Toyota Hiace

Overview

Toyota Hiace 2019 launched in the Philippines on 18th February 2019 with an entirely new face and tail. Hiace, alongside being a commercial vehicle is also Toyota’s proud since October 1967. It has gone through a protracted period of five generations and the latest generation has arrived with all new features and spacious interior to carry a number of people in a single trip.

Besides the contemporary design, the vehicle uses a powerful and efficient engine that makes it highly suitable to be used in commuting people over long distances without much fret of refueling again and again. Decent stopping power and improved suspension are also the highlighting segments of this four-wheeler.

Interior & Features

Peeking inside, there is a 3-spoke steering wheel in front of the instrument cluster. To a bit left of the centre, there is the gear lever integrated with the dashboard and has been raised to be in close proximity with the driver’s hand. This is followed by a completely revamped centre console and new HVAC controls.

Hiace features a cabin with increased seating capacity. In general, there are three variants for the Hiace. At first, it is the Commuter Deluxe, which is a 15-seater variant, then the GL Grandia with 12 seats and the GL Grandia Tourer that consists of 14 seats. No doubt, enough flexibility is seen on this part that allows the user to choose as per the requirements. Moreover, the GL Grandia Tourer version also features a touchscreen panel.

Exterior

Toyota Hiace 2019 is a robust looking lightweight commercial vehicle and differs to a great extent in terms of the outfit than its predecessors. What instigates the departure on the exterior is that Hiace now uses a bonnet arrangement at the front instead of the traditional cab-over design. This has allowed the vehicle to change the engine’s placement, which was earlier placed under the driver’s seat. Below the hood, there is a large grille that continues downwards followed by a new bumper that accommodates the LED daytime running lights and small fog lights, which mainly depends on the variant you choose. Moreover, the quadrilateral headlights are now wider that contribute to the vehicle’s aggressive and bold design. The entire front fiasco pronounces a more contemporary outlook.

At the back, one is welcomed by a larger set of taillights followed by a lengthier bumper at the bottom end that runs up to the rear wheel wells on both sides.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Besides a new body design and a commendable feature-rich interior, the new Hiace has enough power under its hood. Doing away with the old 3.0-litre mill, it gets a 2.8-litre 1GD diesel engine as the powerhouse across all the variants but with different tunings. The Commuter Deluxe gets a maximum power output of 176 hp and a maximum torque of 420 Nm, followed by the GL Grandia that gets a maximum power output of 176 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm and at last, the GL Grandia gets a maximum power output of 163 hp and a maximum torque of 420 Nm.

Moreover, the commuter is available either with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Braking & Safety

Elegant design and a capable powertrain in the Hiace are also backed by an admirable safety system. It carries a bump of safety features that starts with dual front airbags, which is standard across all variants followed an additional centre airbag in the Commuter Deluxe version. Other standard safety features include a seat belt warning system, parking sensors, front and side impact beams, and engine check warning.

Braking equipment is different across the variants. The Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia get disc brakes at the front and drums for the rear followed by all discs for the GL Grandia Tourer. What's not different across the variants is the presence of ABS, which plays a vital role in critical situations at high speeds.

Suspension requirements are taken care of by MacPherson Strut and coil spring suspensions for the front and rear, respectively.

Verdict

Toyota Hiace 2019 is undoubtedly a high performing commuter that now comes with a redesigned body and interior. A spacious cabin, which receives comfortable seating layout proves to be the deal-breaking part of this vehicle. Not to forget, the proficient engine, which makes every trip a thing to remember.