The Japanese car market is a special one, to say the least. Not only do domestic carmakers offer completely different models, but sometimes a single model can sport different names, as Toyota proves with its all-new Voxy and Noah minivans – which are in fact, one and the same.

Previewed by the two namesake concept cars at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, the Noah and Voxy sport different badging and have different front and rear ends. They are also sold through different dealer networks: the Voxy is sold by “Netz” dealers, while the Noah is available at “Toyota Corolla” dealers.

The two minivans fit within the limited “five number” Japanese vehicle dimension requirements, which apply to vehicles that are less than 4.7-meters long, 1.7-meters wide, 2.0-meters tall and have a 2.0-liter engine or smaller.

Starting February 14, the Toyota Noah and Voxy will be available with a hybrid model returning 23.8 km/L (4.2 l/100 km/56 mpg US) under the JC08 test cycle. The hybrid system consists of an 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine producing 99PS and a 60kW (82PS) electric motor. Gasoline models feature a 2.0-liter engine and are fitted with start/stop system, averaging 16.0 km/L (6.25 l/100 km/37.6 mpg US).

The minivans offer up to seven seats and are available with ultra-long sliding Captain Seats with an 810-mm (31.9-in) sliding range in the second row, as well as modifications for wheelchair users.

Prices in Japan start from 2,584,000 yen ($24,740) for each base model of the two nameplates.

By Dan Mihalascu

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