If you thought the sun has set on the fifth-generation Toyota Hiace, think again. One intrepid businessman is keeping the model alive with a twin-turbo V12 engine to go with its aesthetic upgrades.
A video posted by Cars.co.za on its YouTube channel shows the one-of-a-kind modified van owned by James Redelinghuys, who runs a taxi rental company in South Africa. His business commonly deals in converting and selling Quantum panel vans (as the Hiace is known in that market) for public transport, until inspiration hit him one day.
“At that point, we decided ‘Let’s do something for marketing purposes but also creative,’” he said.
James Redelinghuys had an idea on how to promote his taxi business in South Africa [Screengrab: Cars.co.za Youtube channel]
Redelinghuys eventually came across a Japanese aftermarket company that customized Hiace units based on the Lamborghini Aventador, and decided to pull the trigger on the body kit, which alone costs 96,000 rand (over Php 321,000).
He would find another shop to undertake the actual conversion on a 2012 Hiace. After the body kit was installed, the stock 2.5-liter gasoline engine was evicted in favor of a 1GZ-FE V12 power unit from the second-generation Toyota Century limousine. Extensive custom work was needed just to fit the new engine behind the front seats and hold it in place.
The V12 engine was sourced from a Toyota Century and enhanced with twin turbos [Screengrab: Cars.co.za YouTube channel]
Adding twin turbochargers plus further tweaks to the standard mill resulted in an output of 600 horsepower and 710 Nm of torque. All that power is channeled to the back through a sequential three-speed transmission specifically used for street racing. A limited slip rear differential sourced from a Ford Mustang and rated at 750 horsepower binds the rear wheels together.
Inside, the driver takes control of an OMP steering yoke while sitting on a Sparco leather racing seat and secured by a five-point racing harness. While only the front and rear-most passenger seats were retained on account of the engine, the build makes up for it with a Rockford Fosgate sound system.
The cockpit is enough to get your blood running [Screengrab: Cars.co.za YouTube channel]
Despite the setup, Redelinghuys harbors no illusion that the modified van can outrun smaller vehicles that are specifically engineered for speed. “It is a brick, it doesn’t have good aerodynamics,” he said. “But once…you throw that thing, a fast car might beat you but it’s going to go, ‘What the f***, you know that this (Hiace) is actually keeping up with me.’”
He notes that he had to spend on three engines, three suspension configurations, two turbo setups, and two ECUs before he got the formula right, stretching the development time to five years. While Redelinghuys is happy with the finished product, he’s moving on to the next project, letting go of the V12 Hiace for 1.295 million rand (Php 4.37 million).
Redelinghuys says all the pain and frustration he endured in developing the build was worth it [Screengrab: Cars.co.za Youtube channel]
Still, his Toyota Hiace V12 mod could be one for the books, and a feat that owners of souped-up UV Express vans in our country can only dream about.
See more mad machines only at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Toyota Hiace 2024
The Toyota Hiace 2024 is a light commercial vehicle that is a familiar sight on Philippine roads. Aside from being used as a spacious private transport for households with large families, it is also typically employed for business in delivering cargo and as a fleet transport. Toyota Hiace Prices in the Philippines range between PHP 1,851,000 and PHP 2,521,000 from a base 15-seater Commuter Deluxe variant to the GL Grandia Tourer. A single 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine is on offer, partnered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.gau
A Hiace car features a body measuring 5,265mm long, 1,950mm wide, and 1,990mm high on most variants, with a wheelbase of 3,210mm. Dimensions differ on the range-topping Super Grandia Elite which sits 650mm longer and 290mm higher, and has a wheelbase of 3,860mm. Monthly installments start at Php 19,875 for the Commuter Deluxe, with a 60-month contract on a 50 percent downpayment. Among its rivals are the Nissan Urvan, Foton View Traveller, Hyundai Grand Starex, Hyundai H350, and Ford Transit.
Toyota HiAce Launch
The global launch of the sixth generation Toyota Hiace was held in the Philippines last February 18, 2019. The launch introduced the Hiace in a new shape. It replaced the older generation’s thin and long rectangular profile. It was replaced with a broader look and a longer nose.
The Toyota Hiace has gone through a lengthy period of five generations. The latest generation arrived in the Philippines with a spacious interior and all new features. Aside from the contemporary design, the Toyota HiAce uses an efficient and powerful engine. It makes the vehicle a highly suitable car for commuting people without worrying about refueling again and again.
The Toyota HiAce is available in four colors – Dark Grey Metallic, White Pearl, Luxury Pearl Toning, and Black.
Toyota HiAce Exterior
All the variants of the Toyota HiAce have the same exterior design. There is a slight difference in the front bumpers, which can either be black or keyed and with the grille. The grille also depends on the variant, which can be silver or chrome. The Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia have halogen headlights with bi-beam and multi-reflector features and integrated turn lamps, which come as a standard on both variants. LED daytime running lights are exclusively available for GL Grandia Tourer AT variant only. The GL Grandia variant has fog lamps that come as standard. This feature is lacking in the Commuter Deluxe trim-level.
The rear part of the vehicle comes with larger headlights and lengthier bumper running to both sides' rear wells at the bottom end.
All the variants of the Toyota HiAce have the same exterior design
Toyota HiAce Interior
The cabin of the Toyota HiAce also depends on the variant. The Commuter Deluxe features a black-themed cabin while the Grandia variants come with a beige theme interior. The Toyota HiAce can be had with either vinyl or fabric seats. The seating configuration also depends on the variant, which can either be 12, 14, or 15. This allows users the flexibility to choose the variant as per the requirement.
A standard analog gauge comes as standard on all variants, but the GL Grandia Tourer gets an advantage with TFT multi-information display measuring 4.2 inches. The center console is completely revamped with new HVAC controls.
The Toyota HiAce can be had with either vinyl or fabric seats
Technology & Safety Features
The GL Grandia variant is equipped with a display audio system with DVD, CD, MP3, USB, FLAC with AUX, Bluetooth, and smart mirroring function. The mirroring technology originated from Toyota's proprietary T-link system that can mirror Android and Apple devices. The infotainment system is also equipped with K2 technology. A six-speaker system delivers the audio of the GL Grandia variants.
The infotainment of the Commuter Deluxe variant is handled by the 2-DIN head unit along with tuner, CD, Aux, MP3, Bluetooth, and USB capabilities. The audio is sent via a four-speaker system.
The GL Grandia variant is equipped with a display audio system with DVD, CD, MP3, USB, FLAC with AUX, Bluetooth, and smart mirroring function
The Toyota HiAce comes with various standard safety features for a safe ride. It includes dual front airbags and ABS. The Commuter Deluxe is equipped with an extra center airbag for the center passenger. Vehicle stability control, brake assist, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors are available in GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer. The backup camera comes as a standard in the Tourer as well.
Platform & Chassis
The Toyota HiAce is a 4-door van with a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout. It sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The McPherson struts handle the front suspension while a new rigid, leaf spring combination handles the rear setup.
Ventilated discs deliver the stopping power for the front brakes. The rear brakes vary depending on the variant, which can either be drum brakes or disc brakes.
The fuel consumption of the Toyota HiAce also depends on the variant and fuel type. In terms of dimension, the Toyota HiAce has a length of 5,300 mm, a width of 1,970 mm and a wheelbase of 3,210 mm. The car's ground clearance is 175 mm.
>>> Toyota Hiace for sale in the Philippines at the best prices
Engine & Drivetrain
The current model is doing away with the old 3.0L engine. The new model of the Toyota HiAce is now powered by the 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel engine. It is the same engine found in the Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux. The engine’s output varies depending on the variant. The Commuter Deluxe trim-level produces pumps out 176 horsepower and 420 Newton-meter.
The GL Grandia variant has an output of 176 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The power output of the GL Grandia Tourer gets a maximum output of 163 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It comes with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission option.
The current model is doing away the old 3.0L engine
Toyota HiAce Colors
- The Toyota Hiace Cargo is available in White 1.
- The Toyota Hiace GL Grandia is available in Luxury Pearl Toning, Silver Mica Metallic, and Black Mica.
- The Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer is available in Luxury Pearl Toning, Silver Mica Metallic, and Beige Metallic.
- The Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe is available in Silver Mica Metallic and White 1.
The Toyota Hiace is offered in a wide array of configurations which is more than its rivals such as the Foton View Traveller and Nissan Urvan.
Toyota HiAce Pros & Cons
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Toyota HiAce Q&A
1. What are the Dimensions of Toyota Hiace 2024?
Dimensions for the Toyota Hiace 2024 include 5,265mm long, 1,950mm wide, and 1,990mm high on most variants, with a wheelbase of 3,210mm
2. How much is Toyota Hiace Philippines?
2024 Toyota Hiace price is from 1,189,000 PHP to 2,536,000 PHP.
3. How many seats is the Hiace 2024 Commuter Deluxe?
There are 15 seats.
4. Is Hiace Philippines available in Automatic Transmission?
No, it's not true. Toyota Hiace 2024 comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
5. Is the Toyota Hiace 2024 a van?
Yes, it is. The body type of Hiace 2024 is a van.
₱ 1,724,000 - ₱ 2,439,000
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