2019 Toyota Hiace world premiere in the Philippines

MANILA: For the first time ever, the Philippines hosted the world premiere for an all-new model. What better car than the all-new 2019 Toyota Hiace. The people-mover segment will certainly be shaken up with this release. This new model has received major changes in every aspect over its predecessor.

Say goodbye to the dated cab-over design. With inspiration derived from the high-end Alphard, the front of the new Hiace gets a revised hood along with sleek headlights and a redesigned bumper. Moving to the side, there are new side mirrors along with a fresh alloy wheel design. The rear end remains rather similar to the outgoing Hiace model, taller tail lights and a new tailgate are the only visible changes.

Jump inside the 2019 Hiace and you are greeted with a host of welcome changes, making it more modern and upmarket. It is a much better place to be in thanks to the new dashboard design, revamped instrument cluster, and updated steering wheel design. Standard on all models are the new HVAC controls along with a 2-DIN sound system.

As with most new models, the exterior dimensions of the new Hiace are larger than the one it replaces. The Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia models are 5265 mm long, 1950 mm wide and 1990 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3210mm. The much larger GL Grandia Tourer measures 5912 mm in length, 1950 mm in width, and stands 2280 mm tall. The wheelbase measures 3860 mm. All these models vary in their passenger carrying capacity. The Commuter model can seat 15 people while the GL can carry 12. The GL Tourer is in-between and can carry 14 people.

Toyota has done away with the old 3.0-litre diesel unit and replaced it with a detuned version of the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel. This is the same mill doing duty on the new Fortuner and Innova. The engine placement has been shifted in the new Hiace, it is now in the front as opposed to previously being under the driver seat. Power in the Commuter Deluxe stands at 176 PS and 420 Nm while the GL Grandia makes 176 PS and 450 Nm. The GL Grandia Tourer makes 163 PS and 420 Nm. You have the option to choose a 6-speed manual/automatic gearbox.

Safety is paramount, all the 2019 Hiace variants come with ABS and a minimum of 2 airbags. The Commuter Deluxe version comes with an extra centre airbag, Grandia variants get stability control and hill start assist. Only the Tourer model gets all 4 disc brakes, other models have discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear.

Toyota Philippines will start selling the 2019 Hiace from March 5, this includes the Commuter and Grandia models. You will have to wait a bit longer for the Tourer variant, which will be available from the 1st week of April.

2019 Toyota Hiace price and variants - 

• 2019 Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe 6-MT - Php 1,590,000
• 2019 Toyota HiaceGL Grandia 6-MT - Php 1,973,000
• 2019 Toyota Hiace GL Grandia 6-AT - Php 2,048,000
• 2019 Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer 6-MT - Php 2,145,000
• 2019 Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer 6-AT - Php 2,220,000

Note - Luxury Pearl Toning exterior color option will cost Php 15,000 extra.