Toyota Motor Philippines is set on launching a new light commercial vehicle on July 15, 2022. Interestingly, this marks the return of a familiar nameplate, which some of you folks might have gotten to ride on or drive back in the day. That’s right, TMP is launching the all-new version of the Toyota Lite Ace.
A teaser photo for the upcoming Philippine-spec Toyota Lite Ace
So how will the new Lite Ace fit in the current TMP model lineup? Well, according to the brand, it will be positioned as a light commercial vehicle (LCV). As such, it is slated to become a handy logistics partner for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the local setting.
On its launch, the 2023 Toyota Lite Ace will assume a single body type. We still aren’t sure what this body type is, though TMP said that it will be capable of moving goods and people. To this end, this might be a small van-type body that the current Town Ace DX uses in other markets.
Speaking of which, the teaser photo for the Lite Ace reveals its front end, which is nearly identical to the Town Ace DX van currently sold in Japan. And like the photo that TMP shared, it uses a pair of square-shaped halogen headlamps, as well as a black-colored plastic lower front bumper.
Being identical with the Town Ace DX in terms of looks, we can then assume that the upcoming Lite Ace for the Philippines might come with the same engine as well. Specifically, it could be getting the 1.5-liter inline-4 2NR-VE gasoline engine that’s good for 97 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque.
This is how the local Lite Ace could look like, save for the body-colored front bumper
Furthermore, it will then use a manual gearbox, combined with a rear-wheel-drive layout. That’s pretty much like most LCVs in the Philippines.
As with any of our speculatory articles, do take our guesses with a grain of salt. But, we do know that TMP will sell the upcoming Lite Ace with a starting price of Php 570,000.
We also know that its July 15, 2022 launch will be held at the Farmer’s Plaza activity area at the Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City. Also, units of this upcoming LCV will be on display to the public as well.
For more information on the all-new Toyota Lite Ace, keep it here on Philkotse.
Know more about Toyota Lite Ace 2024
The Toyota Lite Ace is a light commercial vehicle. It was introduced to the local market by Toyota Motor Philippines on July 15, 2022, and it comes in August with different variants. The Lite Ace Panel Van retails at Php 695,000. The Lite Ace Pickup truck is then priced at Php 645,000. The Aluminum Cargo Van then has a price tag of Php 699,000, while the most expensive variant is the FX Utility Van at Php 747,000.
Powering the Toyota Lite Ace is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. At maximum, it can make up to 94 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque.
Size-wise, the Panel Van is 4,045mm long, 1,665mm wide, and 1,930mm in height. The Pickup truck variant meanwhile, is 4,195mm long, 1,675 wide, and 1,920mm tall. The FX utility, then has a length of 4,300mm, a width of 1,675mm, and a height of 2,015. The largest Lite Ace variant is the Cargo utility van, which spans 4,370mm long, 1,675mm wide, and 2,165mm in height.
Locally, the 2023 Toyota Lite Ace competes against the likes of the Suzuki Carry, Mitsubishi L300, Kia K2500, and Isuzu Travis, among others.
Toyota Lite Ace Launch
Initially, the Lite Ace name was released globally way back in 1970. It then enjoyed a great deal of popularity as a simple but capable people carrier in the Philippines from the 1980s to the 1990s.
More recently in July 2022, TMP revived the famed name as a light commercial vehicle. It comes in four forms: a panel van, a pickup truck, an aluminum cargo van, and an FX utility van.
Toyota Lite Ace Exterior
On the outside, the Philippine-spec Lite Ace assumes a simple box-like design equipped with 14-inch steel wheels, halogen headlamps, and halogen taillights. Its front end looks similar to the original Lite Ace as it also comes with a slanting wedge shape.
The pickup truck in particular features a flat bed with dropside capability. The panel van meanwhile has power side and rear doors.
Toyota Lite Ace Interior
As a simple logistics-focused ride, the Lite Ace gets a simple front cabin. Its dash is mostly made of durable plastic, though it has some niceties like cupholders and ample elbowroom. It also has manual air-conditioning, as well as manually adjustable PVC-clad seats.
Technology & Safety Features
For safety, the Lite Ace comes standard with dual front airbags and antilock braking. Both trims also come with seat belts and a steering lock. Only the panel van though, gets stability control.
Toyota Lite Ace Chassis
The all-new Lite Ace falls under the S-series of models just like the Japanese-spec S400 series Lite Ace and Town Ace. Like the model sold in other markets, it also assumes a semi-cab-over-engine body.
For suspensions, the Panel van gets a Macpherson strut for the front, and a five-link type for the rear. The pickup truck version meanwhile, uses leaf springs for the rear.
Toyota Lite Ace Engine
Powering the 2023 Toyota Lite Ace is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine. This is the same 2NR-VE that the Avanza and Veloz use, though it was detuned to produce up to 94 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque.
All trims of the new Lite Ace are rear-wheel-drive, and they all use a five-speed manual gearbox.
For the Philippine market, the Toyota Lite Ace’s sole color option is White 2.
The Toyota Lite Ace’s features are largely on-par with other similarly sized light commercial vehicles in the market. It also sits in the middle of the pack in terms of power output, with some models being able to trump it solely because they are diesel-powered and have more torque. Hopefully, Toyota PH can also release more variants for the Lite Ace as it only has two currently.
Toyota Lite Ace Pros & Cons
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₱ 645,000 - ₱ 737,000
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