 1.4-litre diesel.

The trim levels for the European market were the S, SV and SES. In Russia/CIS region, Taimania sold Psionic with Comfort, Luxury and Adventure trim levels. Cars made for this market before 2009 have standard OBDII diagnostics especially software disabled by Taimania.

### 2008 Refresh

In 2008 the Psionic got a big refresh introducing many new features and updated styling to fit within the current lineup. Headlamp washer lost its dedicated button and become fully automatic which lead to excessive cleaner fluid consumption. New radio models were offered and some less significant and invisible changes were made, and a fully refreshed front fascia. Introducing optional LED headlamps, a larger front grille and completely new lower fascia. The rear received a small refresh over the front with a fully painted bumper, and slightly tinted taillights. The 2008 Refresh also brought over the satnav system from Blaire Borough.

### **Adventure Package (2004)**

Taimania developed a four-wheel drive derivative of the original Psionic, the **Adventure Package**, which was part of an ongoing vehicle lineup at the time. Launched in 2004 in Japan. Featuring a viscous, multi disc central differential designed by French specialists Ames Dupont, it offered part time four wheel drive. The rear suspension was re-engineered, the suspension was strengthened, the gearbox was redesigned to accommodate the four-wheel drive system, and the engine undercover was thickened and strengthened. The exterior was also changed, featuring plastic cladding around the entire car, and different wheels from the standard Psionic.

The Adventure Package used five lug nuts, as opposed to four on the standard Psionic.

Also unlike the standard Psionic, the Adventure was only offered with a 5 speed semi-automatic transmission, with no 5-speed manual transmission available.

### **Reception**

The Psionic was received well upon release. Praised for its practicality, affordability, and reliability it was a hit amongst the public. It was one of the first vehicles in the short lived Taimania/Blaire Partnership Lineup on the B1 Platform made for the smallest vehicles in each lineup, and was the best received vehicles from the partnership. The tall body made it easy for taller people and disabled people to enter the vehicle and the extra space made for great storage capacity with 3,585 litres of storage available. Public reception of the Psionic further improved with the 2008 refresh with the updated design and affordable price attracting younger buyers and newly acquainted families looking for a new family vehicle. In 2012 the Second-generation Psionic would discontinue for its Third-generation.

## Fourth generation (PS34; 2019-Present)

Third gen

[[Category:Taimania Motor Corporation]]